WHERE EDUCATION MOVES FORWARD
Why GESS Dubai 2026 is the region’s meeting place for the ideas shaping tomorrow’s schools
The GCC’s international-school sector is expanding at pace. With almost 1.9 million students now enrolled across the region’s international schools, education leaders are being asked to look beyond growth and consider what truly prepares learners for the future.
How can schools adopt AI responsibly? How can they better support and retain educators? What does an inclusive, sustainable and future-ready learning environment look like?
From 10–12 November 2026, GESS Dubai returns to Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1–3, bringing together educators, school leaders, policymakers, investors, innovators and suppliers to explore these questions – and the solutions behind them.
Why does GESS Dubai matter now?
Education is evolving quickly, and schools cannot navigate that change in isolation. The region is seeing continued investment, new school openings and a growing appetite for innovation, but progress needs to be purposeful.
GESS Dubai provides a platform for the education community to share knowledge, challenge thinking and find practical approaches to the issues affecting schools today.
What will be discussed at this year’s edition?
The 2026 programme will address the conversations currently shaping education, from AI and digital transformation to teacher development, wellbeing, safeguarding, inclusion, sustainability and school design.
Attendees will be able to explore five key streams: Leaders in Education, GESS Talks Live Stage, Sustainability & Wellbeing, Early Years and EdTech in Action.
The agenda is designed to move beyond trends, focusing on the tools, ideas and strategies that can make a meaningful difference to educators and learners.
Is GESS Dubai only for school leaders?
GESS Dubai brings together everyone shaping the future of education. Teachers can discover practical tools and learning strategies; school leaders can explore new approaches and connect with peers; while suppliers and innovators can showcase solutions directly to decision-makers.
It is this exchange of perspectives that turns conversations into meaningful progress.
What does GESS offer beyond conference sessions?
Alongside its conference programme, GESS Dubai gives visitors the opportunity to explore education solutions in action.
From AI and immersive technology to classroom resources, school-wide platforms and learning environments, the exhibition brings together international and regional suppliers in one place. Visitors can see products first-hand, ask questions directly and discover what is relevant to their own educational setting.
Why is AI a key focus this year?
AI has moved rapidly from a future-facing conversation to a present-day reality for schools. Its potential is wide-ranging: supporting lesson planning, personalised learning, reporting, communication and administration.
However, its successful adoption depends on thoughtful leadership. GESS Dubai will explore both the opportunity and responsibility around AI, including educator control, student data protection, academic integrity and appropriate access for young learners.
How does GESS support the people at the heart of education?
At its core, GESS is about educators. The event creates opportunities for professional development through CPD-accredited sessions, interactive workshops and conversations with experts and peers.
It also places teacher wellbeing, workforce development and inclusion firmly on the agenda—recognising that the future of education depends on supporting the people who make learning happen every day.
“Our aim is to bring the education community together to exchange ideas, challenge thinking and turn that momentum into meaningful progress.” Sarah Palmer, Brand Director, GESS
What is “The Spark”?
The Spark is the idea, connection or discovery that changes what happens next. It may be a new insight from a speaker, a solution discovered on the exhibition floor or a conversation that inspires a new initiative back at school.
GESS Dubai is built around creating more of these moments: helping attendees leave with renewed perspective and something practical to put into action.
What else is happening during GESS Dubai?
The 13th annual GESS Education Awards will take place on 11 November 2026 at The Conrad Hotel. With 30 categories, the awards recognise outstanding work by teachers, schools, suppliers and education professionals, celebrating the people raising standards across the sector.
Join the region’s leading education exhibition and conference at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 10–12 November 2026 f or three days of discovery, professional development and connection. Visit www.gessdubai.com for more information and free registration.