ISPN MIDDLE EAST AGENDA

18 – 19 November, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

ISPN Middle East is a unique, two-day learning and networking event which brings together the most inspirational leaders and transformational suppliers in the Independent Education sector to share cutting-edge insight, knowledge and experience. Our agenda is carefully curated to address the most relevant and emerging challenges in the sector.

Day 1
Day 2

18 November 2025

7:20 am - 8:20 am

Main Room

Networking breakfast and event registration

Pre-event breakfast and networking session offering light refreshments.
8:20 am - 8:30 am

Main Room

Chair’s opening remarks

Matt Lecuyer is the Vice President of GEMS Global Family First Strategy, as well as the CEO, and Executive Principal of GEMS Winchester School Dubai. A seasoned school leader, he brings over two decades of international educational experience. His tenure includes leadership at GEMS Schools, Kings’ Schools and extensive overseas consultancy work, supporting schools in achieving excellence through British School Overseas (BSO) inspection frameworks. Passionate about teaching and learning, Matt has driven curriculum innovation, embedding AI, VR, and 7C’s competency-based education. He is a certified BSO inspector, NPQEL facilitator, and Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Matt’s work on Global Family First Strategy places student and family well-being at the heart of education, influencing policy and practice across the GEMS network. A trusted voice in educational development, Matt continues to mentor leaders, improve student outcomes, and shape inclusive school cultures rooted in family values, community engagement and academic excellence.

Matt Lecuyer

Executive Principal and CEO
GEMS Winchester School Dubai

Welcome to day 1 of ISPN ME 2025!
8:30 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Case study session – Student & teacher well-being: identifying impactful strategies

Fiona Cottam

Principal
Hartland International School

Sophie Barratt

Assistant Headteacher
DESS College

– Practical steps to ensure compliance with local directives
– Identifying approaches which have a genuine impact
– Developing relevant strategies to create a safe and supportive school environment
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– Practical steps to ensure compliance with local directives
– Identifying approaches which have a genuine impact
– Developing relevant strategies to create a safe and supportive school environment
– Utilising tools and data to track pupils’ well being
– Training teachers to identify and respond to issues
– Collaborating with parents effectively
9:10 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Leaders’ Panel: Investment outlook and opportunities in Middle East education sector

Nargish Khambatta

Executive Vice President
GEMS Education

Alan graduated from Glasgow University with an Honours degree in History and Russian Language and attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He has led several schools as Principal in the UK and international sector.
Alan was previously CEO of a premium schools group in Dubai, and before that, CEO of a large multi–Academy Trust in the UK. He brings with him a wealth of experience, as a teacher, headmaster and superintendent of schools. Alan is a strong communicator who fundamentally understands that the profitability and success of an education company is intrinsically linked to happy and flourishing schools where the welfare of students is the number one priority, and where staff are the most prized asset.

Alan Willamson

CEO
Taaleem

Ashwin Assomull

Head of Global Education Practice
LEK Consulting

As the founding CEO of Innoventures Education, a leading pre-K-12 international private education company based in Dubai, UAE, Poonam has played a pivotal role in the establishment and leadership of some of Dubai’s leading schools and nurseries. These include Dubai’s first IB continuum school – Dubai International Academy at Emirates Hills and at Al Barsha, Collegiate International School, Raffles World Academy, Raffles International School and the Raffles Early Childhood Centres. Today, Innoventures Education educates over 9,500 students from more than 120 countries and has over 1,700 teaching and support staff from around the globe.

Prior to her career as an educationist, Poonam worked in international technology specialising in the Financial Services Industry across India, USA, the Benelux, Hong Kong, Oman, Sweden and the UAE with global organisations such Tata Consultancy Services, Philips and ABN AMRO Bank.

Poonam has had the honour of being recognised as ‘Education CEO of the Year’ as well as ‘Indian Female Entrepreneur of the Year’ by ITP. Poonam has featured again in the Forbes Middle East 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen 2025 and was awarded the Gulf News Being She’s Excellence Award for Education in 2024.

Poonam Bhojani

CEO
Innoventures Education

Glen Radojkovich

Managing Director
Cognita

– Projected growth of the sector over the next 10 years
– Debating how the surge of private education providers and international school brands are shaping the sector
– Addressing the challenge of a global s...

– Projected growth of the sector over the next 10 years
– Debating how the surge of private education providers and international school brands are shaping the sector
– Addressing the challenge of a global shortage of trained teachers
– How has the rapid digital transformation reshaped teaching in the Middle East?
– Is the education model evolving to reflect the pace of technological change
9:50 am - 10:20 am

Main Room

Keynote presentation
10:20 am - 10:40 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
10:40 am - 11:10 am

Main Room

Shark Tank – Speed presentations

Our signature ‘Shark Tank’ session provides each solution provider with an opportunity to deliver a short 60 second pitch, explaining why they are here and how their services can help tackle some of the sector’s ongoing challenges....

Our signature ‘Shark Tank’ session provides each solution provider with an opportunity to deliver a short 60 second pitch, explaining why they are here and how their services can help tackle some of the sector’s ongoing challenges.
11:10 am - 12:25 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
12:25 pm - 1:05 pm

Main Room

Navigating the integration of Edtech & AI in a purposeful and ethical manner

Ritesh Dhanak

Chief Innovation and Digital Officer
GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai

With over 18 years of experience in education, Sydney Michael Atkins is currently the Associate Principal at a private school in Dubai. He moved to the UAE at 22 and has held various roles, including Academic Coordinator and IBDP Extended Essay Coordinator. In 2015, he became Chief Examination Officer for the ICSE in Dubai and later served as Vice Principal at an international school in Al Ain, where he improved the school’s ADEK rating in 33 inspection parameters. Sydney has experience with ICSE, CBSE, IB, and IGCSE curricula and is passionate about educational technology. He was certified as a Leading-Edge Digital Educator in 2014 and is a Microsoft Certified Educator, holding a degree in Communication from Trinity College, London.

Recognized as a ‘Reading, Writing and Social Media Influencer’ by Klear.com, he received the Stanford University Exceptional Educator Award in 2016 and the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award in 2020. Currently, he is pursuing a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard.

Sydney frequently speaks at conferences, contributes articles to educational platforms, and shares his interests in travel, rare diseases, literature, and educational leadership on social media.

Sydney Atkins

Associate Principal
GEMS Education

Sheldon Dias

Educational Supervisor
GEMS Education

Preetha Unni

Exponential Technology Coach
GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai

– How to make sense of all it, not feel overwhelmed and stay abreast of latest tech developments
– Developing an effective Edtech and AI policy
– How to balance AI input and ensure it is a disruptive tool fo...

– How to make sense of all it, not feel overwhelmed and stay abreast of latest tech developments
– Developing an effective Edtech and AI policy
– How to balance AI input and ensure it is a disruptive tool for good
– Using AI effectively, to improve student learning and reduce staff workload
– How to assess your use of EdTech and AI to measure impact
– Learn how to stay informed about the latest developments and evidence-based benefits of AI
1:10 pm - 1:30 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Main Room

Lunch and networking
3:25 pm - 3:30 pm

Main Room

Chair’s closing remarks, optional networking and refreshments
2:30 pm - 2:55 pm

Breakout Workshop 1

Case study session – Safeguarding: striving to ensure the digital safety and well-being of all students

Matt Lecuyer is the Vice President of GEMS Global Family First Strategy, as well as the CEO, and Executive Principal of GEMS Winchester School Dubai. A seasoned school leader, he brings over two decades of international educational experience. His tenure includes leadership at GEMS Schools, Kings’ Schools and extensive overseas consultancy work, supporting schools in achieving excellence through British School Overseas (BSO) inspection frameworks. Passionate about teaching and learning, Matt has driven curriculum innovation, embedding AI, VR, and 7C’s competency-based education. He is a certified BSO inspector, NPQEL facilitator, and Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Matt’s work on Global Family First Strategy places student and family well-being at the heart of education, influencing policy and practice across the GEMS network. A trusted voice in educational development, Matt continues to mentor leaders, improve student outcomes, and shape inclusive school cultures rooted in family values, community engagement and academic excellence.

Matt Lecuyer

Executive Principal and CEO
GEMS Winchester School Dubai

Annette Drake

Principal
Repton School Dubai

Now entering my 12th year at Jumeriah English Speaking School (JESS) Arabian Ranches, where I currently serve as Deputy Headteacher, I currently oversee Key Stage 4, and Safeguarding across the schools. I also teach Biology which was my passion that brought me into teaching.

Andrew Sargeant

Deputy Headteacher
JESS Dubai

– Balancing legal, ethical and emotional considerations
– Managing online safety and digital risks
– Taking a multi-disciplinary approach
3:00 pm - 3:25 pm

Breakout Workshop 1

From Hype to Impact: using AI in the classroom with measurable outcomes

Matt Lecuyer is the Vice President of GEMS Global Family First Strategy, as well as the CEO, and Executive Principal of GEMS Winchester School Dubai. A seasoned school leader, he brings over two decades of international educational experience. His tenure includes leadership at GEMS Schools, Kings’ Schools and extensive overseas consultancy work, supporting schools in achieving excellence through British School Overseas (BSO) inspection frameworks. Passionate about teaching and learning, Matt has driven curriculum innovation, embedding AI, VR, and 7C’s competency-based education. He is a certified BSO inspector, NPQEL facilitator, and Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Matt’s work on Global Family First Strategy places student and family well-being at the heart of education, influencing policy and practice across the GEMS network. A trusted voice in educational development, Matt continues to mentor leaders, improve student outcomes, and shape inclusive school cultures rooted in family values, community engagement and academic excellence.

Matt Lecuyer

Executive Principal and CEO
GEMS Winchester School Dubai

Tai Paschall

Digital Education and Learning Lead
Bloom Education

– Blending AI tools with teaching to enhance learning outcomes
– How to evaluate the effectiveness of AI tools through data
– Are teachers sufficiently equipped and empowered to the embed technology in their...

– Blending AI tools with teaching to enhance learning outcomes
– How to evaluate the effectiveness of AI tools through data
– Are teachers sufficiently equipped and empowered to the embed technology in their classrooms?
2:30 pm - 2:55 pm

Breakout Workshop 2

Preparing for school inspections

Sarah has dedicated 24 years of her career to the field of education, accumulating extensive experience as a headteacher in both the State and Private sectors in the UK and the UAE. With over 18 years of headship experience, Sarah has a proven track record of leadership and accomplishment. During her time in the UK, Sarah held the position of Deputy CEO and Executive Headteacher of a UK-based academy chain, where she was also a registered inspector for the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) as well as a qualified Tribal inspector.

Sarah has worked at every level of the education sector, from local to national, and has made significant contributions to Interim Executive Boards aimed at supporting schools in achieving and maintaining an outstanding rating. As a Local Leader of Education for the UK Department for Education, Sarah’s expertise was sought after to guide and advise schools on best practices.

Moreover, Sarah has played an active role in the Maths field, sitting on the North West One Strategic Maths Board and being appointed as a DFE Headteacher Maths Ambassador. In her previous headship role, Sarah’s leadership was instrumental in transforming an inadequate school into an outstanding one in just three years. Her success was recognised through a number of awards, both locally and nationally, and earned her high praise from Ofsted who remarked that “the impact of her work has been transformational.”

Sarah’s unyielding focus on achieving the highest standards in every aspect of school life is central to her educational philosophy. She has a passion for ensuring that every child has the opportunity to realise their full potential, and values high-quality learning and development for children, their families, and education professionals alike. Her commitment to achieving excellence and her belief that there are no limits to what every child can achieve drives her to facilitate opportunities that enable all learners to reach their full potential.

Sarah Isberg

Principal
Noya School (part of Aldar)

– Understanding what is required to achieve a top rating
– Cultivating a culture of continuous improvement
– Utilising data effectively to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for strategic improvement<...

– Understanding what is required to achieve a top rating
– Cultivating a culture of continuous improvement
– Utilising data effectively to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for strategic improvement
– Supporting teachers to showcase their expertise and passion during inspections
3:00 pm - 3:25 pm

Breakout Workshop 2

Meeting the requirements of the Early years Arabic KHDA directive

Dr. Pauline Owayjan is the Director of MOE Subjects at Dubai Schools and a distinguished educational consultant with over 30 years of experience in Lebanon and the UAE. She holds a PhD in Arabic Language and Literature from the Lebanese University and is a specialist in Arabic linguistics. A leader in curriculum development and Arabic literacy, Dr. Pauline has shaped progressive language education and developed structured resources as series editor of a guided reading program. Passionate about student-centered learning, she champions excellence in Arabic education while honoring the language’s rich cultural heritage, beauty, and depth.

Dr Pauline Owayan

Director of Arabic for the three Dubai Schools
Taaleem

– Ensuring the KHDA requirement for Arabic language teaching is being met
– Addressing the challenge of insufficient availability of Arabic speaking trained teachers
– Different approaches to fulfilling the ...

– Ensuring the KHDA requirement for Arabic language teaching is being met
– Addressing the challenge of insufficient availability of Arabic speaking trained teachers
– Different approaches to fulfilling the requirements
– Thinking longer term about finding solutions during the different phasing periods

19 November 2025

7:20 am - 8:20 am

Main Room

Networking breakfast and event registration

Pre-event breakfast and networking session offering light refreshments.
8:20 am - 8:25 am

Main Room

Chair’s opening remarks

Matt Lecuyer is the Vice President of GEMS Global Family First Strategy, as well as the CEO, and Executive Principal of GEMS Winchester School Dubai. A seasoned school leader, he brings over two decades of international educational experience. His tenure includes leadership at GEMS Schools, Kings’ Schools and extensive overseas consultancy work, supporting schools in achieving excellence through British School Overseas (BSO) inspection frameworks. Passionate about teaching and learning, Matt has driven curriculum innovation, embedding AI, VR, and 7C’s competency-based education. He is a certified BSO inspector, NPQEL facilitator, and Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching. Matt’s work on Global Family First Strategy places student and family well-being at the heart of education, influencing policy and practice across the GEMS network. A trusted voice in educational development, Matt continues to mentor leaders, improve student outcomes, and shape inclusive school cultures rooted in family values, community engagement and academic excellence.

Matt Lecuyer

Executive Principal and CEO
GEMS Winchester School Dubai

Welcome to day 2 of ISPN ME 2025!
8:25 am - 9:05 am

Main Room

Case study session – Building inclusion strategies to ensure every pupil thrives

Mrs Misra is the Principal at Repton Al Barsha. She is a passionate educator and STEM enthusiast. She has worked in a variety of teaching contexts where she has significantly improved school outcomes and led on curriculum transformation. Chandini has worked as a senior leader in secondary schools from the state and independent sector, from challenging inner city schools in London and Leeds, to established independent schools in Sevenoaks and in Dubai; where she has taught Years 7 to 13. Chandini graduated from Keble College, University of Oxford where she read Chemistry (MChem) and has extensive experience with supporting university applications, GCSE options and A-level choices.

Chandini Misra

Principal

Rachel Smith Green is the Director of Thrive at the Arbor school and is highly regarded for developing curriculum and systems to include all levels of SEND in mainstream schools. As a teacher with 30 years’ experience, she has worked at all levels of leadership, including as a local authority advisor for SEND, responsible for establishing resource provisions in mainstream settings.
She is currently researching the impact of the eco-literacy and positive education curriculums on students’ wellbeing, especially students with ADHD and ASD.

Rachel Smith-Green

Director of Thrive (Inclusion)
The Arbor School

– How to build a culture of inclusion that values diversity and empowers every child to succeed
– Discussing the tools, training, and frameworks which can provide effective support of students with SEND
– Pr...

– How to build a culture of inclusion that values diversity and empowers every child to succeed
– Discussing the tools, training, and frameworks which can provide effective support of students with SEND
– Providing effective approaches for gifted and talented students
– In what ways can technology and innovation be used to personalise learning and remove barriers to access?
– How can schools, families, and communities work together to create inclusive learning environments?
9:05 am - 9:45 am

Main Room

Leaders’ Panel: What prepares you for being a principal?

Joanna has over 25 years of leadership experience in schools in the UK, France and UAE. She is the Principal of Wales International School, Abu Dhabi. Alongside working as a Principal, Joanna supports school improvement around the world as a Lead Improvement Partner for the Council of British International Schools. She has worked in this capacity for the past ten years with over 20 international schools worldwide. Joanna was awarded the prestigious Tes International School Principal of the Year 2024.

Joanna Povall

Principal
Wales International School

Rebecca Coulter

Principal
Dubai British School Jumeirah Park

Matthew Burfield

Executive Principal, CEO, Senior Vice President – Education
GEMS Founders School, Dubai

Graham Paris

Director of Dubai Schools
Taaleem

– Identifying the different routes to becoming a principal
– Balancing the responsibilities
– Building a positive school culture: establishing trust and good morale
– Creating effective communic...

– Identifying the different routes to becoming a principal
– Balancing the responsibilities
– Building a positive school culture: establishing trust and good morale
– Creating effective communication and collaboration with colleagues and parents
– Training the school leaders of the future
9:45 am - 10:05 am

Main Room

Platinum sponsor presentation

Interested in sponsoring?
10:05 am - 10:50 am

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
10:50 am - 11:40 am

Main Room

Case study session – Recruitment & retention

Sami Yosef

Head of Global Research
ISC Research

Sajid Gulzar OBE

Principal
Kings’ School Al Barsha

Addressing the challenging international environment for recruitment

– Why teachers go and work in international schools & how this is evolving in different markets
– Where to recruit from
– The t...

Addressing the challenging international environment for recruitment

– Why teachers go and work in international schools & how this is evolving in different markets
– Where to recruit from
– The teacher supply pipeline across the region
– Innovative strategies for teacher recruitment

Creating the right culture to support teacher retention
11:40 am - 12:25 pm

Main Room

Lighting the Spark: Transforming classrooms with innovative in teaching methods

With over 20 years of educational experience, Mr Hart became Horizon’s Principal in 2023. Mr Hart has a proven track record of leading both small & large schools, including those at the forefront of innovation, and always with ambitious standards to enable all children to flourish.

Prior to his tenure at Horizon, Mr Hart was the Executive Headteacher two schools in England. He has also been involved in facilitating training for school leaders through programs like the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) and the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) with organisations such as Ambition Institute and UCL. Mr Hart is studying for a master’s in international educational leadership at UCL, specialising in relational leadership approaches necessary for a rapidly evolving world.

In addition to his leadership roles, Nick Hart is an active contributor to educational discourse. He has authored two books: ‘Impact: A five-part framework for making a difference in schools’ and ‘Creating a strong culture and a positive climate in schools’

Nick Hart

Principal
Horizon English School

Sheryl Gruber is a seasoned international educator. She has lived and worked in eight diverse countries over the past thirty years. Sheryl began her international career working with non-governmental organizations focused on community development and environmental protection. She then transitioned to serving as a teacher and administrator in some of the top international schools in the world. Sheryl is driven by her passion to make the world a better place through education and interpersonal understanding. She has been a Dubai resident for the past five years, as the Middle School Principal, Associate Superintendent, and currently is the Superintendent at the American School of Dubai.

Sheryl Gruber

Interim Superintendent
American School of Dubai

Candice Combrinck

Head of Primary School
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha

– Concept of coherence not consistency
Nick Hart, Principal, Horizon English School

– Propelling student learning toward the future
Sheryl Gruber, Interim Superintendent, American School of Dubai

...

– Concept of coherence not consistency
Nick Hart, Principal, Horizon English School

– Propelling student learning toward the future
Sheryl Gruber, Interim Superintendent, American School of Dubai

– Blueprints for brilliance: Laying the groundwork for future thinkers
Candice Combrinck, Head of Primary School, Dubai International Academy Al Barsha
12:25 pm - 12:50 pm

Main Room

Preparing pupils for university and the future world of work

Jonanthan Locke

Principal
North London Collegiate School, Dubai

– Addressing the challenges in securing internships and experience placements
– Identifying different approaches to developing students’ leadership skills
– Balancing academic work requirements with univer...

– Addressing the challenges in securing internships and experience placements
– Identifying different approaches to developing students’ leadership skills
– Balancing academic work requirements with university and career preparation
12:50 pm - 1:10 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

Interested in sponsoring?
1:10 pm - 2:00 pm

Main Room

Lunch and networking
2:00 pm - 2:25 pm

Main Room

Culture-Driven Development: effective approaches to teacher training

Noshaba Anbreen is Assistant Professor of Education at University of Birmingham Dubai, spearheading DfE-accredited International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) programmes. With 17 years of global experience in subject and pastoral School leadership roles and expertise designing and leading HE Teacher Education and Training programmes, she brings an authentic and exceptional international perspective to teacher development.
Currently pursuing her PhD in Digital Pedagogy, Noshaba holds advanced qualifications including PGCE with QTS, PGCHE, Masters in Education, PGCert in Neuroscience, and Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. Her PhD research focuses on revolutionising Pedagogy training through enhanced digital confidence and competence; seamlessly bridging pedagogical theory and practice in our interconnected world.

Noshaba Anbreen

International Teacher Trainer
University of Birmingham, Dubai

– Impactful approaches to training teachers as part of developing a good school culture
– Integrating new teaching theories and digital technologies with existing teaching approaches
– Developing effective t...

– Impactful approaches to training teachers as part of developing a good school culture
– Integrating new teaching theories and digital technologies with existing teaching approaches
– Developing effective teaching training programmes which have a demonstrable impact on student achievement
– Connecting practical training with school development
– Focusing on the need for teacher well-being in educational success
2:25 pm - 2:50 pm

Main Room

Developing strong parent partnerships & delivering student enrichment opportunities

James Lynch

Principal
Ambassador International Academy

– Providing transparent and consistent communication & engagement
– Empowering parents as partners & amplifying the parent voice
– Celebrating community & culture
– Develop student...

– Providing transparent and consistent communication & engagement
– Empowering parents as partners & amplifying the parent voice
– Celebrating community & culture
– Develop students beyond academia with real-world problem-solving challenges and service projects.
– Enriching experiences through global & local connections
– Benefiting students with partnerships with industry and bridging programs
2:50 pm - 3:00 pm

Main Room

Chair's closing remarks and next actions

Let’s reflect on what we have learned over the last two and discuss with those that we have this experience with.

What are your key takeaways? Which idea stood out the most for you? How will the learning be implemented in your s...

Let’s reflect on what we have learned over the last two and discuss with those that we have this experience with.

What are your key takeaways? Which idea stood out the most for you? How will the learning be implemented in your school?

Day 1
Day 2

ISPN MIDDLE EAST AGENDA

18 – 19 November, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai

ISPN MIDDLE EAST AGENDA

18 November 2025

7:20 am - 8:20 am

Main Room

Networking breakfast and event registration

8:20 am - 8:30 am

Main Room

Chair’s opening remarks

Matt Lecuyer

Executive Principal and CEO GEMS Winchester School Dubai

8:30 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Case study session – Student & teacher well-being: identifying impactful strategies

Fiona Cottam

Principal Hartland International School

Sophie Barratt

Assistant Headteacher DESS College

9:10 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Leaders’ Panel: Investment outlook and opportunities in Middle East education sector

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

9:50 am - 10:20 am

Main Room

Keynote presentation

10:20 am - 10:40 am

Main Room

Headline sponsor presentation

10:40 am - 11:10 am

Main Room

Shark Tank – Speed presentations

11:10 am - 12:25 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

12:25 pm - 1:05 pm

Main Room

Navigating the integration of Edtech & AI in a purposeful and ethical manner

Ritesh Dhanak

Chief Innovation and Digital Officer GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai

Sydney Atkins

Associate Principal GEMS Education

Sheldon Dias

Educational Supervisor GEMS Education

Preetha Unni

Exponential Technology Coach GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai

1:10 pm - 1:30 pm

Main Room

Gold sponsor presentations

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Main Room

Lunch and networking

3:25 pm - 3:30 pm

Main Room

Chair’s closing remarks, optional networking and refreshments

2:30 pm - 2:55 pm

Breakout Workshop 1

Case study session – Safeguarding: striving to ensure the digital safety and well-being of all students

Matt Lecuyer

Executive Principal and CEO GEMS Winchester School Dubai

Annette Drake

Principal Repton School Dubai

Andrew Sargeant

Deputy Headteacher JESS Dubai

3:00 pm - 3:25 pm

Breakout Workshop 1

From Hype to Impact: using AI in the classroom with measurable outcomes

Matt Lecuyer

Executive Principal and CEO GEMS Winchester School Dubai

Tai Paschall

Digital Education and Learning Lead Bloom Education

2:30 pm - 2:55 pm

Breakout Workshop 2

Executive Principal and CEO
GEMS Winchester School Dubai

Principal
Hartland International School

Assistant Headteacher
DESS College

Executive Vice President
GEMS Education

CEO
Taaleem

Head of Global Education Practice
LEK Consulting

CEO
Innoventures Education

Managing Director
Cognita

Chief Innovation and Digital Officer
GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai

Associate Principal
GEMS Education

Educational Supervisor
GEMS Education

Exponential Technology Coach
GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai

Executive Principal and CEO
GEMS Winchester School Dubai

Principal
Repton School Dubai

Deputy Headteacher
JESS Dubai

Executive Principal and CEO
GEMS Winchester School Dubai

Digital Education and Learning Lead
Bloom Education

Principal
Noya School (part of Aldar)

Director of Arabic for the three Dubai Schools
Taaleem

Executive Principal and CEO
GEMS Winchester School Dubai

Director of Thrive (Inclusion)
The Arbor School

Principal
Wales International School

Principal
Dubai British School Jumeirah Park

Executive Principal, CEO, Senior Vice President – Education
GEMS Founders School, Dubai

Director of Dubai Schools
Taaleem

Head of Global Research
ISC Research

Principal
Kings’ School Al Barsha

Principal
Horizon English School

Interim Superintendent
American School of Dubai

Head of Primary School
Dubai International Academy Al Barsha

Principal
North London Collegiate School, Dubai