UAE hosts 6th edition of the Gulf Educational Supplies and Solutions

Pre event registration is also up compared to the same period last year, and with continued interest in the exhibition, organisers are hopeful the trend will be sustained when the show opens on March 5 to 7, 2013 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, GESS and GEF 2013 this year have adopted the theme "Smart Learning and Technological advances in Education."

"These milestones are a testament to the important role education plays in the UAE and the rest of the Gulf region. For the sixth consecutive year, GESS and GEF have gathered the most significant stakeholders in the education sector - from the highest ministry levels and organisations to the largest technology providers - to work together to continue to raise the bar for the quality of education in the region," said His Excellency Humaid Al Qatami, Minister of Education, UAE.

A significant addition to this year's GEF programme is the Ministerial Panel Discussions which will feature the heads of various ministries of education throughout the Gulf. It will focus on the latest initiatives that various GCC governments are undertaking the field of education.

The 2012 exhibition saw a dramatic increase in visitors and increased footfall; attendance was up 20% from the previous show with 6,000 education professionals from over 60 countries attending. GESS 2012 recorded its highest ever participation by exhibitors, with over 250 businesses and organisations from more than 30 countries.

"This year, we have already exceeded our targets with 20 more exhibitors. We are confident we will attract more delegates this year as our pre registration numbers are up. The exhibition has truly become an important venue for discussing significant education issues, and has also provided attendees an invaluable platform for networking," said Matt Thompson, Project Director, F&E Group, organisers of GESS.

According to Thompson, there seems to be a lot of interest in smart learning tools in education and how technology can really enhance the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom.

"We have dedicated sessions and workshops that will showcase how technology can redefine classroom instruction, in addition to a wide range of product showcases from some of the world's biggest providers of ICT and e-learning solutions, interactive technologies, scientific and laboratory equipment and a large range of other educational supplies.