The 18th edition of the Global Educational Supplies and Solutions event, GESS Dubai 2025, officially opened on 11 November at Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1 to 3. Organised by Informa Connect, the exhibition ran until 13 November and brought together educators, policymakers, investors and solution providers shaping the future of learning across the region.
Official Opening and Leadership Presence
- Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, inaugurated the exhibition with an official tour of international and institutional pavilions showcasing advanced educational technologies and solutions.
- The opening tour was attended by 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, and other KHDA representatives.
- As Dubai’s education regulatory authority, KHDA plays a key role in advancing quality, innovation and wellbeing across the private education sector, closely aligned with the mission of GESS Dubai.
- Dr Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA, delivered the keynote address at the Leaders in Education Conference.
A Platform for Regional Education Transformation
GESS Dubai continues to serve as a leading platform for collaboration and innovation, connecting global educators, investors, policymakers and suppliers. A milestone for 2025 is the co-location of GESS Dubai with Education Investment MENA, creating a unified forum that links education delivery with investment and growth opportunities across the GCC.
With more than 1,783 international schools educating around 1.8 million students across the region, the event addressed pressing challenges including AI integration, EdTech adoption, student wellbeing, sustainable learning environments and future ready classrooms.
Sarah Palmer, Event Director of GESS Dubai said,
“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. 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.”
Programme Highlights and Professional Development
- The 2025 programme featured hands-on workshops, world class speakers and CPD accredited conference sessions.
- Sessions explored EdTech, artificial intelligence, gamification and practical teaching strategies.
Key Focus Areas
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation
- AI and immersive technologies are central themes, with schools increasingly adopting tools for personalised learning, assessment and administration.
- Exhibitors include Malek AI, NeuroBoost AI, Albie AI, MeraTutor.AI, Learno.AI, Slangit, and Chapters and Co.
Student and Staff Wellbeing
- Mental health, mindfulness, anti bullying initiatives and leadership development are key priorities.
- The Sustainability and Wellbeing Hub presents practical approaches for supportive and environmentally responsible learning environments.
Future-ready Learning Environments
- Flexible classrooms, STEM laboratories and interactive learning spaces are showcased.
- Exhibitors include EDULAB Educational and Labs Furniture, Mirplay School, Metalliform Holdings, BEDO, Twohands Interactive and ATLAB Middle East.
Gamification and EdTech in Action
- Gaming at GESS and the EdTech in Action Room feature VR, AR and AI driven tools.
- Sessions focused on engagement, learning outcomes and real world application.
Notable Speakers and Thought Leaders
- Noora Al Saadi, Acting Director of Quality Assurance Foundation and Growth at KHDA
- Ewan McIntosh, learning strategist
- Frank Furnari and Jeremy Dalton, specialists in AI and immersive learning
- Stephanie Martin, education leader
- Dare Pitan, AI and immersive technology specialist
- Gwen Byrom, education strategist
- Dr Dala Kakos, advisor on AI ethics and holistic learning
- Dr Neil Hopkin, specialist in curriculum and wellbeing
- Marisa Peer, therapist and resilience expert
- Dr Sreejit Chakrabarty, expert in performance enhancement and AI integration
Attendees received CPD accredited certificates supporting career development and professional growth.
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
- More than 300 international and regional brands exhibited, including PowerSchool, Padlet, Almoe Digital Solutions, MDBTuition Ltd, Readspeaker, EDULAB, BEDO, Twohands Interactive and ATLAB Middle East.
- First-time innovators included Brisk Teaching, EduCoach and Nemu Company for Training and Education.
- International pavilions from the UK, China, Korea and Türkiye highlighted best practice and collaborative innovation.
- The Start up Pavilion, the largest to date, featured Mojo Education, The 5 Chairs, Curipod, Ten Points, Robert Student Travel and Vedatma.
- Early Years education supported by exhibitors such as Hihilulu, SeeSaw and Little Thinking Minds, Teaching Strategies LLC and Sejolly Education.
Looking Ahead
With the GCC education market continuing to expand, GESS Dubai 2025 provided a data-informed platform to explore artificial intelligence, wellbeing, sustainability and immersive learning. The GESS Awards, took place on 12 November, celebrating outstanding contributions from educators, institutions and suppliers across the region.