Muscat: The Ministry of Education, through the Vocational Guidance and Student Counselling Centre and the Directorate-General of Private Schools, is taking part in the 24th Global Higher Education Exhibition (GEDEX 2025). This event is taking place at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) in Muscat from April 7 to April 9, 2025.
The exhibition was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Rahma bint Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation. She, along with other attendees, explored the exhibition and learned about the educational services offered by the participating universities and colleges.
This year’s exhibition features 90 educational institutions from both local and international backgrounds, aimed at assisting students and their parents in exploring academic opportunities and understanding various educational pathways through direct engagement with the institutions present.
The annual GHEDEX exhibition showcases a dedicated area for local and international universities, a section for technical education and vocational training (TRENEX), an Edu-X area for private, international, and boarding schools, as well as an Edu-Tech section focused on educational technologies and resources.
Additionally, the exhibition hosts the GHEDEX Innovation in Education Conference, along with training sessions, interactive discussions, student projects from schools and universities, the GHEDEX Excellence Awards, a youth community area, and events that blend education with entertainment, including robotics, drone technology, and the GHEDEX Student Talents showcase.
Concerning the Ministry of Education's involvement in the exhibition, Sheikh Yaqoub Al-Shuhimi, Director-General of the Vocational Guidance and Student Counselling Centre, stated: "The Vocational Guidance and Student Counseling Centre is engaged in a variety of educational initiatives across professional, psychological, and social domains, as well as in scientific, literary, and artistic activities. This includes the participation of 36 student companies from both public and private schools, allowing attendees to gain insights into local and international academic and professional trends that will aid them in selecting their educational programs and specializations based on future opportunities."
The Directorate-General of Private Schools is also taking part in the exhibition to showcase the latest advancements in private school education, foster communication with various stakeholders in the sector, and present innovative practices and contemporary ideas that enhance educational quality.
Their participation features a dedicated section that emphasizes the contributions of private schools in the Sultanate of Oman. The exhibition highlights the newest curricula, modern teaching techniques, state-of-the-art educational facilities, and an engaging learning environment that meets the latest quality standards, thereby elevating the significance and essential role of this sector.
Additionally, this participation serves as a platform for open discussions among private schools, parents, educational institutions, and the private sector, promoting the exchange of ideas and the establishment of strategic partnerships that support the advancement of the education system.
Amro bin Abdullah Baabood, the CEO of Arabian House for Data Analysis, stated, “Through the organization of the World Higher Education Exhibition in all its iterations, our aim has been to establish it as a key platform that bolsters the education sector in the Sultanate of Oman. We strive to create an interactive space that unites students, parents, and educational institutions from both within and outside the Sultanate. The variety of associated events and activities, such as conferences, training workshops, and student projects, plays a significant role in advancing Oman Vision 2040, which focuses on high-quality education and fostering innovation in the educational landscape.”
He further expressed, “We are eager to welcome a selection of distinguished local and international educational institutions, contributing to the evolution of education and training in the Sultanate.”
Additionally, he remarked, “Enhancing our collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, and the Ministry of Labor is a crucial step in supporting the educational framework in Oman. This partnership will enable us to leverage the exhibition’s diverse activities, which are essential for developing students’ skills and equipping them for the job market.”
