(MENAFN Press) Sharjah, UAE, 10th October 2012:
Leading higher educational institutions taking part in the education fair in Sharjah are vying to offer a 'global education' experience that exposes students to people and ideas from around the world and prepares them to work in a multicultural environment.
Universities, business schools and other educational & professional training institutions are also featuring career-oriented programmes required by a fast-growing country that is focusing on sectors like trade, manufacturing, hospitality, finance and healthcare, among others, to drive its economic diversification programme.
The shows were opened by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, on October 10, 2012, in the presence of Ms. Khawla Al Mulla, Assistant Undersecretary for Activities and School Environment Policy, Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, and officials of various government departments. It will run until October 12 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
" I believe an event like the International Education Show can play a key role in preparing our youth by helping them choose the right higher education and technical training path to take up this formidable challenge," said Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa.
In its eighth edition, the International Education Show is featuring a host of innovative, high quality programmes that will be supplemented by excellent academic and welfare support by leading, local, regional and international educational institutions. Local campuses of reputable foreign universities also have an impressive presence at the show.
Besides, the Edutainment Show, which features the best in education technology and resources that can improve and enhance learning, is being held alongside the International Education Show. The debut Edutainment Show will ride on the technology revolution that is sweeping schools across the globe and the UAE and region.
Aiming to help enhance learning by increasing engagement, interaction, motivation and feedback with positive learning outcomes, the Edutainment Show is offering insights for educators and education professionals into cost-effective procurement, integration and use of developing technology solutions, modern equipment and special service providers.
During the three-day International Education Show, visitors can expect to meet representatives of more than 70 higher education institutions from all over the world, including India, Malaysia, Oman, Jordan, the US, the UK and the UAE.
"These days, universities and other educational institutions prefer talking directly to potential students, exploring collaborations, exchanges & twinning degrees, and having permanent/temporary representatives in prospective countries to highlight their strengths and attractiveness. The International Education Show has become a chosen platform for top institutions to cater to the rising pool of students seeking to pursue higher studies," said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.
The demand for higher education is set to rise further in the UAE given that school enrollments are healthy due to the emphasis on the education sector by the country's leadership. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, there are nearly 727,918 students enrolled in about 1,276 public and private schools across the UAE for the 2012-2013 academic year. In the federal budget for 2012, out of the total Dhs 41.4 billion, Dhs 8.2 billion had been allocated for education.
"Of late, there are more takers for globally accepted programmes and courses, thus attracting many foreign higher education institutions to explore joint ventures and open campuses here. Those foreign institutions that are already present in the country are constantly upgrading their offerings to students, while local universities are holding fort with tie-ups, new courses and campus expansions," added Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.
Federal higher education institutions have also seen a rise in student in-take this academic year, with a total of 14,570 students being offered places as against last year's 11,532, an increase of 26 per cent.
Apart from leading local and international institutions, the International Education Show will feature workshops, seminars and counseling sessions, while lucky students can win two MBA programmes from IIMTS-Sharjah.
While Education show is open daily from 9am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm, Edutainment Show is open from 10am to 8pm on 10th and 11th October. On Friday, both the shows will be open from 4 pm to 8pm.
