The Global Educational Supplies and Solutions (GESS) Dubai, organised by Informa Connect, returns for its eagerly awaited 17th edition from 12 to 14 November 2024, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1 to 3
This year’s focus is on the rapid growth of EdTech, particularly augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. International schools in the GCC region are increasingly dedicating their budgets to these innovative solutions. The GCC EdTech market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.12% from 2024 to 2030. Governments across the region are making education and technology central to their strategies for economic transformation and national development.
Key Factors Driving Competitiveness and Growth
According to data compiled by ISC Research exclusively for GESS Dubai, the demand for educational supplies continues to grow, driven by the increasing number of international schools in the GCC. This number has risen to 1,653 (a 6.5% increase from 2023), catering to a total student population of 1,712,894 (an 8.4% rise from 2023). The international schools’ market is growing globally due to factors like increased globalisation, expatriate mobility, and a greater demand for high-quality, culturally diverse, and internationally recognised education
Countries that aim for economic stability and prosperity through foreign direct investment (FDI) and significant public spending tend to attract more international talent and businesses. This increases the immediate demand for international schooling for expatriate workers while also fostering a more affluent local population that favours international education over time. In the GCC, strategic projects like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Qatar’s National Vision 2030, and Oman’s Vision 2040 have been crucial in improving services, infrastructure, and economic diversification. These initiatives continue to attract expatriates, elevate local affluence, and deepen interest in global education.
Focal Points in the GCC Education Sector
At the forefront of emerging EdTech are Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality. Schools across the GCC are integrating new technologies in varied ways, reflecting different levels of enthusiasm and resources. For instance:
- In Qatar, a school raised fees to fund new systems and AI exploration.
- In Kuwait, AI is being used for tasks like lesson planning and communication, and one school is using it to help second-language learners and non-native English-speaking teachers improve their presentations, emails, and other forms of communication.
- A school group in Bahrain has developed a custom AI system that conducts diagnostic tests and recommends personalised learning opportunities, leading to a 5% increase in student performance over the past year.
In Saudi Arabia, international schools are starting to incorporate AI, though they are mainly in the early stages, focusing on administrative tasks and faculty upskilling. Meanwhile, the UAE is at a more advanced stage, with schools using tools like ChatGPT for lesson planning and policy writing. Across the region, schools are exploring how best to integrate these technologies into the curriculum, while maintaining academic integrity and addressing concerns around plagiarism. Comprehensive policies are still evolving, guided by international frameworks like those from the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO).
Other key areas of investment include infrastructure and maintenance, digital and remote learning tools, and traditional resources such as textbooks and educational schemes. Efforts to enhance the physical environment include adding science labs, maker spaces, and adaptable furniture for flexible learning. Digital tools, such as Apple iPads, Google Chromebooks, and educational robots, are also increasingly used to support flexible and remote learning. Despite the digital shift, traditional resources like textbooks remain essential, indicating a balanced approach that blends both digital and traditional learning methods.
Schools are also focusing on student wellbeing, with some adjusting academic schedules to reduce stress, provide more rest time, and offer extracurricular activities. Anti-bullying campaigns and initiatives to promote inclusivity and diversity are also gaining traction. This emphasis on wellbeing is in line with the growing shift towards student-centred education, where success is measured not only by academic achievement but also by the overall health and happiness of students. Additionally, 50% of surveyed schools plan to invest in leadership training to help teachers support their mental health.
Seize the Opportunities at GESS Dubai 2024
As the leading education conference and exhibition in the Middle East, GESS Dubai has championed educational innovation for 17 years. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to engage with over 8,000 education professionals from across the globe, including key decision-makers and buyers from 74 countries, fostering valuable partnerships and expanding their presence in the region.
Beyond the exhibition floor, GESS Dubai’s comprehensive and free-to-attend CPD accredited conference programme, seminars, and panel discussions will offer exceptional opportunities for professional development and networking. The talks and workshops will be hosted in various zones:
- GESS Talks Stage: Featuring dynamic discussions from speakers and guests of GESS podcasts and webinars. Attendees can participate in armchair chats, panel sessions, and solo talks, followed by opportunities to exchange ideas.
- Leaders in Education Conference: Exclusively for principals and leaders, this will address the challenges faced by school leaders and focus on the skills needed for success in senior roles.
- Sustainability and Wellbeing Hub: Experts and educators will discuss integrating sustainability into curricula, addressing students’ climate change concerns, exploring mindfulness techniques, and more.
- Gaming @ GESS: This new addition will inspire educators to explore gamification, game-based learning, esports, and game design. Attendees will engage in demos, discussions, and even student-led tournaments.
- Product Showcase: Exhibitors will demonstrate the latest innovations in education to buyers, sparking conversations about how these can be integrated into educational institutions.
- Workshop Space: Delegates can join extended sessions with experts, offering course tasters and insights into coursework, debates, and creative participation.
GESS Awards
On 13 November 2024, the GESS Awards will celebrate excellence in education. With categories for suppliers, distributors, teachers, schools, and educational professionals, the awards will highlight the quality and diversity of educational products, services, and people. For more information, visit GESS Awards.
Don’t miss the chance to network, learn, and celebrate the strides made in education at GESS Dubai 2024. Visit the official website for more details and to register for free.
For more information on GESS Dubai’s conference schedule, visit