The exhibition will be held from November 11–13, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai, Sept 9, 2025: The Global Educational Supplies and Solutions (GESS) Dubai, organised by Informa Connect, returns for its 18th edition from November 11–13, 2025. The exhibition will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1–3.

For the first time, GESS Dubai will be co-located with Education Investment MENA, offering attendees an expanded perspective on education investments in the region. The event will focus on the GCC’s fastest-growing and most competitive education market, tackling the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI), the increasing emphasis on student and staff well-being, and the development of sustainable, immersive and future-ready learning environments.

According to the ISC Research GCC International Schools Intelligence Report 2024–25, the GCC is home to 1,783 international schools, educating mor then 1.8 million students and employing more than 139,000 educators. The region represents 23.8% of global international school enrolment and 19.3% of global staff, generating $14.2 billion in annual tuition fee income. The UAE leads with 654 schools and more than 600,000 students, followed by Saudi Arabia with 521 schools and 580,000 students, Qatar with 202 schools, Kuwait 172, Oman 104 and Bahrain 130, illustrating the region’s density and growth potential.

Key forces driving GCC education

Education in the region is evolving rapidly, shaped by advances in AI, a stronger focus on well-being, continued investment in infrastructure and the rise of new-age extracurriculars like esports.

AI and digital innovation: Schools across the GCC are moving rapidly from AI experimentation to adoption. Saudi Arabia integrates AI in learning management systems, personalised platforms and diagnostic testing, guided by national ethical frameworks. UAE schools are piloting AI cautiously, balancing innovation with privacy and screen-time concerns. Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman are forming AI committees, training staff and trialling AI tools for lesson planning, assessment and language learning. ISC data shows more than 60% of international schools in the GCC are exploring AI-enabled solutions, highlighting the sector’s commitment to digital transformation.

Well-being as a strategic priority: Wellbeing initiatives are central to school strategy. The UAE’s National Strategy for Well0being 2031 and KHDA well-being census set international benchmarks. Saudi Arabia’s national accreditation programme evaluates schools on well-being-focused criteria. More than 50% of GCC schools plan leadership programmes addressing staff mental health. Schools are reducing timetable pressures, embedding anti-bullying campaigns and investing in counselling, mindfulness and extracurricular well-being initiatives.

Infrastructure & future school development: The GCC continues to see strong investment in campuses and facilities. Dubai plans 100 new private schools by 2033, with 10 inaugurated in 2024–25, while Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 supports dozens of new international and innovation schools across Riyadh, Jeddah and NEOM. Qatar expands via public–private partnerships, and Oman and Bahrain attract global brands such as Harrow and Gordonstoun. Flexible classrooms, digital infrastructure, science labs and maker spaces are increasingly standard, reflecting ISC findings that more than 70% of new schools are integrating future-ready facilities.

Extra-curricular growth and esports: International schools are leveraging enrichment programmes for differentiation. Saudi schools collaborate with elite sports organisations, including the Liverpool FC Academy and Real Madrid Foundation, while pioneering esports aligned with the country’s gaming ambitions. UAE schools balance esports with arts, outdoor and well-being-focused activities. ISC research indicates a 35% increase in esports adoption across GCC schools over the past two years.

GESS Dubai 2025

Building on the success of GESS Dubai 2024, which drew 7,000+ education professionals, hosted 205+ CPD-accredited conference sessions across seven streams, featured 210+ speakers and 300+ international brands, the 2025 edition will offer a comprehensive, data-driven platform for regional and global education leaders. Alongside the exhibition and conference, the GESS Awards will celebrate excellence across suppliers, institutions and educators.

The highlights of the 2025 programme includes Leaders in Education Conference, Sustainability and Wellbeing Hub and Education Investment MENA, among others.

The Leaders in Education Conference examines the role of school leadership in innovation, well-being and market growth. Exclusively for education leaders and members of the Leaders in Education Club, the conference explores strategic solutions and innovations shaping the future of education.

EdTech in Action Room will bring the future of learning to life with live demos, real-world case studies and interactive applications of cutting-edge education technology. The Sustainability and Well-being Hub will demonstrate sustainable practices and student-centred well-being initiatives.

Insightful panel discussions and sessions on practical innovation implementation will be a part of GESS Talks live stage.

Expert sessions and case studies at Gaming @ GESS will help discover the power of game-based learning, highlighting gamification and esports as tools for engagement and skill development.

A series of workshops will be held, with interactive, hands-on sessions designed to engage educators and leaders with practical tools, strategies and training.

Product Showcase is a platform that will allow exhibitors to demonstrate their products, technologies and services, highlighting the latest innovations in education, while giving attendees the chance to explore and trial products firsthand.

Education Investment MENA will provide focused sessions on regional education investments. Access to this stream will be available only through a dedicated registration.

The GESS Awards 2025, on November 12, will celebrate outstanding contributions across the education sector.

Looking ahead

GESS Dubai 2025 arrives at a time when GCC international schools continue their rapid growth, with 1.8 million students and nearly 140,000 staff, projected to expand further. By bringing together policymakers, educators and innovators, the event will guide the sector’s adoption of AI, well-being strategies, sustainability and future-ready learning environments.