By Joseph George
A surge in expatriate population coupled with growing reforms has led to a rapid rise in the number of new schools in the region, adding to the growing demand for education supplies. Yet suppliers must navigate increased costs, complex procurement processes, supply chain bottlenecks and the need for tailored solutions and robust after-sales support to win (and keep) school contracts
Schools in the GCC region, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are fast integrating new education products, leading to an increase in demand for technology-oriented products and solutions, even as concerns of supply chain constraints continue to rise.
A surge in expatriate population coupled with growing reforms in the education sector, has led to a rapid rise in the number of new schools being established in the region, thereby adding to growing demand for education supplies.
Alongside the expanding opportunities, suppliers also face a variety of challenges. Rising competition, increased costs and fluctuating demand are making it harder to secure and maintain contracts. Schools, becoming more discerning in their choice of partners, are demanding not just quality products but also value-driven solutions.
Navigating local regulations and building trust within diverse educational systems has become a complex task for suppliers. Furthermore, the need for customisation and strong after-sales support has never been more critical, as schools look for products that integrate seamlessly into their long-term educational strategies and evolving technological needs.
For suppliers to thrive, they must go beyond simply offering the latest products; they must build strong relationships and demonstrate a clear understanding of regional education priorities, all while balancing cost and quality.
