10 – 12 November 2026
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Dubai World Trade Centre Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 & 3
Baz Nijjar
Vice President – Education Technology & Digital Innovation – GEMS Education
Baz Nijjar is the Vice President of Education Technology and Digital Innovation at GEMS Education, one of the world’s largest private K–12 education providers. He leads AI, entrepreneurship, and edtech initiatives across 47 schools and 150,000 students. Baz pioneered the UAE’s first school-based industry internship programmes and integrated emerging technologies such as XR, AI, and esports into K–12 education, as well as leading the partnerships, digital and innovation strategy for GEMS School of Research and Innovation. He co-created investment-backed student incubators and is now driving the GEMS Global Education AI Hub—designed to empower the next generation of innovators, researchers, and unicorn founders. His work embeds real-world relevance, industry partnerships, and future-ready tools into every layer of learning.
Speaker Sessions
Creative Futures: Education for the Next Economy
1978
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Panel Session: The Role of Creative Education in Future-Proofing Careers
Session Summary:
This panel will explore how creative education prepares students for emerging careers, emphasizing digital innovation, media, and entrepreneurship. It will feature experts from academia and industry who can provide diverse perspectives on bridging education with industry needs.
Speakers:
Dr. Carlos Montana
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Program Coordinator - New Media Design - Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai
Baz Nijjar
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Vice President – Education Technology & Digital Innovation – GEMS Education
Dr Tim Hughes
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Director of Academic Quality Assurance & School Improvement - Bloom Education
Professor Subia Mojib
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Adjunct Professor in Art History at RIT - American University of Dubai & Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai
Muna Al Falasi
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Director, Esports & Games Strategy - Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism
Gaming@GESS
1986
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The Impact of Embracing Immersive Technologies in Education
Session Summary:
Immersive technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) are reshaping the educational experience — turning passive learning into active exploration. This session examines how embracing these tools can deepen understanding, increase engagement, and expand access to learning opportunities. From virtual field trips to interactive simulations, discover how immersive tech is not just enhancing education — it’s transforming it. Join this session to:
Assess the pedagogical benefits of immersive technologies in promoting experiential and inquiry-based learning
Identify key platforms and tools that support AR/VR integration across various subjects and grade levels
Design inclusive immersive learning experiences that accommodate diverse learners and accessibility needs
Evaluate the long-term impact of immersive technologies on student engagement, retention, and skill development
Speakers:
Baz Nijjar
|
Vice President – Education Technology & Digital Innovation – GEMS Education
Categories:
AI and EdTech
Gaming and Gamification in Education
EdTech in Action
1609
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Beyond Bots: Purpose-Driven AI in Schools — aligning tech with humanity
Session Summary:
How might artificial intelligence go beyond bots to become a force for purpose, humanity and meaningful learning in our schools? In this high-impact session, attendees will see how AI-in-action is already reshaping education: from the promise of adaptive learning pathways and real-time analytics to industry-linked micro-challenges and teacher-empowering platforms. The focus is on aligning technology with the uniquely human dimensions of education — empathy, creativity, critical thinking and purpose. Participants will walk away with a clear, high-level understanding to embed AI in their school — ensuring that technology serves humanity, not the other way round. We will highlight practical examples of AI in action, explore risks around ethics, bias and equity, and provide actionable steps for embedding AI in a way that deepens, rather than diminishes, the human element of education.
Speakers:
Baz Nijjar
|
Vice President – Education Technology & Digital Innovation – GEMS Education
Categories:
AI and EdTech
// GESS EDUCATION INSIGHTS
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