"For years the UAE has consistently allocated a significant portion of its budget to education, which it considers a long-term investment to help secure the future of its economy. GETEX's network of world-class educational institutions and extensive pedagogical resources provide a platform to advance the government's growth plans in the education sector and enhance its literacy campaign. There is no substitute for an educated and skilled population in forming a strong foundation for the economic development of the country," said Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, IC&E, which organized the event.


In 2006, the UAE education budget rose by 13% to US$7 billion; at 35% - for public and higher education - it was the highest allocation to any sector for the year, according to research group Madar Research. Correspondingly, the UAE Ministry of Higher Education has aggressively acted on the federal government's passionate concern for education by introducing forward-thinking initiatives. Among them is "Education Vision 2020", a twenty-year program launched in 2000 that has set the country's strategies for educational development over four five-year plans ending in 2020.


"Education Vision 2020 has primarily been established to restructure and improve the country's educational system so that it can effectively address the distinct challenges of the society and the country's economy. This government program also seeks to create a learning environment that is conducive to creativity and innovation. GETEX provides an excellent venue to help realize these objectives as it brings high-quality educational options and a wide range of academic support services to the country from the world's most trusted educational institutions," said Godinho.


Madar Research has noted that there is a corresponding need to encourage more students to avail themselves of the educational amenities pushed by the government. GETEX has been designed to address this issue as it offers specially packaged educational options that suit various preferences.


"Of the 500 + exhibitors at GETEX Dubai 2007, over 350 were in the Education & Student Recruitment segment, representing a diverse mix of top-tier learning centers from all over the world," said Godinho.ý


GETEX also served as an important trade center where public and private sector buyers had access to the latest learning technologies and didactic material through the Education Technology segment. Another segment, Corporate Training, which debuted only last year, offered an ideal forum for human resource development and professional enhancement.


GETEX was supported by the region's biggest ensemble of institutes of higher education, the British Council, Agence EduFrance, Canadian Consulate, OSEC Business Network Switzerland, the Italian Embassy, the German Academic Exchange Service, Enterprise Ireland, Malta Enterprise, and the South African Embassy.