The eighth edition of Gulf News Edufair is taking place this weekend from May 9 to 11 at The H Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. The event will feature more than 40 universities from the UAE and abroad, offering students an opportunity to explore a wide range of academic programmes and gain expert advice all in one location.

Edufair aims to support students at every stage of their academic journey, catering to those who are preparing to start university this September as well as high school students exploring their options. The three-day event will include university exhibitions, panel discussions, presentations, networking opportunities, and giveaways, all designed to assist students in making informed decisions about their future.

The focus of the Edufair is on career-ready degrees that align with current industry demands. Students will have the chance to discover programmes that incorporate real-world skills, practical training, and industry exposure, ensuring they are well-prepared for the workforce upon graduation.

Ajman University is among the leading institutions showcasing this approach. The university offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Artificial Intelligence, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a leader in this rapidly evolving field. Dr. Karim Seghir, Chancellor of Ajman University, noted that the institution has also expanded its offerings to include a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity to meet the urgent global demand for cybersecurity professionals.

Additionally, Ajman University features a socially driven postgraduate programme, the Master of Digital Sociology, which empowers students to shape public policy and enhance digital service delivery.

Curtin University Dubai will also participate in Edufair, providing insights into the skills that will shape the global workforce. Professor Ammar Kaka, Pro Vice Chancellor and President of Curtin University Dubai, highlighted that in the next five years, fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and sustainable engineering will see significant demand.

Curtin’s strategy focuses on aligning its academic curricula with evolving industry requirements through close collaboration with global industry partners and regular curriculum reviews to ensure graduates are job-ready from day one.

Heriot-Watt University Dubai will introduce two new programmes at this year’s Edufair: an MBA with a specialism in Professional Practice and a two-year Master of Architecture. Saranya Rustagi, Regional Director of Marketing, Recruitment, Admissions and Communications (MRAC) at Heriot-Watt University Dubai, emphasized that events like Edufair allow for meaningful conversations among prospective students, parents, and corporate professionals.

Edufair also caters to students preparing for university entrance exams. Alka Malik, Founder of Ascentria, mentioned that the organization will showcase focused training for India’s NEET, JEE, and board exams, helping students navigate these challenges while offering insights into higher education pathways.

Mentormind, participating at Edufair for the first time, will showcase its AIxplore programme, which teaches Python programming and allows students to choose projects in various tracks such as medicine, law, and sustainability. Dr. Kanchi Das, Director and Founder of Mentormind, explained that the programme also includes sessions on how students can leverage their projects to secure research opportunities and internships.

For working professionals, Edufair offers a chance for reskilling and upskilling through specialized institutions. Hanil Haridas, Co-Founder and CEO of Westford, stated that professional certifications and internationally recognized degrees demonstrate a commitment to growth and relevance in the job market.

The seminar series at Edufair will provide real-world insights into educational models and job market trends. Sajesh Nambiar, Head of Student Recruitment & Admissions at the University of West London – RAK Branch Campus, noted the shift toward AI-driven learning and hybrid education models, emphasizing the importance of these discussions for students and parents.

Gulf News Edufair Dubai will take place at The H Hotel from May 9 to 11, conveniently located near the World Trade Center Metro Station. Attendees can enjoy free valet parking, exclusive gift bags, and explore over 1 000 programmes from top universities, meet career experts, and attend seminars by over 30 thought leaders.