Bett Middle East to address latest trends, challenges and advancements

Bett Middle East, a leading global education technology exhibition and congress series, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and Microsoft, is gearing up to host several illustrious speakers from global organizations and regional governmental entities for its second edition on 25-26th April 2017.

To be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the two-day event will take place at the Dusit Thani and welcome 1,600 education policy makers, leaders and experts from over 35 countries to address the latest trends, challenges and advancements in education and innovation, with a distinct focus on the Middle East and Africa. The event offers educators and education professionals a platform to network with government officials, education leaders and brands at the forefront of educational transformation.

The Bett Middle East Leadership Summit will witness regional senior education leaders and esteemed global speakers come together under a theme of "Igniting Excitement through Innovation in Learning". Featuring keynote addresses, discussions and debates on a wide range of topics affecting educational transformation, the Summit will include the latest trends in STEM education, educational equality and access, employability and 21st century skills, and big data.

"As part of ADEC’s ambition to offer quality education for students across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and in efforts to graduate a competent and well-equipped workforce of pioneers with experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, the education council continues to seek some of the best trends in education as per 21st century teaching and learning skills," commented Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Education Council’s (ADEC).

He further explained that ADEC’s partnership with Bett provides unlimited knowledge and networking opportunities, thus bringing about latest trends in education, technology and employability.

"Education systems around the world are constantly undergoing reform and innovation in order to keep up with a competitive workforce. I look forward to witnessing the different discussions at Bett Middle East 2017 and aspire that core competencies in education will be highlighted, with focus on collaboration, digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem solving; all part of 21st century teaching and learning skills."

Microsoft, as a worldwide partner to Bett, will bring inspiring content that shares next generation ideas and innovative technology-led classroom practices in the Middle East, Africa and the world. Attending educators and school leaders will gain access to Microsoft’s wide range of talk tracks and sessions built on driving digital transformation in the classrooms and redefine learning experiences.

Anthony Salcito, Vice President, Worldwide Education at Microsoft, in his keynote for the second consecutive year at Bett Middle East will be sharing Microsoft’s view on what Digital Transformation means for education institutions and how schools can truly improve learning outcomes through a strong foundation and lasting vision that is powered by technology.

"Digital transformation is often shortsighted and seen specific to technology with focus on acquiring computers, whiteboards or even electronic books. But its far more than that - it’s about the way in which people teach and learn." Said Ahmed Ameen Ashour, Education Director, Microsoft Gulf. "Microsoft believes schools must envision how to improve learning outcomes and curricula that can empower students with the skills they need for future. And Bett Middle east is incredible platform for us to drive this conversation and share how we can truly transform experiences for teachers and students to achieve more."

Within this year’s Bett Middle East Expo, an exhibition of ground-breaking companies showcasing innovative solutions with the ability to transform teaching spaces, is the Learn Live theatre. This programme will feature seminars, practical demonstrations and presentations that have been curated to address the pressing questions in the minds of educators across the Middle East and to help them develop their skills. In light of this year’s theme, Learn Live will include a new series of student-led sessions.

Another addition to Bett this year, are the BETT Middle East Awards, a celebration of the individuals, institutions and organisations inspiring educational excellence.