Education Investment MENA 2026

Education Investment MENA is Informa Connect's conference for the business side of education, co-located with GESS Dubai at Dubai World Trade Centre. It brings ministries, regulators, investors, school groups, universities and entrepreneurs together to discuss how capital, policy and new models can widen access and raise quality from early years to lifelong learning.

What's covered

Sessions focus on private education across early years, K-12, tertiary and TVET.

• National education strategies such as the UAE's 10-year framework and Dubai's E33
• Market entry models, due diligence and CAPEX-OPEX planning
• Raising capital and the role of private equity in education
• Cross-border and transnational education, including UK heritage school brands
• Higher education as a magnet for global talent
• A StartUp Spotlight session

New for 2026: Design & Build in Education

A third day, on 12 November, is dedicated to school development across the GCC, bringing investors and operators together with architects, consultants, contractors, technology providers and fit-out specialists.

Who attends

C-suite leaders from investment firms, school owners and operators, senior academics and government education bodies. Confirmed speakers include leaders from Aldar Education, Taaleem, Inspired Education, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Curtin University Dubai and Outcomes First Group.

Key figures

The organizer cites 300+ qualified attendees, 55+ speakers and 25+ countries represented, with 80% of attendees being education investors, operators and business owners.

Tickets & passes

• Premium Delegate Pass — USD 659: 2-day pass for school owners, operators and investors; early bird price plus 5% VAT (regular USD 759); includes 1-year Streamly content access
• Educator Pass: For school owners, operators and investors
• Consultant Pass: For consultants, suppliers and service providers
• Educator Pass – Education Investment MENA and Saudi: Combined pass for school owners, operators and investors