Gulf News Edufair 2026 Highlights Shift in Education Priorities

May 16, 2026

66 min

May 16, 2026 11:30

“Education without skills is just expensive tourism”

## Changing Priorities in Education

At the Gulf News Edufair 2026 in Dubai, experts emphasized a shift in how students approach education abroad. The focus is moving from prestigious university names to practical considerations like employability and skills.

## Key Insights from the Panel

During a panel discussion, Gagandeep Singh from Y-Axis highlighted the importance of practical exposure and immigration pathways in education decisions. Ritu Kelwani of Score Plus Education stressed the need for a "best fit" approach over mere rankings.

Abheet Bharti from GuideMe noted that students are increasingly aware of industry changes due to AI and automation, prompting them to seek future-proof careers. He emphasized the necessity of acquiring globally transferable skills.

Tejas Labhshetwar of Gyanberry advised comparing study destinations based on practical factors such as tuition fees and work rights, rather than emotional appeal.

## Regional and Global Trends

The panel also discussed how different countries excel in specific fields, with Germany being popular for engineering and the US for computer science. They noted that UAE universities are becoming more competitive, offering global education with local relevance.

## Financial Considerations

Panelists urged families to consider the full financial picture, including accommodation and visa costs, when planning education abroad. Singh pointed out that co-op programs and post-study work opportunities enhance the return on investment for students.

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