Sharjah’s Hala Shahin recognized for revolutionizing classrooms with AI, play-based learning, and a focus on sustainability.
SHARJAH — In a landmark achievement for the UAE’s education sector, Sharjah mathematics teacher Hala Shahin has been selected among the top 50 finalists for the $1 million Global Teacher Prize 2026.
Shahin, an educator at Khawla Bint Tha’albaa School, was chosen from over 5,000 applicants across 139 countries for the prestigious award, often described as the Nobel Prize for teaching. Her pioneering integration of artificial intelligence and smart learning techniques has significantly influenced how math is taught in the UAE and the broader Arab region.
“Teachers shape minds, spark confidence, and open the doors through which young people create brighter futures,” said Sunny Varkey, founder of the Global Teacher Prize and GEMS Education.
Innovating Beyond the Textbook
Shahin’s approach transforms mathematics from a daunting subject into an engaging exploration. She employs AI-driven assessments, develops student tracking tools, and champions a play-based teaching style. Her original resources, including the “Guiding Young Talents” framework and “Treasures of Mathematics” materials, have notably improved outcomes for students with disabilities and increased the number of top scores.
Her vision extends beyond academic excellence. Through initiatives like the “Khawla Sustainability Competition” and a student-led Red Crescent team, she seamlessly connects math to real-world issues like climate action, practical skills, and community service.
A Lifelong Passion for Education
Inspired by a creative teacher at age 14, Shahin has dedicated nearly three decades to making math enjoyable. A Microsoft Certified Trainer and recipient of multiple national awards, she began her career in Egypt before bringing her expertise to the UAE. She continuously merges her hands-on classroom experience with advanced studies in school leadership and AI, sharing her methods with thousands of fellow educators to foster a new generation of innovative thinkers.
The Global Teacher Prize, now in its tenth year, underscores the critical role educators play globally. Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, stated, “If we are to build a just, inclusive and sustainable future, we must recognise a simple truth: we cannot rise to this moment unless we invest in teachers.”
The selection will soon narrow to a top 10, with the ultimate winner chosen by the Global Teacher Prize Academy and announced at the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February 2026.
