Gulf Brings Educational Partnerships to the UK. Gulf Education Conference & Exhibition, London - 28th & 29th May 2012

LONDON, ENGLAND, December 21, 2011

Summer 2012 sees the launch of the 2nd annual Gulf Education Conference in London after positive endorsement by key UK & Gulf officials.

With the British Council, UK Higher Education International & Europe Unit, and the Leadership Foundation all meeting in London with members of the GCC to formulate the agenda, the Conference is set to provide some of the most substantial opportunities for international businesses in the education sector to create agreements; and strike up meaningful business partnerships with their Middle-Eastern counterparts.

With a resilient economy as its groundwork, striving to diversify from the oil and gas nature of the gulf society, the GCC Governments throughout the region are making huge headway in the design and implementation of enhanced and superior non-oil sectors. Significant amounts of investment and attention is now being paid to educational reforms and 'knowledge' economies, with the aim of developing the human, social, research, software, technology and healthcare sectors; whilst also creating new opportunities for the corporate and private sector investments throughout the gulf states.

Identifying the source of their success to the enhancement of educational reform, the Middle-East region and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are embarking on an education strategy, promising to transform the current educational landscape within the entire region. With over 50 million students to provide for, a buoyant movement and a budget of over $50 Billion has been set out in advancing its human resources and making the Gulf one of the most knowledge-driven regions in the world.

Giving particular focus to K12, Higher Education and Research & Development, they are progressing in academic infrastructure and educational facilities that will educate and strengthen future workforces.
A key objective for each country is the investing in and retaining of internal talent.

Taking place on the 28th & 29th May 2012 at Hilton Metropole Hotel, the decision to host Gulf Education in London comes at a time when trade and business collaborations between the UK and the Gulf are becoming increasingly important. With the GCC wishing to enrich its strong bi-lateral ties even further across the world, increasing trade and boosting exports, special importance has been placed on cultural and educational links.

Bringing together some of the best senior level decision makers, key industry education providers and top officials from around the world, Gulf Education Conference & Exhibition will not just be a dynamic two-day event that provides inspiring presentations and learning opportunities, but a strategic platform for generating business. Academic exchanges, Research funding & partnerships, opportunities to set up campuses off shore and student recruitment are just some of the areas the packed agenda of presentations, workshops, case studies, expert insight, networking sessions, exhibition and individual
1-2-1 private meetings will cover.

The first event, Qatar Education 2011 held in June this year, had an overwhelming response, attracting prestigious sponsors and high profile attendees alike. The specialised conference programme took place in London, and provided a solid foundation for Qatari delegates and international participants to enter discussions and form partnerships. Significant interest and feedback from UK and international attendees highlighted a strong demand for next year's event to widen its geographical remit in order that institutions and educational partners might expand their discussions and possible presence throughout the Gulf region. Organically, the event has become Gulf Education Conference & Exhibition 2012 and will act as a showcase to the commitment and investment of Education within the Gulf countries to an extensive well-targeted global audience.

Support for the event has been far-reaching with positive backing from the British Council, UK Higher Education International & Europe Unit, Supreme Education Council of Qatar, British Expertise, GEMS Educations, The leadership Foundation, The Middle-East Association and Qatar University.

Qatar University, one of the most prominent institutions for higher education in Qatar, was at the forefront of the previous event as leading sponsors. "Qatar Education has presented us opportunities to forge new academic partnerships; advance dialogue on sustainable knowledge-building and
knowledge-sharing; and echo the thrill of Qatar's educational scene beyond the region.
The deliberations were held at a remarkably high level, posing earnest and difficult questions, and offering stimulating insights on pressing issues. The attentive event-organization enabled Qatar University to reap the best results out of this conference and we look forward to the possibility of participating again in future years." said Zina Al-Azmeh - Director of External Relations, Qatar University.

The Supreme Education Council (SEC) of Qatar, who directs the nation's education policy, was influential speakers at Qatar Education. "Our participation in this conference has been good for the Supreme Education Council of Qatar, to share Qatar's educational reforms with other agencies, other universities and other countries." said Dr. Hamda Al-Sulaiti - Director, SEC

The Event aims to be one of the leading International specialised events in building strong global Educational partnerships, exchanging knowledge, best practices, strategy, advancements, among organisations committed to education and inspiring development within the Gulf.

Dr. Joanna Newman, Director of the UK Higher Education International Unit and part of the agenda committee feels: "this conference is an ideal opportunity to discuss greater co-operation across the higher education sector. Over 40 UK universities work in partnership with institutions across the Gulf region and this conference will enable further dialogue to develop a range of initiatives from collaborative research to delivering transnational education."
With the solid backing of the Conference, and the summit of a prestigious line-up of attendees, the event is ranked an important place to be next summer 2012.

For further information please visit: http://www.gulfeducation.co.uk or contact Mohammed Osman on + 44 (0)20 7036 3750, or via email mak@ebtelevision.com.

Contact: Mohamed Osman, Managing Director
Tel: +44 (0)20 7036 3758
Email: mak@gulfexhibitions.co.uk
Website: http://www.gulfeducation.com.uk