10 – 12 November 2026
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Dubai World Trade Centre Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 & 3
Fiona McKenzie
Head of Education - Carfax Education
Leading an international education consultancy from Dubai, Fiona is a trusted advisor for many families and aspiring students, providing an invaluable compass through the complex landscape of education options and opportunities.
Fiona has dedicated her career to education over the last 30 years and is a highly regarded and trusted figure in the field - often sought after as a keynote speaker at conferences and a media spokesperson, she regularly shares her insights and strategies with educators, students, and parents alike. Fiona is the Head Consultant for a global private schools guide, titled The Schools Index, and also stands as a highly recommended advisor in the Spear’s 500 Index.
Renowned for her impartial, tailored and unmatched guidance, Fiona has positively inspired a new generation of learners to embrace their educational journey with confidence and enthusiasm.
Speaker Sessions
Creative Futures: Education for the Next Economy
1978
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Armchair chat with Jan Horn and Fiona McKenzie
Speakers:
Jan Horn
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Managing Director - SAE University College, Dubai
Panel Session: The Future of Education and Learning Environments
Session Summary:
A diverse panel of speakers will share their insights on the future, including the skills and knowledge needed moving forward. What future learning environments might look like, and whether current educational approaches are innovative enough to prepare students for the workforce.
Malakeh El Haj
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Vice President - Knowledge and Innovation - Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation
Categories:
Leadership and Professional Development
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UAE Skills Economy
Session Summary:
This session will take the form of a fireside chat exploring the skills economy and the current state of skills in the UAE. Drawing on research and data from the Massar Al Ghurair Program of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, the discussion will examine emerging skills identified through labor market insights, what these trends mean for higher education institutions and employers, and the key priorities for upskilling youth to prepare them for a rapidly evolving job market. The conversation will also delve into the concept of the skills economy and the growing shift toward skills-based hiring.
Speakers:
Mona Ghander
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VP-Partnerships and Programs - Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation
From Classrooms to Careers: Equipping Children for Higher Education and Beyond
Session Summary:
Fiona will provide educators with actionable strategies to support children as they transition into higher education and prepare for life beyond the classroom. This talk includes: - Building Academic Foundations - Emotional Resilience - Practical Skills for Independence - Future-Focused Perspectives.
