Dubai hosted the inaugural Gulf News LevelUP education and career exhibition on September 26-27, drawing a robust turnout of professionals and graduates eager to explore advanced educational opportunities and skills development. The two-day event took place at Dusit Thani Dubai, convening more than 20 universities, education providers, industry experts, and working professionals to address the demands of lifelong learning and career advancement.
LevelUP showcased a variety of postgraduate and professional programs, including master’s degrees, MBAs, Executive MBAs, PhDs, diplomas, and professional certifications. Attendees had the opportunity to participate in seminars and sessions focused on career progression, emerging skill sets, and evolving workplace needs.
Vijay Vaghela, CEO of Gulf News, expressed satisfaction with the event's successful launch, emphasizing the publication’s support for the UAE education sector and its commitment to facilitating professional growth. “We are proud to support the UAE education sector and to help provide opportunities for people looking to take the next step in their education and professional life,” Vaghela said during the event’s opening.
Mark Thompson, Editor-in-Chief of Gulf News, noted the event underscored a strong demand among professionals for postgraduate education. He highlighted the presence of numerous reputable institutions and the evident interest among attendees keen to explore options for further study and skill enhancement.
A central theme at LevelUP was the recognition that career advancement often requires more than additional years of experience or following popular qualification trends. Experts at the event advised mid-career professionals seeking senior leadership roles to develop broader competencies in areas such as strategy, finance, technology, innovation, and organizational leadership. They encouraged attendees to critically assess their career objectives, identify skill gaps, and pursue targeted education or certifications to address those gaps effectively.
The discussions also stressed the importance of continuous upskilling in response to rapid technological and workplace changes. Professionals were urged to focus on purposeful learning aligned with their specific roles and career ambitions rather than enrolling in programs solely based on popularity. This approach applies across various types of training, whether postgraduate degrees, professional certifications, or targeted courses in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and data analytics.
By facilitating direct engagement with universities and education providers, LevelUP offered visitors valuable insight into the qualifications and competencies required to remain competitive and advance in an evolving job market. The event marked a significant step in Gulf News’ ongoing efforts to support lifelong learning and professional development within the UAE and the broader region.