The 18th edition of GESS Dubai marked another remarkable milestone, showcasing over 300 brands from 35 countries, and bringing together more than 7,500 education professionals from 94 countries to connect, collaborate, and inspire. In addition, the largest startup pavilion in the event’s history, this year’s show brought together educators, innovators, and key decision-makers, serving as a vital hub for shaping the future of education in the region. Following the strong momentum, GESS Dubai is already confirmed to return from 10 to 12 November 2026 at Sheikh Saeed Halls 1 to 3 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
The event also honored exceptional educators and institutions with the prestigious GESS Awards, celebrating excellence and inspiring continued progress across the sector. Winners this year represented 13 countries, reflecting the global reach and diversity of the GESS community.
This year highlighted meaningful collaborations in education. From digital innovation and sustainability to wellbeing and inclusion, exhibitors showcased pioneering technologies and initiatives designed to enhance the teaching and learning experience.
Education professionals can also look forward to GESS Saudi Arabia, taking place from 4 to 6 May 2026 at Arena, Riyadh. The show will provide educators in the Kingdom with access to innovative products and solutions, alongside a free-to-attend, CPD-accredited conference featuring three days of inspirational sessions, workshops, and panel discussions.
GESS Awards Winners Unveiled
Alongside the exhibition and conferences, GESS Dubai 2025 hosted a prestigious gala to celebrate excellence in education, recognizing outstanding individuals, schools, and organizations that have made significant contributions to the industry.
The prestigious lifetime achievement award was presented to Isobel Abulhoul OBE for her outstanding contributions to education, literacy and cultural development in the UAE.
The winners were selected across the following categories:
Product & Resource Awards
• Product to Promote Wellbeing: Incluzun
• Secondary Resource/Equipment Supplier of the Year: EStars
• SEN and Inclusive Resource/Equipment Supplier of the Year: Dot Inc.
• Primary Resource/Equipment Supplier of the Year: Matific
• Higher Education Resource/Equipment Supplier of the Year: Elbrook Collection / Steelcase
• Early Years Resource/Equipment Supplier of the Year: Moomin Language School
• Best Product to Promote Arts, Music or Drama in the Classroom: Spears Theatre Arts
• Best Product to Promote STEM/Robotics/Coding: Trusity
• Best Product/Resource to Promote Sustainability in Education: Tadweera for Green Education
• Best Digital Educational Resource/Product: Alef Pathway/Holistic FZ LLC
• Best Paid-for Digital Tool in Education: Nautilus
• Best Free Digital Tool for Education: Brisk Teaching
• Best Game-Based Learning Platform: Jusoor Labs
• Best XR/VR/AI Product: E Cloud AI Inc.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Isobel Abulhoul OBE – Founder, Advisor and Trustee – Emirates Literature Foundation
School & Educator Awards
• Best Initiative to Promote Inclusivity: Clemmie Stewart – Blenheim Schools; Gemma Peebles – Harrison College
• Best Wellbeing Initiative for Students or Staff: Mohd Saharudin Bin Setapa – SK Putrajaya Presint 11(1)
• Best Wellbeing Initiative for Students or Staff: Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi
• Best Use of Gamification in Education: Kiran Merchant – Surana High Tech International School
• Best Use of STEAM Learning in the Classroom: David Griffiths (School Head) – ISA International Education Group
• Ambassador for the Environment: Amy Coleman – Pearl British Academy
• Creative School of the Year: Sung Yun Lim – GIA Micro School
• Outstanding Creative Educator of the Year: Menat Essawy – Safa British School
• Best Use of Digital Learning in the Classroom: Hajer Ali Ahmed Saeed Alabdouli – Al Fujairah Girls School – Cycle 2
• Innovation in Education: Surya Vignesh – Global Indian International School, Abu Dhabi
• Outstanding Contribution in Education: Joseph Gerassi – Redhill School
• Positive Change in Education: Dr. Pauldy Otermans – Otermans Institute
• Community Award for Citizenship: Rachel Dias – Rachel Foundation
• Rising Star – Start-Up Company of the Year: Ten Point
CSR & Community Awards
• Best CSR Programme for Education: Kapes Uniforms
Judges’ Commendations Awards
• Suppliers: Australian Council for Educational Research
Fripouille
• Teachers: Dr Sultan Alanazi, Alfarabi School
Lucy Blanchard – Citizens School
Throughout GESS Dubai 2025, leading speakers and exhibitors shared insights on the transformative role of technology, creativity, and collaboration in education. From the growth of EdTech and AI to the power of scholastic gaming and immersive learning, this year’s event reaffirmed GESS’s position as a cornerstone for innovation and professional growth in the education community.
As GESS Dubai 2025 concludes, it once again stands as a driving force for positive change, fostering connection, inspiration, and advancement across the global education landscape. With its showcase of groundbreaking technologies, thought-provoking sessions, and celebration of excellence, the event continues to shape the future of learning across the GCC and beyond.
For more information on GESS Dubai or if you are interested to participate in next year’s edition, visit www.gessdubai.com or send an email to enquiries@gesseducation.com.
