UAE has one of the highest rates of admission to higher education in the world

The statistics are a result of research conducted by Dubai-based Madar Research Group.

The UAE Ministry of Education and Youth, driven by the latest Information Technology standards, has already formulated a 20-year plan to upgrade the country's education system, with a focus on the development of teaching methods and programs based on modern standards. This move is expected to result in a dramatic improvement in education levels in the country.

Commenting on the study, Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions, organisers of the 17th Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX), said: "The success of any country is linked to its ability to groom young men and women who would use their education to lead the country to new heights of development. This has been proven in various countries. Appropriately enough, the GCC in general and the UAE in particular have been allocating substantial budgets for the advancement of education, ensuring the countries sustainable development for the future."

"However, there is need for higher interaction with global organisations and a more dynamic education system that is in tune with the requirements of today changing times. One of the most effective ways of raising education standards is exposure to international institutions of learning, and the development of home-grown centres of academic excellence through partnerships with global institutions. This is the need that GETEX is committed to fulfilling," added Godinho.

The Madar study shows that there are a significantly large number of UAE secondary school graduates travelling abroad for higher education, with the UK and USA being the two prime destinations. However, over the last few years, the numbers are decreasing with the introduction and expansion of accredited branches of well known foreign universities in the UAE.

"While the options available to students have widened considerably with the formation of Knowledge Village and expansion of current university campuses, the crucial factor is to expose students to a larger variety of learning options available both locally and internationally," said Godinho. "This is where GETEX plays a pivotal role with its ability to gather various institutions under one roof to initiate dialogue between education provider and student thereby providing the right guidance to young students on higher education options."

The 17th GETEX, an annual event, which is to be held at Dubai International Exhibition Centre from April 5 to 8 2005, has created an international platform that brings together some of the world's most prestigious universities and educational institutions to provide students a diversity of options in higher education. Besides interactive dialogue forums opened by various private and public sector institutions, GETEX 2005 will host a series of seminars of interest to the student community, parents and training professionals.