The sixth edition of the Gulf News Edufair commenced on May 17 at The H Dubai Hotel on Shaikh Zayed Road, attracting a diverse crowd of students and education enthusiasts.
Spanning three days, from May 17 to 19, the fair features more than 30 prestigious regional and global education institutions. With over 1,000 undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs on offer, attendees have the opportunity to explore a wide array of disciplines, ranging from engineering and liberal arts to health sciences and business studies.
Among the key highlights of the event was a session led by Piyush Saxena, Business Development Manager at Y-Axis, who spoke on the rising popularity of New Zealand as a study destination. Saxena noted a significant 40% increase in students opting to study in New Zealand over the past four years, attributing this trend to the country’s well-ranked universities, lower cost of living, and robust opportunities for post-study work. "New Zealand is becoming a top choice for students looking for quality education and a supportive environment to start their careers," Saxena remarked.
Day one of the Edufair culminated with a highly anticipated session on preparing students for a tech-driven future. Experts from BITS Pilani Dubai, University of Bolton, Academic Centre RAK, and ATP STEM delved into innovative programs designed to equip students with skills for the digital age. This session, starting at 5 PM, emphasized the importance of adapting education to meet the evolving demands of the technology sector.
Earlier in the day, a session moderated by Varun Jain, CEO of UniHawk, focused on the future of work and emerging career opportunities. Mehrdad Mohasses, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Amity University Dubai, highlighted the fluid nature of career paths. "You may have a dream job in mind, but you might not end up there, and that's not necessarily a bad thing," he stated, encouraging students to embrace change and personal growth.
Dr. Sudhindra Shamanna, Academic President of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai, discussed the shift in educational methodologies. "We're moving away from traditional lectures to facilitating learning," he explained, emphasizing the importance of teaching students how to continuously acquire new knowledge.
Amanda Fernandes, Manager of Careers and Employability Services at Middlesex University, addressed the challenges students face when changing career paths. "For those who realize they want to change directions, we offer guidance on presenting their skills in new ways and provide access to networks where they can find opportunities," Fernandes said, stressing the importance of resilience in the job search process.
A special session dedicated to higher education prospects in New Zealand, hosted by Y-Axis, Edufair's Platinum Sponsor, provided in-depth insights into embarking on an educational journey to the country. This session, held at 4 PM, attracted a significant number of attendees eager to learn about the opportunities New Zealand offers.
The Gulf News Edufair continues to be a pivotal event, offering students and professionals alike a comprehensive overview of educational and career possibilities in a rapidly changing global landscape.