Webinar: Designing Next-Generation Schools in the GCC by GESS Education

Designing Next-Generation Schools in the GCC

About

As the GCC accelerates investment into education, AI, innovation, and workforce transformation, a new challenge is emerging for school groups, developers, governments, and industry partners: How do you design and build campuses that remain relevant for the next 20–30 years?

This session will explore how 1) school leaders, 2) developers, and 3) designers can approach the design and build of next-generation campuses, with a focus on future-ready spatial planning and AI-enabled learning environments.

When

Thursday, 16/07/2026 · 12:30 London (GMT +1:00)

Presenters

GESS Education

Kumar Verma

Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Education By Design Group

Kumar Verma is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Education By Design Group, an education platform focused on developing innovative and scalable school models for the future of learning. With more than 20 years of experience in education leadership, he has led the growth and operation of schools serving thousands of students across the UAE.

Kumar previously served as Managing Director of Scholars International Group and as Chairman of the Dubai Education Business Group, where he represented the interests of Dubai’s private education sector and contributed to discussions on the future of education in the emirate.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University, is an Owner/President Management (OPM) participant at Harvard Business School, and earned a certificate in educational leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Kumar is a frequent speaker on educational innovation, human capability development, and future ready learning.

Karla Davis

Co-Head of Education - Zaya

Karla Davis is Co-Head of Education at Zaya Education and an advocate for alternative, holistic approaches to learning across the GCC. Her work centres on developing the whole child — and the whole human — in a rapidly changing world, exploring how AI and technology can be harnessed to strengthen rather than replace human connection. As co-founder of Zamani Learning, she was instrumental in shaping the holistic pedagogy behind Al Fanar, and she brings deep experience in leadership, pedagogy, and educational research. Her practice blends neuroscience, attachment theory, and play-based learning with a clear focus on environments where both educators and children thrive.

Matthew Foster

Academic Director - British Applied College, Umm Al Quwain

Matthew Foster is the Academic Director at British Applied College in Umm Al Quwain, UAE. He has over ten years of experience in education, training, and leadership development across the UAE, working with teachers, school leaders, and higher education institutions to enhance learning outcomes and organisational effectiveness.

He holds a master's degree in educational leadership in Practice from the University of Manchester and is preparing to commence doctoral research exploring the relationship between educational leadership, artificial intelligence, and future-ready learning environments.

Matthew has a particular interest in how educational institutions can design future-ready learning environments that are adaptable, data-informed, and responsive to emerging technologies and workforce trends.

His work focuses on leveraging data, technology, and AI to enhance decision-making and student outcomes, whilst ensuring that human judgement, authentic learning, and academic integrity remain at the centre of the educational experience.

Hussam Hammadeen

Head of Facilities & Assets Management - Emirates National Schools

Eng. Husam Hammadeen is a senior Facilities and Assets Management professional with experience in the education sector across the UAE. He leads the Facilities and Assets Management Department, overseeing multiple school campuses, capital projects, maintenance operations, and sustainability initiatives.

With over 15 years of experience, he has delivered infrastructure upgrades, refurbishment programs, and energy efficiency projects, focusing on improving building performance, reducing operational costs, and ensuring safe and efficient learning environments.

He achieved LEED Gold (USGBC) for two school campuses in 2023, with three more progressing toward LEED Platinum. He has also achieved up to 50% reduction in Energy Use Intensity (EUI).

He is a committee member for school infrastructure engineering projects at the Presidential Court and contributes to sustainability strategies, including energy efficiency and lifecycle asset management aligned with green building standards in the UAE.

Reserve Your Spot

First Name*

Last Name*

Email Address*

Job Title*

Company / School*

Country*