From AI to wellbeing, the region’s largest education exhibition set the tone for the future of learning
The 18th edition of the Global Educational Supplies and Solutions (GESS) Dubai concluded at the Dubai World Trade Centre after three dynamic days of learning, collaboration and discovery. Held from 11 to 13 November 2025, the event once again reaffirmed Dubai’s position as a global education hub, bringing together educators, policymakers, innovators, and investors from around the world.
A Global Celebration of Education
Organised by Informa Connect, GESS Dubai was inaugurated by Her Excellency Aisha Miran, Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), who toured the exhibition floor with senior representatives including Dr Abdulrahman Nassir, CEO of the Business Support Sector at KHDA, and Dr Amal Alqahtani, Director of the School Development and Support Department at the Ministry of Education.
The opening day set the tone for what would become three days of powerful exchange, showcasing the strong alignment between GESS Dubai’s vision and KHDA’s ongoing commitment to quality, wellbeing and innovation across the UAE’s education ecosystem.
GESS Dubai continues to be the meeting place where the region’s education vision comes to life
Education UAE and Quantum Media at GESS Dubai
Quantum Media, the parent company of Education UAE, Education Saudi, and the newly launched Education Africa was actively present across all three days of GESS Dubai 2025. The team engaged with leading innovators, educators, and industry experts to explore emerging trends shaping the global education landscape.
From AI-driven learning platforms and smart school design to wellbeing frameworks and sustainability initiatives, Quantum Media connected with pioneers redefining what modern education looks like. The conversations reflected a shared belief that innovation must serve people empowering educators, inspiring students, and supporting communities across every level of learning.
Throughout the event, the team spotlighted groundbreaking ideas and success stories from the UAE and beyond, continuing its mission to amplify education narratives across the Middle East and Africa.
Laura Wojciechowski, Quantum Media’s CEO said,
“As education evolves, our role is to give visibility to the people and ideas driving real transformation across the region.”
Highlights From GESS Dubai 2025
Representing three regional platforms with a growing global reach, Quantum Media continues to tell the stories that matter most to the education community. Across exhibitions, classrooms and boardrooms, the team remains committed to shining a light on the people, schools and ideas transforming education across the Middle East and Africa.
Three Days of Ideas and Collaboration
Across three halls, visitors explored hundreds of exhibitors and international pavilions unveiling the latest technologies, creative resources and transformative learning solutions. From immersive AI-powered platforms to sustainable classroom design, every stand reflected a common goal – to make education more human, more connected and more effective.
The Leaders in Education Conference featured thought-provoking sessions on school leadership, market growth, and wellbeing with a keynote address from Dr. Wafi Dawood, CEO of the Strategic Development Sector at KHDA. The EdTech in Action Room was alive with demos and interactive case studies, while the Sustainability and Wellbeing Hub highlighted the UAE’s growing emphasis on balance, health, and environmental awareness in education.
Meanwhile, Gaming @ GESS turned heads with its focus on gamification and esports as serious tools for engagement and skill development – a trend that continues to gain traction across the region. Hands-on workshops provided educators with practical strategies and classroom applications, while the Education Investment MENA stream gave investors an in-depth view of emerging opportunities in the sector.
From school leaders to start-ups, GESS Dubai 2025 united everyone shaping the future of education.
Innovation and Inspiration in Every Corner
This year’s event was co-located for the first time with Education Investment MENA, creating a unified platform that connects educators and investors to explore opportunities across the GCC’s rapidly growing education sector.
With over 1,783 international schools educating 1.8 million students in the GCC, GESS Dubai 2025 addresses regional challenges, from AI integration and EdTech adoption to sustainability, wellbeing, and future-ready learning.
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.”
Attendees also took part in hands-on workshops, world-class speaker sessions, and CPD-accredited conferences. By attending three or more hours of content, participants earned certificates to support their professional growth.
Key Focus Areas at GESS 2025
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation
AI took centre stage this year, with exhibitors such as Malek AI, NeuroBoost AI, Albie AI, MeraTutor.AI, Learno.AI, Slangit, and Chapters & Co. presenting smart learning tools that enhance engagement and streamline classroom operations.
Student and Staff Wellbeing
The Sustainability & Wellbeing Hub offered practical strategies to promote mindfulness, anti-bullying, and leadership development, creating supportive and conscious learning environments.
Future-Ready Learning Environments
Flexible classroom designs and STEM labs were featured by exhibitors including EDULAB Educational & Labs Furniture, Mirplay School, Metalliform Holdings, BEDO, Twohands Interactive, and ATLAB Middle East.
Gamification and EdTech in Action
Through Gaming@GESS and the EdTech in Action Room, participants experienced VR, AR, and AI-powered tools that make learning interactive, engaging, and effective.
Global Voices and Expert Insights
Speakers included Noora Al Saadi from KHDA, learning strategist Ewan McIntosh, futurists Frank Furnari and Jeremy Dalton, and global leaders such as Marisa Peer and Dr. Neil Hopkin. Each brought their unique perspectives on AI, leadership, innovation, and holistic education.
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.”
Honouring Excellence: The GESS Awards 2025
The highlight of the second day was the GESS Awards 2025, which celebrated outstanding contributions across the education sector. From school leaders and teachers to start-ups and global suppliers, winners were recognised for their creativity, impact, and commitment to improving education worldwide.
Exhibitors and Global Participation
Over 300 international and regional brands showcased their innovations, including PowerSchool, Padlet, Almoe Digital Solutions, MDBTuition Ltd, Readspeaker, EDULAB, BEDO, Twohands Interactive, and ATLAB Middle East. International pavilions from the UK, China, Korea, and Türkiye highlighted best practices and global partnerships.
The largest-ever Start-up Pavilion featured companies such as Mojo Education, The 5 Chairs, Curipod, Ten Points, Robert Student Travel, and Vedatma. Early Years education exhibitors like Hihilulu, SeeSaw/Little Thinking Minds, Teaching Strategies LLC, and Sejolly Education offered creative learning tools that nurture curiosity and emotional growth.
Looking Ahead
With the GCC’s education market reaching USD 14.2 billion and serving nearly 1.8 million students, GESS Dubai 2025 stands as the region’s premier platform for educational innovation.
For more information, visit GESS Dubai below.
Ready for the Next Chapter in Education?
GESS Dubai has set the stage. Now the global education community is heading to Riyadh for the next landmark gathering.
GESS Saudi Arabia returns to Riyadh from 4 to 6 May 2026.
Join global innovators and explore the ideas shaping the future of learning.
Further Reading:
- GESS Dubai 2025 to Spotlight AI, Wellbeing, and Sustainability as GCC International Schools Market Surpasses 1.8 Million Students
- GESS Dubai, the region’s leading education exhibition and conference