Why you shouldn't miss Gulf News Edufair Dubai this weekend

“Ajman University is among the first in the UAE to offer both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Artificial Intelligence, reinforcing the nation’s position as a leader in this rapidly advancing field,” says Dr Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University.

In response to the global need for digital security expertise, Ajman University has expanded its offerings.

“To meet the urgent global demand for cybersecurity professionals, we have also introduced a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, equipping graduates with the expertise against evolving threats,” says Dr Seghir.

Exploring the impact of technology on society, the university also features a socially driven postgraduate programme.

 “Ajman University’s Master of Digital Sociology empowers students to shape public policy, enhance digital service delivery, and build inclusive online communities.”

Find out which skills will be in demand in the future

Curtin University Dubai, also participating at Edufair, offers insight into the skills shaping the global workforce.

 “In the next five years, some of the most in-demand courses will be in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and sustainable engineering. These areas are driving innovation across industries and are critical to the way businesses and societies evolve,” says Professor Ammar Kaka, Pro Vice Chancellor and President of Curtin University Dubai.

Curtin’s strategy focuses on aligning academic curricula with evolving industry requirements.

“Our close collaboration with global industry partners, regular curriculum reviews, and emphasis on real-world learning ensure that our graduates are equipped with relevant skills and are job-ready from day one,” says Professor Kaka.

At this year’s Edufair, Heriot-Watt University Dubai will feature two new programmes that respond to the changing needs of professionals – the MBA with a specialism in Professional Practice and a two-year Master of Architecture.

“Events like Gulf News Edufair provide a unique opportunity for meaningful conversations, whether with prospective students exploring their interests, parents seeking clarity on academic choices, or corporate professionals looking to upskill,” says Saranya Rustagi, Regional Director of Marketing, Recruitment, Admissions and Communications (MRAC) at Heriot-Watt University Dubai.

Get ahead with entrance exam prep

Edufair also caters to students preparing for university entrance exams.

“At Edufair, Ascentria will showcase how our focused training for India’s NEET, JEE, and board exams helps students navigate the challenges of entrance exams while also offering valuable insights on higher education pathways and career growth,” says Alka Malik, Founder, Ascentria.

How to create a stand out student profile 

Meanwhile, Mentormind — participating at Edufair for the first time — is set to showcase its AIxplore programme, which teaches Python programming and allows students to select their own AI project from five specialised tracks: medicine, law, business and entrepreneurship, data science, and sustainability.

Mentormind further enhances this AI learning with a strong foundation in university preparation. “We offer dedicated sessions on how students can use these projects to secure research opportunities and internships for their university applications,” says Dr Kanchi Das, Director and Founder, Mentormind.

Upskill opportunities for professionals

For working professionals, Edufair offers plenty of opportunities for reskilling and upskilling through specialised institutions.

 “Professional certifications and internationally recognised degrees not only sharpen your skills but also show employers that you’re committed to growing and staying relevant,” says Hanil Haridas, Co-Founder and CEO, Westford, which will showcase a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive programmes at Edufair.

“Westford helps individuals move forward in their careers – whether they’re just starting out or looking to step into leadership roles.” 

Attend seminars to shape your future

One of the most anticipated segments of Edufair is the seminar series, offering real-world insights into shifting educational models and job market trends.

 “We are seeing a strong shift toward AI-driven learning, hybrid education models, and industry-aligned curriculum development,” says Sajesh Nambiar, Head of Student Recruitment & Admissions, University of West London – RAK Branch Campus, adding, “These discussions will be crucial in helping students and parents understand what the future of education looks like and how to prepare for it.”