The 100: Sunny Varkey, Founder, GEMS Education Sunny Varkey remains a powerful voice in global education reform. His journey proves that impactful change often starts in a single classroom — and, with enough dedication, can grow into an international movement that gives children everywhere a chance to write their own story.
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This article forms part of The 100, Entrepreneur Middle East's annual guide spotlighting the most influential people across the GCC.
Sunny Varkey is a global education visionary whose work has changed how millions of students learn, grow, and discover their potential. As founder of GEMS Education — one of the world's largest private education providers — he has built an institution that spans continents, cultures, and generations, rooted in a belief that high-quality schooling should be accessible to families of diverse backgrounds.
Born in Kerala and raised in Dubai, Varkey grew up watching his parents teach. Their classrooms were filled with students from varied nationalities who had come to the UAE in search of new futures. That experience shaped his understanding of education as the single greatest catalyst for opportunity. Inspired by their mission, he began his own journey in the sector, expanding his parents' small school into a global organization.
Under his leadership, GEMS Education grew into a network that offers premium and affordable schooling to students from every corner of the world. But Varkey's ambitions extend beyond running schools. He has spent decades advocating for better education systems worldwide — championing teacher development, access to learning, and private sector partnerships that uplift communities.
His philanthropic drive led to the establishment of the Varkey Foundation, which focuses on achieving education for every child, everywhere. One of its most notable initiatives is the Global Teacher Prize, a celebration of the world's most inspiring educators. By placing teachers on a global stage, he highlights their essential role in shaping societies.
Varkey's success stems from a combination of business acumen and deep social purpose. He understands that learning environments must evolve with the future — embracing technology, personalized learning, and values that prepare students for a world defined by rapid change. He champions education not just as academic development but as character building — empathy, resilience, communication, and creativity.
Today, Sunny Varkey remains a powerful voice in global education reform. His journey proves that impactful change often starts in a single classroom — and, with enough dedication, can grow into an international movement that gives children everywhere a chance to write their own story.
