K-12 leaders from across the GCC weigh in on their expectations for the event, its impact on the sector and recommendations on what they believe will add value to such events 

Dubai, Nov 12, 2024: GESS Dubai opens today at the Dubai World Trade Centre and will run until November 14, 2024. As the exhibition continues to serve as a key event for education professionals in the region, Education Middle East connected with school leaders from across the GCC to learn about their expectations from the event, its impact on the sector and recommendations on what they believe will add value to such events. 

For many, GESS is an invaluable platform offering thought-provoking keynote sessions, round-table discussions and the opportunity to network with fellow educators, particularly those pioneering in areas such gaming and technology integration. Principals and school leaders expressed their eagerness to gain insights into emerging trends, make meaningful connections and celebrate the achievements of schools pushing the boundaries of education. 

To enhance the event’s impact, they recommend incorporating ‘higher-profile’ educational experts as keynote speakers, expanding workshops on the real-world applications of technology in schools and including interactive sessions on mental health and student well-being. Additional suggestions emphasise focusing on evidence-based case studies and facilitating more structured networking opportunities to help education leaders collaborate on shared challenges and successes.  

Timothy Roberts, School Principal, Raffles World Academy   

I have been fortunate to attend GESS for the past eight years and always set aside time in my calendar to attend. I thoroughly enjoy the wide range of thought-provoking keynote sessions and round-table discussions, along with the opportunity to network with other school leaders in the GESS leadership lounge. The different conference themes always take account of global educational trends, providing something of interest to educators at all levels.  

The conference also provides an excellent opportunity for my staff to showcase their expertise as speakers or panel contributors, highlighting the wonderful impact they have on student outcomes at Raffles World Academy. We always encourage our staff to take these opportunities for personal professional growth and development. 

From the exhibition side of things, there is always a wealth of educational suppliers from across the globe, with a vast range of products geared specifically towards the education market covering everything from subject-specific resources and materials, technology hardware and software, to playground equipment and classroom furniture. This also stimulates thought and discussion within my team, who are continuously seeking to enhance the quality of education that we provide to our students.  

If I were to suggest an improvement then maybe the event organisers could try to include some higher profile educational experts from across the world as keynote speakers; although I do understand that post-COVID this has been an area that has shifted more to online events and webinars, and people are possibly not as willing to travel for conference speaking. This is a shame as I recall some very high-profile thought-leaders at the first GESS shows that I attended.  

Asha Alexander, Principal/CEO, GEMS Legacy School and Executive Leader – Climate Change at GEMS Education  

I expect events like GESS to showcase cutting-edge educational tools, foster meaningful networking, and facilitate knowledge-sharing on best practices that can directly enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. GESS provides an invaluable platform for educators, policy makers, and technology providers to collaborate and address evolving educational needs, especially in areas such as digital literacy, well-being, STEM and inclusive education.  

GESS has always brought together diverse exhibitors and insightful speakers who highlight innovative trends and practical solutions for today’s educational challenges. The emphasis on both emerging technologies and pedagogical methods aligns with my school’s commitment to holistic education, future fluencies and 21st-century skill development.  

To further support schools, I would recommend incorporating more targeted workshops focused on real-world applications of technology in schools, as well as interactive sessions on mental health and well-being strategies for students. Additionally, offering more content specifically tailored for primary education and early learning would add value, as these foundational stages are critical for lifelong learning and development. 

Dr Steffen Sommer, Director General, Misk Schools  

As head of a school that is focused on nurturing leadership and critical thinking, I attend events like GESS with high expectations for discovering forward-thinking practices that can further enrich our programmes, as well as sharing our own work in this area. We have invested in what we believe to be very progressive techniques and structures for teaching these core skills but there is always room to expand and deepen our approach by learning from global best practice

Additionally, we are running an exciting programme that explores gaming as the future of learning – a field I believe holds untapped potential for engaging students in critical thinking, strategic decision-making and collaborative problem-solving. I am especially keen to connect with other education professionals who are also innovating in this area.  

The conference and exhibition at GESS Dubai offer diverse perspectives, practical resources and access to thought leaders who are driving change in education. To enhance the event’s value for schools like ours, I would recommend as many interactive sessions as possible, addressing specific applications of emerging fields such as game-based learning, especially in the context of fostering leadership and critical thinking. Having hands-on workshops and case studies on implementing these technologies in K-12 classrooms – involving students as well as practitioners where possible – would really help to highlight challenges and opportunities, and establish networks of like-minded people. 

David Lees, Principal, Citizens School 

GESS Dubai offers a unique platform to explore innovative technologies, gain insights into emerging trends and connect with fellow educators. I view events like GESS as essential for shaping the future of education, providing a diverse range of exhibitors, workshops and networking opportunities.  

Over the years, GESS Dubai has showcased advancements in educational technology, teaching methodologies and best practices, aligning with our commitment to innovation and addressing critical areas like student well-being, inclusivity and digital transformation. 

To enhance its impact further, I recommend the following: 

Increased student involvement: Showcasing student-led innovations would provide valuable insights into learners’ needs and preferences, making education more responsive and engaging. 

Focus on evidence-based case studies: Emphasising case studies that demonstrate real-world applications of tools and methodologies could help school leaders make better-informed decisions and assess the potential impact of these solutions within their own contexts. 

Structured networking opportunities: Establishing more structured networking sessions would allow leaders to connect with regional and international peers, exchanging insights on shared challenges, successes and effective strategies. 

Fatima Martin, Principal, GEMS New Millennium School – Al Khail 

GESS is an invaluable experience not just for the exposure to new trends but also for the chance to recognise and celebrate the hard work and achievements of schools. The awards highlight milestone achievements, reminding us of the impact and progress our schools make, fostering a community dedicated to educational excellence. 

I was very pleased to go through the conference agenda, which covers a diverse array of topics – from digital transformation and STEM to well-being and inclusive education. The event’s focus on ‘empowering educators with the tools to succeed’ resonates deeply, especially as educators continually adapt to evolving challenges in the field. The variety of topics ensures teachers, regardless of their subject area or experience, will find relevant sessions that contribute to their professional growth. 

This year I am particularly inclined to know more about the newest addition, Gaming@GESS. I look forward to knowing more about gamification, esports and game design through the conference.