Gulf News Edufair Dubai attracts 9,000, empowers students for a global future

Dubai: The Gulf News Edufair Dubai 2025, a three-day premier education exhibition, ended on a high note, attracting more than 9,000 visitors, including students.

With participation from more than 40 top universities and educational institutions, the eighth edition of the event served as a dynamic platform for exploring academic programmes, career pathways, and study opportunities both in the UAE and abroad.

Continuous learning, skill development, and empowerment beyond academics emerged as key takeaways for students and parents.

Dr Eesa Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai; Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, Assistant Undersecretary of Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Economy; and Vijay Vaghela, Interim CEO of Gulf News, inaugurated the exhibition at Dubai’s H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road on Friday.

Securing future

Describing the exhibition as an ‘exceptional destination for students’, Al Nuaimi said the event plays a critical role in shaping the future of young learners.

“Gulf News Edufair Dubai has been, for the eighth year, an exceptional destination for a lot of students to know where they want to go. If you secure that first step in their journey, their entire career will be set for whatever they want to achieve,” he said, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere and diversity of choices available – from local institutions to international universities and education consultants.

“It’s a great place for students and exhibitors. Everybody is happy.”

Al Nuaimi underlined the UAE’s appeal as a global hub for education and entrepreneurship, pointing out how the influx of international families drives demand for quality education.

“It only makes sense that an entire industry emerged to support that,” he said. “I’d love to see more exhibitors and perhaps even more European students and institutions joining in the future.”

Diversity at its heart

Dr Al Bastaki underlined the fair’s role in showcasing educational diversity and strengthening the UAE's academic ecosystem. “We are lifelong partners with this fair,” Dr Al Bastaki said.

“You have universities from every place in the world. It’s a very comprehensive platform in terms of diversity of learning.”

Dr Al Bastaki praised Gulf News for its consistent efforts, noting that the University of Dubai has benefited directly through quality student enrollments.

“This is one of the few education events in the UAE we always participate in. It attracts good students, and we get those good students.”

He also pointed to the UAE’s strong foundation in education and health as key factors in its global appeal. “We are a good fertile ground for attracting students.” 

Student-centric education

Meanwhile, Vijay Vaghela said Edufair 2025 exemplifies the organisation’s commitment to helping students make informed decisions about their educational and professional futures.

“EduFair 2025 is a fantastic event connecting students with educational institutions, both in the UAE and internationally. The event really does help students understand what options are there, what support they need in terms of their future career,” Vaghela said.

“This event isn’t just about education for education’s sake – it’s about guiding students towards a career. We work with these universities and support companies to help students to better their future.”