Sharjah: The unparalleled and consistent growth of the education sector in the Gulf region will be in focus at the International Education Show that got under way at Expo Centre Sharjah on October 6.
The show was opened by His Excellency, Humaid Mohammed Obaid Al Qatami, UAE Minister of Education. Featuring more than 70 acclaimed institutions of higher learning, the International Education Show will run until October 8.
Increased private sector participation, rising education needs as well as government initiatives to improve the education system are set to propel the sector to further growth, according to a recent report Alpen Capital, Dubai.
The report said the total number of students in the region is expected to grow from 9.5 million in 2010 to 11.3 million in 2020 at a compounded annual growth rate of 1.8 per cent.
“The number to students seeking higher education programmes that lead them to a well rewarding career and professional life is on the rise. The International Education Show is the right platform that meets all their requirements, and hence one of the best education shows in the region,” said Mr Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“Of late, the education sector is receiving serious attention from the government. As part of a new strategy, the UAE Ministry of Education has got a new organisational structure that aims to strengthen the role of the ministry and enhance their work in the field of academic studies. In the budget for the fiscal year 2010, the education sector was given top priority – about 22.5 per cent of the total budget of Dh43.6 billion has been allocated to the education sector,” said Mr Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa.
For its sixth edition, the show is featuring leading local and foreign colleges, universities and technical institutes and other educational institutions and related establishments from Australia, Canada, Germany, India, Malaysia, Oman, the United Kingdom, the United States and the UAE.
A comprehensive program of seminars will offer more in depth information to all involved so that students, parents and executives can make the right career decision.
“The International Education Show is a one-stop source for all higher educational needs of national as well as expatriate students. This is the right place to choose the right programme from a slew of disciplines from leading institutions from all over the world,” said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah.
“This is one place that allows you to talk face-to-face with university representatives, check out scholarship and summer training offers – all at the same venue,” said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.
The programmes that are being showcased include undergraduate and postgraduate courses, vocational training programmes, short-term certificate courses, diplomas, professional development programmes and distance learning courses.
The profile of exhibitors covers universities, colleges, polytechnics, IT institutes, business schools, technical management training centres, medical schools, hotel management institutes, language centres, aviation colleges, distance-learning institutes, and other tertiary institutions.
Apart from speaking directly to the representatives of these institutions, students and parents will be able to interact with banks engaged in providing education loans, professional examination bodies and immigration consultants.
The show will be open daily from 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm. On Friday the show will be open from 4 pm to 8 pm. Entry and parking is free.
The International Education Show is a joint initiative of the UAE Ministry of Education , the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)and Expo Centre Sharjah.
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