AI and Innovation Shape Future of Learning at Dubai’s 2025 Education Summit
Dubai, UAE: The Economic Times Annual Education Summit – The Middle East 2025 took place on October 8 at the Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel, uniting education leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the future of learning in an AI-driven world. The summit, themed “The Learning Leap: AI-First Education for the Future,” served as a platform for collaboration and insight, aimed at empowering educational institutions and learners to adapt to a rapidly evolving landscape.
The event commenced with an inaugural ceremony featuring His Excellency Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, who delivered a special address. Keynote speeches were presented by Dr. Eesa Mohammed Al Bastaki, President of the University of Dubai, and Dominic Tomalin, Founding Headmaster of Shrewsbury International School, India. Their insights set a forward-thinking tone for discussions centered on technology, innovation, and the future of education.
Powerful Conversations and Global Voices
The summit attracted a diverse group of delegates from universities, K-12 institutions, edtech companies, and government bodies across the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. The packed sessions underscored the region’s commitment to establishing itself as a global education hub through innovation and collaboration.
One of the most impactful discussions was the Mega Panel on Centres of Excellence: Positioning the Middle East as a Global Education Destination. This panel featured thought leaders such as Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, and Prof. Ammar Kaka, President of Curtin University Dubai. The dialogue emphasized the significance of cross-border collaboration and technology-enabled excellence in driving research and student success.
In discussing the evolving landscape of education, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suhaimi Ariffin, President of the National University of Malaysia in Qatar, noted that collaboration between universities can take various forms, including establishing franchises and offshore campuses. He emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge beyond geographical boundaries.
National Skills Frameworks for the AI Economy
Another notable session, titled National Skills Frameworks for the AI Economy, featured leaders such as Amina Al Marzouqi from the University of Sharjah and Randa Bessiso from the University of Manchester – Middle East Centre. They explored strategies for developing agile, AI-ready workforces equipped for the digital economy.
The School Education Track generated significant discussions on emerging pedagogies, with sessions like “From Rote to Real: Reimagining Learning for the AI Age” and “Teacher Training 2.0: Building AI-Confident Educators.” Regional education leaders, including Glen Radojkovich from Cognita Schools and Poonam Bhojani from Innoventures Education, actively participated in these discussions.
Bhojani highlighted the evolving role of teachers in the age of AI, stating that AI should empower educators by automating routine tasks, allowing them to focus on nurturing students’ learning and growth.
Exclusive Fireside Chat with Vivek Anand Oberoi
A major highlight of the summit was an exclusive fireside chat with actor and entrepreneur Vivek Anand Oberoi, titled “Empowering the Next Generation: Education, Innovation, and the Future of Work.” In this segment, Oberoi shared his personal experiences and reflections on education as a driver of purpose and progress.
He discussed the transformative impact of AI on the educational landscape, emphasizing the need for innovation-led universities that bridge traditional degrees with the startup ecosystem. Oberoi’s insights resonated deeply with the audience, adding a human touch to the technology-focused discussions of the day.
ETEducation Excellence Awards Gala Ceremony
The summit concluded with the ETEducation Excellence Awards Gala Ceremony, recognizing institutions and individuals who have made significant contributions to innovation and excellence in education. Among the distinguished winners were Curtin University Dubai for Excellence in Global Collaboration, Gulf Medical University for Outstanding Contribution to Health Sciences Education, and Innoventures Education for Innovation in K-12 Learning.
The awards celebrated visionaries who are redefining the learning experience through innovation, inclusion, and impact.
A Transformative Platform for Global Collaboration
The Economic Times Annual Education Summit – The Middle East 2025 emerged as a vital confluence of ideas, where academia, industry, and policy converged to shape a shared vision for the future of learning. The overwhelming participation and dynamic energy of attendees reaffirmed the commitment to fostering platforms that drive thought leadership, cross-border collaboration, and innovation in education.
As reported by education.economictimes.indiatimes.com.
Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section.
Published on 2025-10-31 11:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk