DUBAI – The UAE education sector now accounts for approximately 24 percent of total government expenditure and is estimated at a market size of $7.3 billion, according to recent studies. A report, titled ‘Education Sector in UAE to 2016' and published by ReportLinker said that due to its promising growth prospects, the UAE is fast becoming a hot destination for foreign education organizations as well as investors interested in seeking opportunities in the higher education sector. Globalization is also a key factor leading to the entry of several international players keen on providing quality education as per international standards, according to the report. Reflecting the impressive education opportunities available in the country, the seventh edition of NAJAH, Education, Training and Careers Fair has seen an increase in the number of international pavilions taking part, including those from Australia, Malaysia, USA and for the first time Japan. Taking place October 29-31 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, NAJAH focuses on career, training and education opportunities for school-leavers and fresh graduates contemplating their future career direction and educational aspirations.
Yuji Kawamoto from the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), a non-profit organization promoting Japanese education and the central figure at the Japanese Pavilion, said: “We will host 10 to 15 universities from Japan that will use NAJAH as a platform to promote Japanese education and create awareness about our country's premier universities and courses.” “JICE had recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) to promote Japan as a study destination for UAE nationals. Subsequently, ADEC and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research recommended to us this opportunity to take part in NAJAH and we are very excited to be involved for the first time.” Khurram Saeed, NAJAH Exhibition Director, said: “As the higher education sector continues to grow every year, the UAE is witnessing an increase in demand for private schools which impart quality education according to international standards. NAJAH provides a great opportunity for organizations to enter this dynamic market and capitalize on the growing education sector.” Other prominent institutions on the local front taking part in NAJAH this year will be Abu Dhabi University, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, American University of Sharjah, Masdar Institute, ACTVET, American University in the Emirates, Al Ain University, University of Jazeera and many more. Now in its seventh year, NAJAH is particularly popular among UAE nationals. In 2012, 69 percent of all visitors to the show were Emiratis, the vast majority either school-leavers or recent graduates who came to explore future opportunities in education and career advancement from more than 140 universities, training institutions, and employing organisations. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth & Development, NAJAH is supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Abu Dhabi Education Council, and sponsored by ALHOSN University, Ajman University of Science and Technology, Berkeley Middle East and Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) The three-day event is the largest education exhibition for local and international universities and training institutions interested in driving their student recruitment activities in the region. Further information about NAJAH can be found at www.najahonline.com. — SG
