100% fee concession, scholarships: Why students, parents are flocking to Gulf News Edufair in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Hundreds of students and parents are flocking to the first-ever Gulf News Edufair in Abu Dhabi to explore a wide range of higher education opportunities, including full tuition fee concessions and scholarships offered by some UAE universities based on Grade 12 performance.

The two-day, free-to-attend Gulf News Edufair opened on Saturday at Millennium Downtown Hotel, bringing together more than 20 leading educational institutions and career service providers. The event is designed to guide students in Abu Dhabi through both local and international academic and career pathways.

The Gulf News Edufair was inaugurated by Aidha Saleh Albreiki, Programmes Director – Higher Education Sector, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), and Vijay Vaghela, Interim CEO of Gulf News.

Albreiki praised the initiative and the variety of opportunities available to students and their families.

“I understand this is the first time that the fair is in Abu Dhabi. I am impressed,” he said.

Explore higher education options
Albreiki pointed out Gulf News Edufair is a great opportunity for students and their families to explore higher education options.
“You have a wide collection of universities – both local and international, including UAE-based international branches – and also consultancies that guide students through the application process for studying abroad.”

Albreiki pointed out the expanding higher education ecosystem in the UAE capital.

“Dubai has a lot more international branches, but the higher education landscape is growing in Abu Dhabi. We complement each other. Whether in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the market is the same – and the more we have, the better it is for students across the country and the region,” he noted.

Albreiki expressed hope that from next year, more Abu Dhabi-based universities will be represented at the fair.

Trusted platform for students

Vijay Vaghela highlighted the strong response to Gulf News Edufair in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
“Gulf News Edufair has firmly established itself as a leading higher education platform in the UAE. After overwhelming response in Dubai – with more than 9,000 visitors across three days, we are in Abu Dhabi this weekend.”

He noted that the strong response to Gulf News Edufair’s debut edition in Abu Dhabi highlights the growing demand for quality educational engagement across the UAE.

“We are already seeing significant interest, which speaks volumes about the demand for accessible, quality educational guidance. Edufair is now the leading trusted event connecting students with top-tier institutions, empowering families to make informed decisions about higher education.”