H. H. Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan inaugurates GETEX Dubai 2006

It was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, who also holds the posts of Chancellor, United Arab Emirates University, Chancellor, Higher Colleges of Technology, and President, Zayed University, at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre this morning.

Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Nahayan said: "The development of any country depends on the educational level of its people and on their ability to cope with the latest advances in scientific thought and technology. The UAE has built a very strong base in education under the visionary leadership of our founding father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed, and the continuing guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, President of the UAE and of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who have accorded top priority to education and who strive to bring the benefits of good education to our students."

Describing GETEX Dubai 2006 as a 'world of knowledge', Sheikh Nahayan added: "The excellent reputation GETEX has gained is reflected in the large number of exhibitors participating this year, and the event's 30 per cent growth speaks for its success. GETEX offers diverse educational opportunities for National and expatriate students not only from Dubai, but also from the entire GCC region and the Indian Subcontinent. It also serves as an excellent interactive forum for educational training and technology, which will help students chart their own learning progress. The participation of UAE institutions at GETEX will facilitate the exchange of expertise, foster alliances and partnerships, and promote student exchange programmes with global institutions."

Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, International Conferences and Exhibitions (IC&E), organisers of GETEX said: "With every passing year, GETEX has grown in stature, showcasing an increasing number of diverse academic and training programmes to students in the region. This year GETEX has grown in scope as well, hosting specialist conferences, seminars and workshops that, through expert debate and discussion, aim to guide and promote the qualitative development of education in the region."

The 18th edition of the three-day event has brought together 562 exhibitors from 41 countries in Dubai, to showcase their academic and career-enhancing training programmes, education technologies, scholarships and consultancy services for students and parents, the teaching fraternity, professionals, managements and others involved in the education sector. Endorsed by the UAE Ministry of Education and supported by the Dubai Knowledge Village, GETEX Dubai 2006 continues on Thursday, April 13 and Friday, April 14, from 2 PM to 10 PM. Admission to the exhibition is free.