Higher Education MENA 2016 conference to host dialogue on improving student employability in the GCC
Higher education institutions in the region and beyond are facing increasing pressure to produce employment ready graduates. With youth unemployment is around 25% in the GCC which is almost double the global average, this figure is partly attributed to students not possessing the required skills for employment after graduation as well as students studying programmes that are not required by the market. *
It is on this backdrop that the 2nd Higher Education MENA conference will to take place from 22 - 23 November 2016 at the Conrad Hotel, Dubai. With the theme 'Creating a dynamic and competitive higher education sector in the Middle East', the event will host lively dialogue around structuring competitive curriculum for high quality workforce ready graduates as well as highlight how institutions can align education output with national and regional labour market needs for greater regional impact.
The conference will again feature leading voices from regional and international higher education institutions who will tackle pertinent issues that impact the success of the sector. Featured speakers include Ministry representatives and accreditation agencies who are working towards raising education standards in the Middle East to increase research capacity and enhanced graduate mobility. Notable speakers include H.E Dr Thani Al Mehairi of the National Qualifications Authority; Dr Warren Fox of Dubai Knowledge; Paul Fear from the British Accreditation Council; and Nadia Badrawi, President of the Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education .
Prominent universities from the region will participate on the speaking panel, sharing their experiences as well as insight into how they are working towards bridging the gap between industry and academics. These include Dr Lance de Masi, President, American University in Dubai; Wadiah Atiyah, CEO, Laureate International Universities MENA Region; Dr Ron Bradfield, Director, Strathclyde Business School; Prof Ammar Kaka, Head of Campus & Executive Dean Heriot Watt University; and Dr Yoused Al Assaf, President of the Rochester Institute of Technology among many others.
The two day event will also focus on how the higher education sector can harness technology for efficient operations as well as for improving student outcomes. Establishing accreditation frameworks for improved global standing, the internationalisation of higher education and operating successful branch campuses will also be on discussion at the conference. Attended by ministries, regulators, investors, educators, entrepreneurs and solution providers, the event will offer a platform for all higher education stakeholders in the GCC to exchange dialogue and set the pace for improving higher education outcomes.
*Arabian Business.com, University challenge: UAE's education chief Dr Ahmad Belhoul, 24 June 2016
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EdEx MENA focuses on facilitating business development and partnership opportunities for companies that serve the private education community in the Middle East and North Africa.
The event unites the entire market - bringing together senior representatives of entities involved in regulating, financing, leading, equipping and improving private education delivery in emerging markets, from Kindergarten and K-12, through to Higher and Vocational and onwards to online, distance and blended models.
Hosting 4 targeted conferences (Education Investment MENA, K-12 Leaders Forum MENA , Future Education Spaces MENA, Higher Education MENA) , a combined networking space and dedicated meeting services, EdEx is the essential platform for any organisation looking to expand their education businesses in MENA.
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© Press Release 2016
