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New for 2024 - Gaming@GESS invites educators to explore top suppliers in gamification, game-based learning, and esports. Discover how gaming boosts student engagement and growth through demos, sessions, panels, and student-led tournaments.
TUE 12 NOVEMBER
I have witnessed the growth and adoption of XR across several industries; I firmly believe that this technology, coupled with gaming, can be a paradigm shift for education. As this is a reasonably new technology, there are limited empirical studies; I want to show that it is not outside the realm of possibility that XR can be a paradigm shift for education, as it has been for many industries.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Michael Bradbury | Director of Education | The CEAThis presentation explores how immersive technologies and gamification are revolutionising architecture and design education by enhancing engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. Virtual Reality (VR) and gamification create interactive, hands-on learning experiences, making complex design concepts accessible and engaging. In architecture, VR enables students to explore and manipulate virtual environments, gaining practical skills in spatial planning and design visualisation. Gamified elements, such as design challenges and rewards, motivate students to iterate and improve their projects. The presentation will shed light on two main courses “DDFT 373 – Virtual Designs” and “DDFT 473 – Virtual Environments” that delve into the dynamic integration of these technologies, shaping a new era of educational excellence in design.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Dr Georges Kachaamy | Director of the Center for Research, Innovation, and Design (CRID) | American University in Dubai (AUD)Explore how gamification elements and tools can help increase the students' engagement and share interest with students which will lead to more effective T&L
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Amjad Abu Hilal | Senior Technology and eLearning Manager | Queen Rania Teacher AcademyRevolutionising Education with Gaming Esports in education explores how competitive gaming is reshaping learning environments. By integrating esports into education, students develop critical skills like teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving in a way that resonates with their digital lives. This approach not only enhances engagement but also opens new pathways for career readiness and personal growth.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Tai Paschall | Digital Education & AI SpecialistThis talk explores how esports is transforming education, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. We will dive into how international schools can leverage the growing esports ecosystem to engage students, build teamwork, and create new opportunities for growth and learning, both academically and socially.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Mark Ryan | PYP Coordinator | Gems World AcademyBusiness education often needs assistance to encapsulate the multifaceted experience of running a real business within a traditional classroom setting. While workshops and lectures cover theoretical aspects, they seldom integrate these into a cohesive, practical experience. This talk explores how simulation games can bridge this gap by offering a comprehensive platform where students can apply business concepts in a dynamic, interactive environment. Discover the transformative potential of gamified learning as we delve into how these tools simplify complex business concepts and enhance students' understanding. Importantly, they do so in a risk-free setting, where students can manage virtual enterprises without fear, gaining confidence and reassurance in their skills. Also, while having fun.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Kunal Oogorah | Game Design Director | VisionariesIntegrating esports into K-12 education transforms traditional learning by significantly boosting student engagement, improving STEM outcomes, and expanding career readiness in fields like game design and digital content creation. This presentation will share strategies for curriculum integration, partnerships with industry experts, and fostering balanced gaming through health and wellness education. Attendees will gain insights into real-world applications, supportive policies, and community involvement. Leave with actionable strategies to start or enhance esports programs in their school, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that prepares students for the 21st century.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Dr Emanuel Vincent | Consultant | Pinkgrape ConsultingExplore how ForClassmates, an innovative online educational platform from the Czech Republic, leverages gamification to transform learning experiences. We will demonstrate how integrating question-based learning with an engaging jumping game can boost student motivation and retention. Discover the future of interactive education and how combining gameplay with academic content can make learning both fun and effective.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Marek Liška | CEO | ForClassmatesWED 13 NOVEMBER
Dubai aims to establish itself as a global gaming hub through the “Dubai Program for Gaming 2033,” which fosters innovation, supports developers, and attracts global tech companies. The MENA gaming market, valued at $2.8 billion, continues to grow, with over 80 million gamers and notable year-on-year resilience. Dubai is leveraging this growth by offering a favorable business environment with 100% foreign ownership, political stability, and strong global connectivity. By 2033, Dubai plans to create 30,000 jobs in gaming and contribute $930 million annually to its GDP, positioning itself as a key player in the future of the global gaming industry.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Faisal Kazim | Director of Future Foresight | Dubai Future FoundationLanguage : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Baz Nijjar | Vice President - Education Technology and Digital Innovation | GEMS Education
Mayank Dhingra | Senior Education Business Leader | HP Inc.
Muna Al Falasi | Director - Esports & Games Strategy | Dubai Economy & Tourism
Madiha Naz | Gamer
Aliya Al Marzooqi | Student | Zayed UniversityThis session will dive into how GEMS Education is leading the way in esports and game design through its unique Esports and Game Design Academy. With the growing interest in competitive gaming, we are not only preparing students for future careers in the gaming industry but also fostering essential transferable life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. We’ll explore how our student-led initiatives have become the largest in the region and discuss the Academy’s role in bridging the gap between gaming, education, and career pathways, while also touching on our partnerships with industry leaders to provide students with real-world opportunities.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Baz Nijjar | Vice President - Education Technology and Digital Innovation | GEMS EducationI have witnessed the growth and adoption of XR across several industries; I firmly believe that this technology, coupled with gaming, can be a paradigm shift for education. As this is a reasonably new technology, there are limited empirical studies; I want to show that it is not outside the realm of possibility that XR can be a paradigm shift for education, as it has been for many industries.
Language : English
Topic : Curriculum
Michael Bradbury | Director of Education | The CEAHalf of us will need to reskill in the next five years, as the "double-disruption" of the economic impacts of the pandemic and increasing automation transforming jobs takes hold, per a report by the World Economic Forum.
Language : English
Topic : Higher Education / Vocational
Mayank Dhingra | Senior Education Business Leader | HP Inc.Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Michael Bradbury | Director of Education | The CEA
Lavina Punjabi | Lavina Punjabi, Sustainability Lead MEA | HP Inc Amjad Abu Hilal | Senior Technology and eLearning Manager | Queen Rania Teacher Academy Dr Georges Kachaamy | Director of the Center for Research, Innovation, and Design (CRID) | American University in Dubai (AUD)
Adveta Dwivedi | Head of Technology and Marketing | Gamers Hub Media and Events
Salama Binghalib | Student | American Academy for GirlsThe dangers of online games and the best practices to combat them.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
A walk through on the lessons we learned when developing our E-Sports programme at Hartland, highlighting the successes, failures and valuable lessons we learned that will help teachers as they look to launch their own.
Language : English
Topic : Curriculum
Niall Statham | Assistant Head Teacher | Hartland International SchoolDiscover how Quizizz goes beyond traditional gamification to create engaging, accessible learning experiences for all students. Learn about our powerful game mechanics that drive true learning, and explore our new Accommodations feature designed to support diverse learning needs. See how we're making education both fun and meaningful for every learner.
Language : English
Topic : Learning Environment
Arathy Kushalappa | Product Marketing Manager | QuizizzIn an AI-driven future, the world is changing so rapidly that ensuring our youth have the skills to thrive in this evolving economy is an existential challenge. As automation and technology reshape industries, the key question is: How do we teach the essential digital skills for jobs that don’t even exist yet? The engagement power of games holds the answer. By tapping into the immersive nature of game development, we can engage youth at scale, using the process of building games to teach not just software development but also design, digital art, project management, and marketing. This holistic approach equips the next generation with the tools for entrepreneurship and innovation, ensuring they are ready for the opportunities and challenges of the AI economy.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Matt Dalio | CEO | Endless StudiosMy key initiatives and contributions include: Enhanced Student Engagement: Utilizing game-based learning to capture students' interest and make learning more interactive and enjoyable. Motivation and Achievement: Implementing reward systems, leaderboards, and progress tracking to motivate students, encouraging them to achieve their academic goals. Skill Development: Designing gamified activities that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, essential skills for the 21st-century learner. Personalized Learning: Creating adaptive learning experiences that cater to individual student needs, allowing for personalized pathways to success. Positive Learning Environment: Fostering a classroom environment that is both challenging and supportive, where students feel confident to take risks and learn from failures.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Chris Walsh | Director of Sport | Kent College DubaiTHU 14 NOVEMBER
Gaming@GESS Founding Sponsor:
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, esports is emerging as a powerful tool to engage students and promote key skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation. This session will explore how integrating esports into the curriculum can provide meaningful learning experiences, foster teamwork, and inspire creativity. We will delve into practical strategies for schools to build thriving esports programs, emphasizing the importance of community partnerships. By collaborating with local businesses, universities, and professional esports organizations, schools can create a network of support that enhances student engagement and provides real-world opportunities. Participants will also discover how esports can bridge the gap between technology, education, and student engagement while fostering a culture of community-driven innovation.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Mark Ryan | PYP Coordinator | Gems World AcademyThis panel will explore the extensive impact of gaming in education, focusing on its role in developing skills and fostering teamwork. We will discuss the opportunities that gaming presents for future career pathways and examine the benefits of integrating gaming into today’s school curricula.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Michael Bradbury | Director of Education | The CEA Niall Statham | Assistant Head Teacher | Hartland International School Mark Ryan | PYP Coordinator | Gems World Academy
Jan Horn | Managing Director | SAE Creative Media InstituteThe Creative Economy is the fastest-growing Economic Sector around the globe. Like many other countries, the UAE has committed itself to transition to the Creative Economy as a driver of GDP growth. There is a general lack of information and understanding about the opportunities provided by this rapidly growing sector especially in areas of Animation, Film Production, Esports and Game Design, Audio Engineering etc.
Language : English
Topic : Innovative Methods / 21st Century Teaching
Jan Horn | Managing Director | SAE Creative Media InstituteI have witnessed the growth and adoption of XR across several industries; I firmly believe that this technology, coupled with gaming, can be a paradigm shift for education. As this is a reasonably new technology, there are limited empirical studies; I want to show that it is not outside the realm of possibility that XR can be a paradigm shift for education, as it has been for many industries.
Language : English
Topic : VR / AI / Robotics / Ed Tech
Michael Bradbury | Director of Education | The CEAJoin an engaging and personal presentation designed to empower educators with a deep understanding of how gaming can captivate, engage, and transform learners. Garry’s mission is to challenge the conventional approach to education and encourage the embrace of 'organized chaos' in project-based learning, moving away from the comfort of safe and predictable lessons. This personalized session will delve into real-world classroom examples, showing how gaming can spark excitement, foster engagement, and build essential skills in students. Garry will demonstrate why teachers shouldn’t fear letting their classrooms ‘get out of hand’ occasionally, as that’s often where the magic of learning truly happens. The goal is for teachers and leaders to leave with the confidence, skills, and resources to bring these innovative approaches to their own schools. Garry will guide you on how to create environments where students learn through exploration and failure, transforming education from something that’s simply delivered to something that’s deeply experienced. Get ready for a practical and reflective journey that encourages teachers to re-evaluate their current teaching methods, embrace change, and become the ambassador of change in their own schools.
Language : English
Topic : Digital / eLearning / Coding
Garry Hayes | K-12 Learning Lead - MENA | Endless Studios
The 18th edition of GESS Dubai returns in 2025 with an exhibition showcasing a wide range of educational products from suppliers from all corners of the world and a CPD accredited conference featuring high level speakers and innovative content.
Tuesday 11 November: 10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday 12 November: 10:00 - 18:00
Thursday 13 November: 10:00 - 17:00
We are here to answer any questions you might have.