Gulf News Edufair opens in Dubai to showcase global university options

Hundreds of UAE students gathered at the Shangri-La Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road on Friday, 2 October, for the opening day of the Gulf News Edufair Dubai. the three-day event, which runs until Sunday, 4 October, serves as a recruitment and orientation hub for pupils from the country’s top schools exploring undergraduate and postgraduate pathways. STEM and Business lead student interest Early attendance data from the opening day indicates a high concentration of interest in technology and engineering disciplines. Students from institutions including English Language School Dubai and JSS Private School reported focusing on specific programmes in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and computer science. Traditional business streams, including finance, management, and marketing, also saw significant engagement during the initial sessions. Year 13 students Aaima Raja and Khadija Ahmad of English Language School Dubai noted that the event allowed them to compare local cybersecurity and business management offerings against international opportunities. Similarly, Haya Maneesh, a science-stream student from JSS Private School, used the platform to vet electrical engineering programmes, while her peer, Eva Talgaonkar, explored LLB options in Australia. Expanding career pathways The 2026 edition of the fair arrives as UAE schools report a diversification in student career interests. Alma Raju, Secondary Senior Teacher in AI at Springdales School Dubai, noted that modern subject…