Leading Innovators and Educational Pioneers Gather at GESS Dubai 2024 to Address Regional Challenges
October 2024, Dubai, UAE: As international schools and student populations continue to grow in the GCC—now reaching 1,653 schools (a 6.5% increase from 2023) and serving 1,712,894 students (an 8.4% rise from last year)—the region faces evolving and unique demands. Schools are increasingly focusing on streamlining logistical and operational processes to support the needs of this expanding student base. GESS Dubai 2024, the largest gathering of educational supplies and solutions in the region, aims to address these challenges by bringing together a diverse array of exhibitors and thought leaders from November 12 to 14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, offering a global platform for exploring transformative solutions for the future of education.
Navigating the Resourcing Maze in a Growing Education Sector
According to ISC Research, a survey of 55 respondents from 41 countries identified a few challenges in school procurement processes, with customs delays cited by 69% of schools as the primary issue. Regions like Saudi Arabia face additional hurdles, such as extreme temperatures damaging imported goods and high customs duties complicating procurement. In Qatar, lengthy government approval processes for textbooks can also cause further delays. Consequently, many schools in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman have adjusted their procurement timelines, often placing orders up to five months in advance. Balancing local (60%) and international (40%) procurement, schools rely on cost-effective consolidators to navigate these supply chain challenges.
As schools face logistical and operational challenges, exhibitors at GESS Dubai 2024 are stepping up to provide accessible solutions. From overcoming delays in resource delivery to addressing the shortage of skilled labor for maintaining advanced technologies, they are bringing products and services designed to streamline operations. Exhibitors at GESS Dubai 2024, like VS Furniture Middle East FZC and Spaceforme, will showcase adaptable furniture designed to meet modern learning needs.
EdTech solutions are becoming critical for closing learning gaps. Companies such as Al Khayyat Investments, showcasing NeuroTrackerX, and HP Gaming Garage with their game-based learning tools, are expected to make a significant impact on how schools enhance digital literacy. Other companies like Kinderpedia, Edpuzzle, PowerSchool, and Casio Middle East and Africa will demonstrate how their platforms streamline communication between students, teachers, and parents, providing seamless learning experiences.
A Global Stage for Educational Innovation: New Additions to GESS Dubai 2024
This year’s GESS Dubai is more diverse and innovative than ever before, with over 300 brands from 30+ countries and the largest startup pavilion in the event’s history. Some exciting newcomers include Tutello, Raw Movement, Taskbase, and Therapix, presenting cutting-edge educational technologies. For the first time, Gaming@GESS is also being introduced, with HP Gaming Garage as the Founding Sponsor and Endless Studios showcasing gamification solutions that revolutionize how educators integrate fun into learning.