GESS Dubai 2024, the Middle East’s leading educational exhibition and conference, took place at Sheikh Saeed Halls 1-3, Dubai World Trade Centre.
This year, GESS Dubai boasted a diverse range of international pavilions, including strong representations from China, the UK, Germany, and Korea. China leads with its largest pavilion, featuring over 40 exhibitors, while the UK Pavilion showcases more than 30 providers. The event welcomed exciting newcomers like Tutello, Raw Movement, and Taskbase, as well as the introduction of Gaming@GESS, with HP Gaming Garage and Endless Studios.
With over 300 brands from 30+ countries, GESS Dubai continues to push the boundaries of educational innovation. Notable government initiatives include the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS) and the Regional Center of Quality and Excellence in Education (RCQE) under Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education.
On Day 2 of GESS Dubai 2024, a range of exhibitors showcased their cutting-edge and forward-thinking offerings.
- Razammataz Theatre: Highlighted performing arts education through immersive theatre programs designed to foster creativity, confidence, and expression in young learners.
- Albiruni Institute for Languages and Sciences: Specialises in language learning and advanced science programs, catering to a broad range of educational needs.
- HP Gaming: Showcased gamification solutions that integrate gaming technology into learning, creating an immersive, interactive educational experience.
- White Rose Education: Provided cutting-edge educational resources designed to improve both teaching and learning outcomes, focusing on holistic educational approaches.
- Raw Movement: Featured innovative fitness education techniques that emphasise movement-based learning, helping students develop both physically and mentally.
- 59Club Middle East and Africa: Offered specialised hospitality training programs aimed at enhancing service excellence in the hospitality industry.
- Al Khayyat Investments: Introduced NeuroTracker X, a cognitive training tool designed to improve mental agility and performance.
- Superead: Demonstrated advanced speed-reading technology that helps students and professionals enhance their reading speed and comprehension.
- Casio Middle East and Africa: Displayed educational tools, including calculators and advanced technology products designed for the classroom.
- Therapix: Offered therapeutic solutions focused on mental wellness and cognitive development, particularly for children.
This year, there was a significant focus on the rapid integration of EdTech, particularly augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI), as international schools in the GCC increasingly allocated budgets towards these innovative technologies. The GCC EdTech market was projected to grow at an annual rate of 8.12% from 2024 to 2030, with governments across the region placing education and technology at the core of their economic transformation and national development strategies. Looking ahead to next year, key stakeholders noted that there will be even greater advancements in educational technology, with an emphasis on furthering AI’s role in shaping future classrooms.
The globally acclaimed conference runs alongside the exhibition, offering free access to seminars, live case studies, workshops, and panel discussions.
- GESS Talks: Live sessions featured speakers from podcasts and webinars, sharing insights through panels and solo talks.
- Leaders in Education Conference: Principals explored school design, sustainability, climate change, and education’s future.
- Sustainability and Wellbeing Hub: Experts discussed sustainability in curricula, climate change, mindfulness, and safeguarding.
- Gaming@GESS: Gamification, game-based learning, and esports were showcased through demos, panels, and tournaments.
- Product Showcase: Exhibitors demonstrated innovations, answering questions on educational applications.
- EdTech in Action: Educators shared how technology transforms classrooms.
- Workshop Space: Delegates attended creative sessions and Q&As.
- Cosy Corner: Attendees enjoyed book swaps, meditation, and reading dogs.
Attendees engaged with industry leaders, gained insights from award-winning educators, and explored innovative solutions from top exhibitors at this premier event.