10 – 12 November 2026
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Dubai World Trade Centre Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 & 3
Dean Riley
General Manager - Absolute Adventure Education
Dean Riley is an education leader with a passion for using the outdoors as a powerful classroom. Currently serving as General Manager of Absolute Adventure Education, Dean's team connects people of all ages with the UAE’s unique mountains, deserts, and coastline, creating programmes that span from sustainability and cultural learning to personal growth, leadership, and self-confidence.
Before joining Absolute Adventure, Dean spent six years at Expo City Dubai, where he led education and cultural programmes across Expo 2020 Dubai and Expo City Dubai. He developed landmark initiatives with the Expo School Programme, Next Gen World Majlis, and Hundred Hives, engaging over 1.5 million students in cutting-edge sustainability and innovation experiences.
With a background as a Physics teacher in the UK and UAE, and academic credentials including a BSc in Physics with Space Science & Technology, a PGCE in Secondary Physics, and an MBA in Educational Leadership, Dean blends classroom expertise with strategic leadership. His career has consistently focused on making science, sustainability, and exploration engaging, accessible, and impactful.
Beyond his professional roles, Dean is an avid adventurer — from skiing and powerboating to stargazing and leading biodiversity expeditions. Whether designing outdoor programmes, speaking at global education forums, or building hands-on science experiences, his mission is to inspire curiosity and resilience.
Speaker Sessions
GESS Talks Live
1628
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Panel Session: Making Schools Sustainable: Actionable Steps
Session Summary:
Schools have the power to lead the way in sustainability. This session will equip you with practical steps to reduce environmental impact, cut waste, and improve energy efficiency. Learn from experts who are making a real difference and walk away with actionable strategies to create lasting change in your school.
Speakers:
Edd Moore
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Environment Education Consultant - Eco Edd
Edward Pearce
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Director - Fairgreen International School
Alan Smith
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Founder - Nature Wave and Sustainability Lead, Jebel Ali School
Dean Riley
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General Manager - Absolute Adventure Education
Peter Milne
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Founder and Director - Target4Green Educational Consultancy & Training Ltd
Categories:
Sustainability
Sustainability & Wellbeing
1610
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Classroom Without Walls: Learning from the UAE’s Wild Side
Session Summary:
From the rugged peaks of the Hajar Mountains to the quiet resilience of the desert ghaf tree, the UAE is alive with lessons waiting to be discovered. This talk explores how nature itself becomes the most powerful classroom - boosting wellbeing, sparking creativity, and cultivating environmental stewardship. We’ll highlight remarkable species and ecosystems unique to the UAE and share practical ways teachers can harness outdoor learning, whether on campus or in the wild, with simple tips on safety and risk management. It’s about turning every encounter with nature into an opportunity to learn, reflect, and care.
Speakers:
Dean Riley
|
General Manager - Absolute Adventure Education
Categories:
Sustainability
// GESS EDUCATION INSIGHTS
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