GESS Dubai Celebrates 17 Years of Driving Educational Innovation in the Middle East Education Sector
The 17th edition of GESS Dubai, organised by Informa Connect, took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1 to 3. The event brought together thousands of educators and industry leaders, eager to explore advancements in education technology, wellbeing, and sustainability.
His Excellency Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, Vice-Chairman of DWTC, officially opened the event, which served as a platform for progressive discussions and hands-on experiences addressing the evolving needs of the Middle East’s education sector.
This year’s edition focused on supporting schools in adopting new educational standards and technology-driven teaching tools, enhancing student engagement and wellbeing, and fostering eco-conscious learning environments. The first day featured highlights ranging from digital fluency to holistic student development, aligning with educators’ most pressing needs.
“We’re immensely proud of how GESS Dubai continues to be a catalyst for progress in education,” said Sarah Palmer, Event Director of GESS Dubai. “This year, attendees gained firsthand insights from pioneers reshaping the sector, explored new tools to enrich classrooms, and engaged in discussions tackling the unique challenges and opportunities of the Middle East’s education landscape.”
Exploring Key Themes and Innovations
The opening day of GESS Dubai 2024 delved into themes such as collaboration, effective communication, and balanced educational practices, emphasising their impact on student and teacher wellbeing. Sessions underscored the value of inclusive leadership styles, which fostered supportive environments for both students and staff. Gamification techniques also took centre stage, introducing innovative ways to make education more engaging and responsive to the digital age.
Inspiring Keynote Speakers
This year’s event featured internationally renowned speakers who offered fresh perspectives on education. Highlights included:
- Matt Green, “The Rapping Science Teacher,” shared how creative content and social media can make learning more accessible and enjoyable for students.
- Gavin McCormack, co-founder of Upschool.co, discussed purpose-driven education, focusing on real-world skills that empower students beyond traditional academics.
- Darren Coxon, founder of CoxonAI, explored the transformative potential of AI in education, showcasing its role in enhancing student outcomes and preparing for a digital future.
Dynamic Exhibitions and Workshops
Over 300 exhibitors showcased the latest advancements in education technology, sustainability, and wellbeing, creating a bustling exhibition floor. Attendees participated in CPD-accredited workshops covering diverse topics, such as:
- Effective Communication Skills: Dr. Shannon Ward highlighted teaching communication through early childhood assent, enabling self-advocacy in education and parenting.
- Cultural Awareness for Inclusivity: Ruqaya Al Hamiri shared strategies for fostering cultural understanding in the UAE’s multicultural education settings.
- School Quality Development: The Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation presented approaches to improving educational standards holistically.
- Gamification Techniques: Workshops demonstrated how gamification strategies could boost student engagement and make learning more interactive.
- Innovative Tools in Education: Speakers introduced tools like AI-powered learning apps and immersive technologies such as VR and AR for digital engagement.
- Leadership and AI: Sessions explored how AI could empower school leaders to drive impactful change.
The exhibition also offered valuable networking opportunities for educators, providing access to resources and solutions directly applicable to classroom success.
Recognising Excellence in Education
A highlight of the event was the GESS Education Awards, which celebrated exceptional contributions to the field. The awards recognised individuals, institutions, and innovations that exemplified excellence in teaching, leadership, and technology integration. Attendees eagerly anticipated this moment, which honoured the dedication and impact of educators across the region.
Looking Ahead
Attendees explored a wide range of workshops, panel discussions, and talks spread across themed zones, including the GESS Talks (Live Stage), Leaders in Education Conference, Wellbeing Space, Skills Development, and Education Innovations. These sessions provided a wealth of inspiration and practical insights designed to address the challenges of modern education.
For further details on the full conference schedule,