Dubai, 18 January 2012 - Under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in collaboration with F&E, the Ministry of Education organizes the Gulf Educational Supplies and Solutions (GESS) and the Global Educational Forum (GEF), the region's largest education events. The three-day events will be launched on the 28th of February 2012 in presence of a select group of prominent local, Arab, and international education officials and experts, and are both expected to attract a variety of major international IT and education technology corporations.

In this occasion H.E. Humaid Moh'd Al Qutami, Minister of Education, noted that the fifth edition of both the forum and the accompanying exhibition build on the success that they realized in the previous editions, that further rooted their stature among major international educational events.

He pointed out that the MOE is aiming at benefiting from the world's latest technologies through these events, as it drives more development in this sector that enjoys the generous support of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and their brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates, members of the Supreme Federal Council.

HE the Minister of Education took the chance to express the deepest gratitude for the generous patronage that HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, offered the exhibition and forum, which is, as he said, the backbone of the events' successes.

Ali Maihed Al Suwaidi, Acting Director General of the Ministry of Education said, "GESS and GEF are important events that play a pivotal role in shaping up the region's education sector.  Especially with this year's theme, these events will help integrate technology into the education industry by offering the world's latest solutions and equipment on one platform.  We are keen to work together with schools and teachers to engage students by introducing new technology solutions that would be beneficial in the development of our children."

Key statistics from last year's event show that 96 per cent of visitors at GESS and GEF agreed the events were very important to the development of their school or organisation, 89 per cent said they successfully met their overall objectives and 97 per cent they would visit this years events. 

Clive Richardson, CEO of F&E said, "GESS has established itself as a destination for education professionals and decision-makers who want to witness the industry's latest products, services and innovations.  The event is a great platform for educationalists because it offers everything from the latest ICT and e-learning solutions and lab equipment to interactive technologies, sport equipment and other educational supplies.  Last year we attracted nearly 5,000 visitors and look to surpass that accomplishment in this year's edition."

Running alongside GESS, the Gulf Education Forum will bring together over 100 industry leaders and provide a strong platform to discuss the best-practices, trends and challenges the sector faces today. The forum is open to teachers, school management, lecturers and other educationalists from across the GCC.

"The theme of this year's event is important because we are now in an era in which technology plays a key role in our daily lives and will continue to do so in the future.  Many schools and other educational organisations are embracing technology to engage and excite young people born in the digital age and introducing new education techniques," added Rhona Greenhill, Conference Director for the Global Education Forum.

For more information on the Gulf Educational Supplies and Solutions and the Global Education Forum, please visit http://www.gesseducation.com

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About GESS and GEF
Supported by the UAE Ministry of Education, are (GESS) and Global Education Forum (GEF) are the region's only exhibition and conference dedicated to the entire spectrum of educational supplies and solutions. With a wide range of products, live demonstrations and a comprehensive 3-day conference programme, there is no better place to see the latest education technologies and solutions in action.

GESS 2012 will take place from 28 February to 1 March 2012 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

About F&E:
F&E has been delivering world class events for 50 years. The company now creates and organises international trade events for business and consumers from all over the world. Since the mid 1970s the company has focused on events in the rapidly developing West Asia and Middle East, specifically the Gulf region in Dubai, UAE, one of today's most vibrant trading zones. GESS and GEF are organised in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Education in association with BESA and Worlddidac.

F&E's strengths, skills and experience are in sales, marketing, event management, venue development and public relations. The company prioritises quality, value and excellence for all its shows, delivering genuine and cost-effective business opportunities for its clients.

The Executive Board of F&E has over 100 years combined experience in the business of creating, launching and organising events and enjoys the close support of many government bodies, trade associations and leading business organisations, as well as the countless number of companies F&E Ltd. has helped promote and sell their products.

The company is now evolving through a period of growth and development to broaden its portfolio and further strengthen its team of highly-skilled individuals. It remains one of the most influential event organisers of its generation.

With offices in Dubai and the UK, the company has an expanding team of skilled and dedicated exhibition professionals, with an additional established international network of sales agents and associates.

F&E recently became a member of the Tarsus Group plc which was founded, and listed on the London Stock Exchange, in 1998. With offices in the UK (London), USA (Milwaukee), France (Paris), Germany (Düsseldorf) and China (Shanghai), the international business-to-business media group has interests in exhibitions, conferences, publishing and online media.

For media information contact:
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Daniela Gorini or Kate Shaughnessy
Email: d.gorini@asdaa.com / k.shaughnessy@asdaa.com
Tel: +971 4 4507 645/643

© Press Release 2012