GESS Dubai 2025.. Where Innovation Meets Education at Its 18th Edition

Dubai, UAE – November  2025

The 18th edition of the Global Educational Supplies and Solutions (GESS) Dubai, organized by Informa Connect, officially opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1 to 3, running from November 11 to 13, 2025. Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), inaugurated the exhibition with an official tour, visiting a range of international and institutional pavilions that showcased cutting-edge technologies and transformative educational solutions.

Joining the opening tour were Dr. Abdulrahman Nassir, CEO of the Business Support Sector at KHDA , Dr. Amal Alqahtani, Director of the School Development and Support Department at the Ministry of Education[PN1] , and other representatives from KHDA. As Dubai’s education regulatory authority, KHDA plays a pivotal role in fostering quality, innovation, and well-being across the emirate’s private education landscape – values that align closely with GESS Dubai’s mission to elevate learning experiences. Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA delivered the keynote address at the Leaders in Education Conference at GESS Dubai.

A leading platform for innovation and collaboration in the education sector, GESS Dubai continues to bring together global educators, investors, policymakers, and suppliers to shape the future of learning across the region. This year marks a milestone, as it is co-located for the first time with Education Investment MENA, creating a comprehensive platform that unites educators and investors to explore opportunities and insights shaping the GCC’s rapidly evolving education ecosystem.

With over 1,783 international schools educating 1.8 million students across the GCC, GESS Dubai 2025 addresses the pressing challenges facing the region’s education sector, from AI integration and EdTech adoption to student wellbeing, sustainable learning environments, and future-ready classrooms.

“GESS Dubai continues to be the region’s premier platform for educators, innovators, and policy-makers to explore emerging trends and practical solutions that shape the future of learning,” said Sarah Palmer, Event Director of GESS Dubai. “This year’s edition brings a wealth of expertise, innovative technology, and immersive experiences designed to inspire, equip, and empower education professionals across the GCC.”
This year’s programme is designed to spark innovation and drive real change in education. Attendees can participate in hands-on workshops, world-class speakers, and CPD-accredited conference sessions, earning certificates by attending 3+ hours of content. Explore the latest in EdTech, AI, gamification, and teaching strategies while gaining practical tools to implement in schools. Top attendees have the chance to win Amazon vouchers.

Key Focus Areas
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation
AI and immersive technology are central to the 2025 edition, with schools across the GCC integrating AI-powered tools for personalized learning, assessment, and administration. Exhibitors such as Malek AI, NeuroBoost AI, Albie AI, MeraTutor.AI, Learno.AI, Slangit, and Chapters & Co. showcase solutions that enhance engagement and streamline classroom management, preparing students for a digitally advanced future.

Student and Staff Wellbeing
Wellbeing remains a strategic priority. Attendees can explore initiatives promoting mental health, mindfulness, anti-bullying campaigns, and leadership development for staff. The Sustainability & Wellbeing Hub offers practical strategies to create supportive, student-centered, and environmentally conscious learning environments.

Future-Ready Learning Environments
Flexible classroom designs, STEM labs, and interactive learning spaces are highlighted by exhibitors such as EDULAB Educational & Labs Furniture, Mirplay School, Metalliform Holdings, BEDO, Twohands Interactive, and ATLAB Middle East. These solutions support creativity, collaboration, and hands-on experiential learning to equip students with critical skills for the future.

Gamification and EdTech in Action
Through Gaming@GESS and the EdTech in Action Room, participants experience immersive technology, VR, AR, and AI-driven tools designed to engage students, enhance learning outcomes, and bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Notable Speakers and Thought Leaders
GESS Dubai 2025 brings together an international roster of education experts, innovators, and strategists, including:

• Noora Al Saadi – Acting Director of Quality Assurance: Foundation and Growth at KHDA
• Ewan McIntosh – Learning strategist inspiring student-led creativity and future-focused pedagogy.
• Frank Furnari & Jeremy Dalton – Technical education futurists exploring AI, immersive learning, and adaptive platforms.
• Stephanie Martin – Education leader sharing insights on strategic planning and school improvement.
• Dare Pitan – AI and immersive tech specialist demonstrating practical EdTech applications.
• Gwen Byrom – Education strategist focusing on leadership, innovation, and learning outcomes.
• Dr. Dala Kakos – Advisor on AI, ethics, and holistic learning approaches.
• Dr. Neil Hopkin – Specialist in curriculum innovation, staff development, and student wellbeing.
• Marisa Peer – Global therapist and resilience expert, guiding sessions on confidence and emotional development.
• Dr. Sreejit Chakrabarty – Experts in performance enhancement, AI integration, and future-ready teaching strategies.

Attendees gain CPD-accredited certificates for participating in sessions, supporting professional development and career advancement. Majed Al Mutairi, CEO of Almasar Alshamil Education, said: “The true return on investment in education is in people – their skills, adaptability, and imagination. By linking education to industry, we build talent, drive competitiveness, and empower learners to shape the GCC’s growth and transformation.”
Exhibitors and Global Participation
The exhibition floor hosts over 300 international and regional brands, including PowerSchool, Padlet, Almoe Digital Solutions, MDBTuition Ltd, Readspeaker, EDULAB, BEDO, Twohands Interactive, ATLAB Middle East, and first-time innovators like Brisk Teaching, EduCoach, and Nemu Company for Training and Education.

International pavilions from the UK, China, Korea, and Türkiye showcase best practices, cutting-edge technology, and collaborative solutions, while the Start-up Pavilion, the largest to date, features companies such as Mojo Education, The 5 Chairs, Curipod, Ten Points, Robert Student Travel, and Vedatma.

Early Years education receives special attention, with exhibitors like Hihilulu, SeeSaw/Little Thinking Minds, Teaching Strategies LLC, and Sejolly Education presenting tools for creativity, emotional development, and critical thinking from the first stages of learning.

Looking Ahead
With the GCC education market growing rapidly – 1.8 million students, nearly 140,000 staff, and USD 14.2 billion in annual tuition revenue, GESS Dubai 2025 offers a comprehensive, data-driven platform for educators, investors, and innovators to explore AI, wellbeing, sustainability, and immersive learning. The GESS Awards, held on November 12, celebrate outstanding contributions from educators, institutions, and suppliers across the region.

Join the region’s leading education exhibition and conference from November 11–13 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1–3, and experience three days of discovery, innovation, and inspiration.

Register for free today: www.gessdubai.com

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 [PN1]Please confirm whether Dr Amal was present. We don’t recall her being there