BMI/THE connects you to…
The Middle East

An affluent region with ample government support for international education

The education industry in the UAE continues to grow in both size and quality, making it one of the leading educational hubs in the world. Meanwhile, outbound mobility from the region remains healthy, with discerning students and parents plus affluent expatriate groups continually in search of high quality education abroad.

International student recruiters have long enjoyed the support and generosity of governments throughout the Gulf region for the abundant scholarship programmes they’ve designed and developed, fuelling demand in our industry and enriching classrooms worldwide. With so much happening in the Middle East, we’ve devoted an entire week dedicated to international education in the UAE, and every autumn we run a coordinated schedule of events unlike anything else seen during the year.

BMI/THE has a recruitment solution for you whether you’re looking to meet students, families, school counsellors, university partners, scholarship providers, or all of the above. When it comes to our Gulf events, we hope you’ll join us in a place where the recruitment scene is always hot!

Connect with high school counsellors from across the Gulf

Held twice a year, our Gulf International Schools Forum & Workshop gives you a chance to establish and reinforce your relationships with principals and school counsellors from the best secondary schools across all of the Middle East. We bring in school leaders and influencers from up to ten countries so that universities can meet and network with the entire region all in one place. Over two full days, attendees can form relationships with this critical audience who regularly advise high-achieving students and parents on which countries and institutions abroad are the best fit for them.

Exhibit at the UAE's largest global education fairs

Held in Spring as well as in Autumn during the UAE International Education Week, our busy event schedule continues with the UAE Global Education Fair, which introduces you to students who are searching for their perfect course abroad and within the UAE. These fairs bring in thousands of students and families who are exploring a wide range of education options including language courses, short-term programmes, plus undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

You can further strengthen your connections with Emirati students by joining our chauffeured visits to carefully selected international schools across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, where you can present to students and their parents, as well as network with key school staff. BMI/THE manages every aspect of the visit – from escorted bus rides to the setup of all your materials – giving you a hassle-free experience so you can concentrate on what you do best: recruiting students.

Saudi Arabia: Premier Undergraduate Recruitment Event

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, families and students are investing heavily in study-abroad pathways. Hosted by Dhahran Ahliyya Schools in partnership with BMI/THE, this three-day undergraduate recruitment fair in the Eastern Province connects you with ambitious students, supportive families, and top counsellors from over 40 elite international high schools.

Take advantage of unparalleled access to one of the Middle East’s wealthiest and most high-potential student markets, build lasting relationships, and boost your undergraduate recruitment results.

Receive funded students from around the world via scholarship programmes

Elevate your scholarship journey at the Global Scholarship Forum. This premier networking event brings together the world’s leading scholarship providers and funding sources. Connect directly with decision-makers from over 70 governments and training companies worldwide.

Discover unparalleled opportunities and gain invaluable insights at this exclusive event, taking place in Dubai in the second half of 2026.

Mark Your Calendar! Recruitment Events in Semester 1, 2026

Early bird rates end on Dec 12, 2025

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Dhahran, Saudi Arbia
International Students

Hosted by Dhahran Ahliyya Schools in partnership with BMI/THE, this three-day event is the largest undergraduate-focused recruitment event of its kind in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
  • Run in cooperation with 40 leading private international high schools
  • Brings you face-to-face with exceptional students, families, and college counsellors
  • A unique opportunity to connect with the wealthiest regions in Saudi Arabia

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Event Location
Date
Price
Event Location

Dhahran

Date

Apr 13 - Apr 15

Price
USD 2,800
Abu Dhabi, Dubai
International Students

Meet thousands of affluent local and expat students as well as those funded via national scholarship programmes during your two-city trip, which includes our main fairs plus escorted visits to top private and international schools.  

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Event Location
Date
Early Bird Price
Event Location

Dubai In-person Fair

Date

Apr 18 - Apr 19

Early Bird Price
USD 4,048

USD 4,400

Event Location

Dubai - High School Visits

Date

Apr 20 - Apr 21

Price
USD 1,600
Event Location

Abu Dhabi - High School Visits

Date

Apr 22

Price
USD 850
Event Location

Abu Dhabi In-person Fair

Date

Apr 23

Early Bird Price
USD 2,576

USD 2,800

Extend your trip and meet college counsellors from the Gulf and India

Dubai, UAE
High School Counsellors

This regional event gives you the unique ability to connect with influential leaders at the secondary school level across the Gulf and India, you'll mix and mingle with counsellors from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, India and the UAE. Hold 26 meetings and network with school leaders who advise teenagers and their parents on the next steps in their academic careers.  

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Event Location
Date
Price
Event Location

Dubai
One Delegate/ One Meeting Schedule

Date

Apr 16 - Apr 17

Price
USD 4,400
Event Location

Dubai
Two Delegates/One Meeting Schedule

Date

Apr 16 - Apr 17

Price
USD 5,500
Event Location

Dubai
Two Delegates/Two Meeting Schedules

Date

Apr 16 - Apr 17

Price
USD 7,000

Save and secure your full 2026 recruitment travel in the Gulf!

Abu Dhabi, Dubai
International Students, University International Office Directors

Meet thousands of affluent local and expat students as well as those funded via national scholarship programmes during your three-city trip, which includes our main fairs plus escorted visits to top private and international schools.

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Event Location
Date
Price
Event Location

Dubai - High School Visits

Date

Oct 08 - Oct 09

Price
USD 1,600
Event Location

Dubai In-person Fair

Date

Oct 10 - Oct 11

Price
USD 4,400
Event Location

Abu Dhabi In-person Fair

Date

Oct 12

Price
USD 2,800
Event Location

Abu Dhabi - High School Visits

Date

Oct 13

Price
USD 850
Dubai, UAE
High School Counsellors

This regional event gives you the unique ability to connect with influential leaders at the secondary school level across the Gulf, you'll mix and mingle with counsellors from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Hold 26 meetings and network with school leaders who advise teenagers and their parents on the next steps in their academic careers.  

Learn more »
Event Location
Date
Price
Event Location

Dubai
One Delegate/ One Meeting Schedule

Date

Oct 14 - Oct 15

Price
USD 4,400
Event Location

Dubai
Two Delegates/One Meeting Schedule

Date

Oct 14 - Oct 15

Price
USD 5,500
Event Location

Dubai
Two Delegates/Two Meeting Schedules

Date

Oct 14 - Oct 15

Price
USD 7,000
Portugal, Sesimbra (Lisbon)
High School Counselors, International Students

BMI’s flagship International Schools Forum & Workshop provides an exclusive opportunity for you to meet privately with senior high school counsellors from some of the best international and private high schools from across the world. *prices are exclusive of 23% Portuguese sales tax

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Event Location
Date
Price
Event Location

Sesimbra (Lisbon)
One Delegate / One Meeting Schedule

Date

May 11 - May 12

Price
USD 5,000
Event Location

Sesimbra (Lisbon)
Two Delegates/One Meeting Schedule

Date

May 11 - May 12

Price
USD 6,500
Event Location

Sesimbra (Lisbon)
Two Delegates /Two Meeting Schedules

Date

May 11 - May 12

Price
USD 7,500
Event Location

Sesimbra (Lisbon)
Private Meeting Lounge (incl. 1 meeting schedule)

Date

May 11 - May 12

Price
USD 8,000

Digital marketing strategies to recruit international students in the Gulf

Our in-house team of marketing experts can help you launch and manage campaigns across multiple channels to boost brand recognition, generate a steady stream of leads, and increase traffic to your website.

Plus, we make the process easy by giving you all the support you need to run a successful campaign without any strain on your internal resources.

You can use BMI/THE Digital to reach qualified students in the Middle East via:

  • Live and on-demand webinars
  • Be featured on TimesHigherEducation.com
  • Social Media Ads

Get a customised package

BMI/THE hosts over 80 events each year in 10 countries. You can mix and match event types, dates and cities, plus ramp up brand exposure for audiences where you need it most. We’re happy to build a bespoke plan just for you.

Learn how BMI/THE helps you recruit in various regions

Through a variety of high quality events held in 35+ cities around the world, BMI/THE offers you a chance to reach students online and face to face at fairs, as well as cement relationships with stakeholders across the student journey via our premium networking events and workshops.