Rita Ora, Liam Payne gear up to perform in Dubai

DUBAI: British pop star Rita Ora is set to perform at The Assembly - the Global Teacher Prize Concert in Dubai on Saturday, just before one lucky school teacher is awarded $1 million for their work in the education field.

Now in its fifth year, the $1 million Global Teacher Prize award is the largest prize of its kind and was set up to recognize one teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society.

The 10 finalists have been selected from over 10,000 nominations and applications from 179 countries around the world.

Sunny Varkey, founder of the Varkey Foundation and the Global Teacher Prize, released a statement congratulating the finalists.

“I want to congratulate the top 10 finalists who have made it through from such a huge number of talented and dedicated teachers. I hope their stories will inspire those looking to enter the teaching profession and also shine a powerful spotlight on the incredible work teachers do all over the world every day,” he said.

Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman added his thoughts when he revealed the finalists in late February.

“When I was a kid there were lots of superheroes that I wanted to be. But I can tell you right now, from where I stand, with all my experience, the real superheroes are teachers – they’re the ones that change the world,” he said, before adding, “To our 10 finalists and to every dedicated teacher around the world – thank you.”

On the eve of the Global Teacher Prize ceremony, the Varkey Foundation will host The Assembly: A Global Teacher Prize Concert where British stars Rita Ora, Liam Payne and girl band Little Mix will perform in the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre.

It isn’t Ora’s first time in the UAE — she performed at Base, the open-air club in the artsy Dubai Design District, last year.