GESS Dubai 2016 is hosting an exciting interactive astronomy showcase at the Science and Technology Exploration Zone, a new feature added to the exhibition component of the 9th edition of the Gulf region’s premier education exhibition and conference.

The Science and Technology Exploration Zone is one of the many new features added to the show, which include the Children’s International Film Festival and the STEAM Classroom Challenge.

Some of the exciting, interactive experience offered by the zone include virtual reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) set-ups as well as an indoor planetarium that will enable visiting delegates experience astronomy in a much more engaging way.

"The UAE has set lofty goals for its space exploration initiatives, and through the Science and Technology Exploration Zone, we hope to support this endeavor by encouraging teachers to instill a greater sense of appreciation for astronomy and exploration among their students at the earliest possible opportunity," said Matt Thompson, the project director, F&E Group, organisers of GESS Dubai.

"From this generation, we may hopefully see some of the leading thinkers that will eventually make the UAE a leading power in space exploration,” he noted

Scheduled to take place from March 1-3 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event has adopted the theme 'Shaping the Future of Education.'

Encouraging interest among astronomy enthusiasts at an early age is critical to the success of any country’s space exploration programmes. Studies show that 65 per cent of children in primary schools today will eventually take on jobs that do not even exist today, stated Thompson.

Hasan Ahmad Al Hariri, the CEO of Dubai Astronomy Group, which hopes to make the experience become an exciting exploration adventure for visiting guests, said: "Our leaders say that we must hone our children’s creativity and provide them with the analytical skills that are needed to meet the challenges of the future."

"This is true in particular of the space exploration needs that will emerge out of the UAE’s major push for this initiative. Intervening at an early age will help, and hopefully we can capture hearts and imagination of students to consider astronomy as a career worth pursuing," noted Al Hariri.

Also expected to generate a lot of interest among delegates at GESS Dubai is the mobile technologies and applications that are increasingly being used in schools to enhance the learning experience.

Seppo, a Finnish innovation company considered among the world leaders in game-based learning, will showcase their cutting-edge online solution for creating educational games that can be used on all levels from pre-school to university.

Games are easily created from scratch or by utilizing an expanding games library. Seppo also enhances social interaction and physical activity as students get engaged in problem solving together outside passive classroom setting.  

"In addition to our native Finland and Europe, where we have a solid and rapidly growing client base we already serve customers in UAE," remarked Riku Alkio, CEO of Seppo.

"We look forward to discussions with teachers, institutions and authorities on how our standard or tailored solutions can motivate great learning experiences. We are excited about the opportunity GESS Dubai is offering us to showcase our capabilities in action!," he added.

The Space Exploration and Technology Zone is free to access for the public as part of the GESS Dubai exhibition and conference, which features world-class educational suppliers and solutions geared for the education market in the Gulf.

It also includes extensive CPD certified programmes to help teachers, educators and academics of all levels to develop their skills and gain insight from international experts.-TradeArabia News Service