Literacy in the Arab world remains below the developed nations' minimum average of 95 per cent

However, according to a recent survey conducted by the Dubai based Madar Research Group, with 10 Arab countries falling within the 70 per cent to 90 per cent literacy category, the consistent efforts by regional governments to boost literacy have had a positive impact.

The three pronged strategy of regional governments, which includes inviting the best global education providers to set up facilities in the region, the development of home-grown centres of academic excellence and the consistent government sponsored literacy awareness drive, will all be featured at the 16th Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (GETX) to be held from April 20 to 23, 2004 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

"The education sector is perhaps the most exciting example of the UAE rulers' vision of development. The UAE has among the best amalgam of centres of education in the region," said Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions, the organisers of the exhibition. "The government has ensured that while consistent effort is put into the development of national universities, the door is also open for international leaders in education to establish centres in the country. On the other hand, every effort is made to encourage awareness about specialised courses available around the world. The Gulf Education and Training Exhibition is born of this vision."

In the Levant region, Jordan has the highest literacy rate at 89.70 per cent. Lebanon is placed second with 86 per cent. Among the GCC countries, Bahrain has the highest literacy rate at 87.60 per cent, followed by Kuwait at 82 per cent, Qatar at 80.80 per cent, Saudi Arabia at 76.10 per cent and UAE at 75.10 per cent.

However, as in Lebanon, the UAE has established a good network of academic institutions. With increasing investment in the development of academic centres such as Dubai Knowledge Village, and the new medical college at Dubai Health Care City, as well as a consistent focus on high quality professional education for UAE nationals, the education sector in the country is set to grow manifold.

"The role of GETX is to provide a comparative view of the options in education available to the student. A carefully considered choice of study courses is crucial to success in higher education," said Godinho. "GETX has established itself as the premier exhibition for the education industry. Last year's event - held at the same venue in April 2003 - attracted nearly 320 institutions from 30 countries. Their displays attracted an audience of 20,780 students, parents, teachers and education professionals. In 2004, as an event covering the entire Middle East, the show will attract professionals and visitors from newly resurgent Iraq as well as other countries in the region. Keeping in mind the past trends of growth, we expect the show to grow by at least 30 per cent."

Besides interactive dialogue forums opened by various private and public sector educational institutes, GETX 2004 will also host a series of seminars on various themes of interest to students and parents, as well as to academics and training professionals. The event will be open to visitors on April 20, 21 and 22, 2004 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. On Friday, April 23, 2004 the event will be open from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.