Dubai, Apr 13th, 2011 (WAM)--The Ministry of Education today officially announced the 4th edition of the Global Education Forum (GEF) and the Gulf Educational Supplies & Solution (GESS) show. which will run May 3 to 4 at the Dubai Airport Exhibition Centre.

The show, which is the regions leading education exhibition and conference, will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The event which will take place from 3-5 May 2011 will see world-class speakers gather in the UAE to present case studies, research and best practice to the regions education sector.

This years event focuses on three hot topics shaping the Middle East education landscape in 2011 and beyond, namely Special Needs Education, Sustainable Education and Education for Employability. Highlights from the forum will include roundtable sessions for regional participants to share ideas with some of the Gulfs leading educationalists covering the theme of this years forum, which is Education in a knowledge society.

GESS 2011 will see 30 countries represented at the event. With more than 250 exhibitors taking part this year, the event has seen a 15 percent increase in stand space compared to 2010. Exhibitors at the show will include suppliers for ICT solutions, school management software, interactive technology, educational toys and games, vocational training as well as sports and laboratory equipment. In terms of new exhibitors, key newcomers this year include Arab Business Machine, Yas Marina Circuit, Oxford University Press and Panasonic.

Other key components of this years event include; interactive demonstrations on new teaching technologies such as Hand-Held Learning which focuses on practical strategies for mobile learning. Visitors to this years show will also be able to experience the GESS Interactive Classroom, designed to provide teachers with a unique opportunity to improve their knowledge and handling of technology in the classroom. Also new to this years show is the presentation theatre located in the heart of the exhibition floor which will be dedicated to Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Speaking at the press conference, Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Minister of Education commented: "The Ministry of Education is committed to introducing technology throughout UAE schools to provide advanced learning opportunities for students."He added that the selection of "Education in a knowledge society," as a key theme for this years event "is testament to the importance placed on embracing new channels and the ongoing dialogue between education experts and education decision makers to identify the latest solutions and technologies for use in our educational institutions."Attendance of the event continues to grow year on year, with a similar growth trend expected this year.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2011.