The GCC’s Leading Executive Summit for International School Leaders
Bringing together the decision-makers and innovators shaping the future of British, IB and American curriculum schools across the GCC.Â
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Outstanding is an achievement. Leading beyond it is the challenge.Â
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Outstanding Schools Dubai brings together the region’s most ambitious school leaders to explore what comes next and the ideas, strategies and leadership decisions that will define the next generation of outstanding schools.Â
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Across three days of high-level networking, thought leadership and shared learning, discover fresh perspectives on the issues shaping international education. Connect with leading providers and explore the latest solutions and innovations supporting schools across the region.Â
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6–8 November 2026 | Dubai
Leading Beyond OutstandingÂ
2026 Sponsors and Partners
Event At A Glance
60
500
20
200
8
SPEAKERS
DELEGATES
SPONSORS
SCHOOLS
CPD
Meet The Speakers
Meet the leaders shaping the conversation. 60 influential voices from across the GCC and beyond, sharing ideas, challenging thinking and exploring what it means to Lead Beyond Outstanding.Â
Dr Helen Wright Â
Conference Chair
Alan Moody
Principal
Charter SchoolsÂ
Shehla Khan
Advisor, Early Education Policy,Â
Department of Education And Knowledge (ADEK)
Gomathi Singaram
Head of IT/CS DepartmentÂ
Liwa International School
Brett Girven
PrincipalÂ
Dubai British School
Emirates HillsÂ
Dr Farah Sarraj
CEO
 Al-Futtaim School Management Company
Jessica Werner
Founder
Northshore LearningÂ
Gullrukh Rafiq
Assistant Principal and PYP Coordinator
Dwight School DubaiÂ
Fiona Cottam
PrincipalÂ
Hartland International SchoolÂ
David Hutson
Head of School
Dwight School DubaiÂ
Kirsty ClarkÂ
Head of Safeguarding/ Regional Safeguarding Lead - Middle East
CognitaÂ
Fiona Carter
Group Director of Education
Forfar Education
Who You Will Meet
Connect with senior leaders from across the GCC’s international school community, bringing together the people responsible for leadership, learning, operations, people and student outcomes.
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School Principals & Heads of School
Senior leaders responsible for school strategy, performance, culture and future direction.Â
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Executive Leaders of School Groups
Group-level decision-makers responsible for strategy, growth and development across multiple schoolsÂ
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COOs & Directors of Operations
Education leaders shaping curriculum, teaching, assessment and learning across British, IB and American schools.Â
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Early Years Leadership Teams
Senior practitioners and decision-makers responsible for early years strategy, provision and development.
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Inclusion, Wellbeing & Student Support LeadersÂ
Specialists responsible for inclusion, safeguarding, wellbeing and student support across their schools.Â
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Education Specialists & Solution ProvidersÂ
Experts from leading education providers sharing the latest solutions, technologies and services supporting schools across the region.
Why You Must Attend
More than a conference. Three days of ideas, conversations and connections for international school leaders.Â
Hear Different PerspectivesÂ
From keynotes and panel discussions to fireside chats, case studies, workshops and roundtables, hear different perspectives, share best practice and gain practical insights to take back to your school.Â
Join the ConversationÂ
Panel discussions sit at the heart of the programme, creating space for different viewpoints, shared experiences and meaningful debate. Four specialist tracks let you focus on the topics most relevant to you.Â
Make Valuable Connections
Connect with school and group leaders across three days, from the Yacht Networking Experience and conference to the more intimate Leaders Circle Dinner.Â
Discover New Ideas & SolutionsÂ
Meet specialists from leading education providers and discover the technologies, services and innovations supporting schools across the region.Â
Hear From Our DelegatesÂ
"A truly wonderful experience. I would like to thank you for the excellent organization and for bringing together such inspiring speakers with valuable expertise. The day was enjoyable and enriching. It contributed greatly to the professional growth of myself and my colleagues who attended."
Executive Principal
"A thoroughly engaging range of speakers with the most up-to-date theory and practice in the world of education. A must for educational leaders."
Principal - Research, Development & Innovation
"It's been amazing, incredible to connect with so many people. A really special event bringing people together and I've learnt a huge amount about sustainability, financial literacy, eco literacy. Thank you and can't wait for next year."
Director of STEAM
Choose Your Pass
Choose the Outstanding Schools experience that's right for you.
From free conference access to our complete three-day experience.​
CONFERENCE AND AWARDS
FREE
*schools, school groups, nurseries, associations and government education bodiesÂ
PREMIUM PASS
£295 + VAT
PRIVATE SECTOR
£595 + VAT
PRIVATE SECTOR PLUS
£795 + VAT
Connect your business with the school leaders making and influencing purchasing decisions across the GCC.
Outstanding Schools Dubai gives education providers the opportunity to meet senior decision-makers, budget holders and influencers from international schools and school groups across the region.
Build Your Profile. Generate New Business.
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Meet and build relationships with senior school and group leaders Â
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Showcase your products, services and solutions to a highly relevant audience Â
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Demonstrate your expertise through speaking and thought leadership opportunities Â
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Raise your profile and position your organisation as a leading provider Â
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Generate valuable leads and new business opportunities Â
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From headline and track sponsorship to speaking, exhibition and exclusive networking opportunities, packages offer a range of ways to connect with the people who matter to your business.Â