International Schools Partnership Network 2026
Atlantis Hotel, Dubai
Where the Middle East unites to transform Education.
We’re excited to welcome you to a leadership event built around action, relevance, and regional impact.
2026, we unite visionary school leaders from across the Middle East to collaborate on the strategic challenges shaping international education.
ISPN ME isn’t a trade show – it’s a purpose-built space for genuine dialogue and practical learning. Designed in response to feedback from principals and directors, the event brings together the right people for meaningful peer-to-peer exchange.
Explore cutting-edge strategies around AI integration, teacher recruitment, KHDA directives, wellbeing, and inclusive excellence. Leave with new connections, proven frameworks, and fresh inspiration to lead your school into the future.
- KHDA update: Receive the latest guidance on KHDA’s evolving inspection framework, strategic priorities, and expectations for school leadership across the region.
- Integration & application of Edtech & AI: Discover how schools are adopting emerging technologies purposefully – with strategies to improve learning outcomes, reduce teacher workload, and ensure ethical, measurable implementation.
- Recruitment & retention: Explore innovative talent acquisition and retention models in response to growing teacher shortages. Learn how to build a strong pipeline and foster a school culture that keeps great staff.
- Student & teacher wellbeing: Identify evidence-based approaches to supporting wellbeing across the school community – from pastoral systems to data tracking and staff mental health frameworks.
- Inclusion – both SEN & for gifted students: Gain practical insights into inclusive education that addresses a wide range of learner needs, with tailored strategies for SEND, gifted, and neurodiverse pupils.
- Early years Arabic KHDA directive: Understand the compliance requirements around Arabic instruction in early years settings, and explore solutions to address the shortage of trained Arabic-speaking educators.
- Real-time answers to your challenges: world-class speakers, industry visionaries and innovative technology suppliers will be on hand to give you inspiration and advice you won’t get anywhere else.
- Peer-to-peer knowledge exchange: over 150 senior executives like you will be in the room ready to share their challenges and how they have overcome them.
- Transformative solutions: meet innovative suppliers ready to revolutionize your student learning outcomes.
- Expand your network meaningfully: forge relationships with senior leaders and build lasting relationships beyond the event.
- Get guaranteed face time with key decision makers: a minimum of 9 one-on-one meetings with senior leaders that are looking to invest in new solutions
- Connect with the public sector C-suite: take part in a range of formal and informal networking opportunities across the event
- Put your solution in the spotlight: present your solution on the main stage, in breakout areas, and during our popular Shark Tank speed presentation
- Maximise your ROI: event sponsorship includes branding, meals, and refreshments. No stand costs, no surprises – just a guaranteed return on investment
SPEAKERS
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Matt Lecuyer
Executive Principal and CEO
GEMS Winchester School Dubai -
Fiona Cottam
Principal
Hartland International School -
Sophie Barratt
Assistant Headteacher
DESS College -
Nargish Khambatta
Executive Vice President
GEMS Education -
Alan Willamson
CEO
Taaleem -
Ashwin Assomull
Head of Global Education Practice
LEK Consulting -
Poonam Bhojani
CEO
Innoventures Education -
Glen Radojkovich
Managing Director
Cognita -
Ritesh Dhanak
Chief Innovation and Digital Officer
GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai -
Sheldon Dias
Educational Supervisor
GEMS Education -
Sydney Atkins
Associate Principal
GEMS Education -
Preetha Unni
Exponential Technology Coach
GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai -
Annette Drake
Principal
Repton School Dubai -
Andrew Sargeant
Deputy Headteacher
JESS Dubai -
Sarah Isberg
Principal
Noya School (part of Aldar) -
Tai Paschall
Digital Education and Learning Lead
Bloom Education -
Dr Pauline Owayan
Director of Arabic for the three Dubai Schools
Taaleem -
Chandini Misra
Principal
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Rachel Smith-Green
Director of Thrive (Inclusion)
The Arbor School -
Joanna Povall
Principal
Wales International School -
Matthew Burfield
Executive Principal, CEO, Senior Vice President – Education
GEMS Founders School, Dubai -
Graham Paris
Director of Dubai Schools
Taaleem -
Rebecca Coulter
Principal
Dubai British School Jumeirah Park -
Sajid Gulzar OBE
Principal
Kings’ School Al Barsha -
Sami Yosef
Head of Global Research
ISC Research -
Nick Hart
Principal
Horizon English School -
Sheryl Gruber
Interim Superintendent
American School of Dubai -
Candice Combrinck
Head of Primary School
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha -
Jonanthan Locke
Principal
North London Collegiate School, Dubai -
Noshaba Anbreen
International Teacher Trainer
University of Birmingham, Dubai -
James Lynch
Principal
Ambassador International Academy
SPONSORS
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PowerSchool LinkedIn powerschool.com
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Magmamath LinkedIn magmamath.com
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The National College LinkedIn nationalcollege.com
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Century Tech LinkedIn century.tech
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Everybody Counts LinkedIn everybodycounts.org.uk
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kami LinkedIn kamiapp.com
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Toddle LinkedIn toddleapp.com
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AMR Consult LinkedIn amrconsult.co.uk
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Juniper Education LinkedIn junipereducation.org
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SchoolsBi LinkedIn schoolsbi.co.uk
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Lightspeed Systems LinkedIn lightspeedsystems.com
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ImpactEd Consulting LinkedIn consulting.impactedgroup.uk
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Growmore LinkedIn elearn.growmorelearn.com
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Kaligo LinkedIn kaligo-apps.com
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DAIGON Esports LinkedIn daigonesports.com
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PeoplePro Training Institute LLC-FZ LinkedIn peopleprointl.ae
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Camps International LinkedIn campsinternational.com
TESTIMONIALS