Muscat, April 19: More than 90 universities and colleges from nearly 20 countries will take part in the Middle East’s first UFI-approved higher education exhibition opening here tomorrow. UFI is an association of the world’s leading tradeshow organisers and fairground owners.
Now in its 11th consecutive year, the Gulf Higher Education Exhibition (GHEDEX 2010) comprises four shows under one roof — ‘Trainex’, ‘Jobex’, ‘Schoolex’ and ‘Edutech’ — and is poised to be much bigger than last year, according to Oman International Trade and Exhibitions (OITE) which is hosting the event in collaboration with the country’s education and manpower authorities.
“GHEDEX is one of the most international events in the country and this year it is set to be bigger than last year,” Ahmed Saleh Baabood, Chairman of OITE, told a news conference, adding: “As such, we are expecting greater visitor footfalls during the three-day show… It will be a more meaningful platform for local and international organisations, students and parents.”
The exhibitors will be top higher education institutions from Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Cyprus, Jordan, Malaysia, India, Canada, Nigeria, Italy, New Zealand, Netherlands, Australia, UK and USA.
A new feature this year will be the inaugural GHEDEX Conference to be held on Wednesday and Thursday under the theme ‘Thinking differently about education: Skills, training and nationalisation for the future of Oman’.
The conference, Baabood said, was meant to boost and strengthen Oman’s tertiary and further education system. “It will be a platform that will help identify skills and training requirements to boost capacity and strengthen the country’s education system,” he added.
High level speakers from Oman and the region will shed light on the trends and challenges facing tertiary education and the necessary skills that shape the future of the industry.
–Agencies