More than 200 educators, EdTech innovators and STEAM leaders discussed ways to incorporate AI and tech tools to drive better student and teaching outcomes

Dubai, Apr 15, 2025: TechFest 2025, organised by Star International School, Mirdif, attracted more than 200 educators, EdTech innovators and STEAM leaders from across the UAE and beyond, as well guests from the ISP network globally. Star International School, Mirdif is a part of International Schools Partnership (ISP).  

TechFest 2025 is a pioneering conference that showcased the future of learning and offered a deep dive into technology’s role in transforming education across disciplines.  The conference provided a dynamic platform to share best practices and explore collaborative opportunities in both English and Arabic. With two separate language strands, each session focused on insights and strategies that can further enhance student learning, well-being and digital safety. Through expert-led workshops and panel discussions, the event highlighted real-world applications of technology and its seamless integration into teaching and learning.  

Prominent dignitaries at the event included Ahmed Hindam, former Senior Inspector at KHDA and one of the founding members of DSIB (Dubai School Inspection Bureau) and Dr. Sajida Al-Bashir, Supervisor of Quality and Assessment at Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge.  

Leading on the event, Clive Gibson, Assistant Principal and Head of Educational Technology at Star International School, Mirdif, said: “TechFest 2025 ignited vital discussions on leveraging AI to enhance education and create engaging learning outcomes for all. As an ISP LabSchool, we are proud to be at the forefront of educational innovation in the UAE and we believe TechFest 2025 has set the stage for transformative advancements in education.”  

A key highlight of the event was a presentation on Flash Academy, an innovative platform supporting multilingual learners. Dan Groves, School Leader for Educational Technology at The British School of Malaga, Spain, part of the ISP Lab Schools network, shared compelling data demonstrating Flash Academy’s impact on student performance and its role in accelerating their language acquisition.  

The TechFest featured interactive workshops, engaging presentations and hands-on demonstrations of smartboards, learning apps, virtual reality in education and AI-powered tutoring systems.  

Talking about the event, Hussain Alhamo, Head of IT, ISP Middle East said, “It is wonderful that Star International School, Mirdif has taken the lead on organising an event like this focused on EdTech, and bringing together teachers and tech enthusiasts from around the UAE to explore how technology is transforming learning. At ISP we are focusing on EdTech and how to enhance EdTech implementation across our schools, fostering innovation, encouraging collaboration and investing in tools that enhance digital learning experiences. As our regional LabSchool, Star International School, Mirdif, lead by the Principal, Neal Oates and the Head of Education Technology, Clive, the event showcased the innovative projects the school has been involved in, while also emphasising the importance of integrating technology into both English and Arabic teaching and learning.”   

Rory Galvin, Director of Learning, ISP Middle East said: “TechFest 2025 ignited vital discussions on leveraging Edtech tools and AI to enhance and create engaging learning outcomes for all. As an ISP LabSchool, we are proud to be at the forefront of educational innovation in the UAE, championing innovation that not only supports academic outcomes but also cultivates the broader life competencies our students need: creativity, critical thinking, multilingualism and adaptability. This aligns with both our ISP EdTech Strategy and Dubai’s E33 vision – using digital innovation to drive equity for all learners, engage students meaningfully in their learning and raise standards of excellence across our schools.”  

As part of the ISP LabSchools initiative, 11 schools across their global network have been selected to become dynamic environments for experimentation and learning based on EdTech. Spanning the US, Europe, Iberia, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Middle East, India and Malaysia, the schools serve as testing grounds for new EdTech solutions focused on areas such as academic achievement, language acquisition and life skills, offering unique insights and perspectives on the integration of technology in education.