DUBAI: Future Fest 2024, a flagship event hosted by Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD), concluded with record-breaking participation, drawing over 1,000 students and featuring 18+ educational institutions, all eager to explore career paths and education options.
Held in Dubai from November 3 to 4, the Education and Career Expo has cemented its reputation as an invaluable platform for Pakistani youth to connect with academic institutions and industry experts for career planning and personal growth.
Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, Hussain Muhammad, attended as the Chief Guest, alongside PAD President Dr. Faisal Ikram and PAD Education Committee Head, Dawood Sharif.
Emphasising the event's significance, the Consul General remarked, “Today’s decisions will shape tomorrow’s leaders. Career counselling like this Expo will open doors for students to discover paths aligned with their strengths and aspirations.”
He acknowledged PAD's efforts in hosting the Expo, encouraging the Pakistani community to support PAD's educational initiatives, including efforts to enroll out-of-school children from expatriate families.
During his keynote speech, the Consul General highlighted the importance of purposeful career choices, urging students to view career paths as more than just a means to a job. “Careers should be a journey of purpose, passion, and potential,” he said, adding that in the modern age, where technology and education are rapidly evolving, “critical thinking and creativity are essential skills for youth.”
He encouraged students to seek careers that not only bring personal satisfaction but also contribute positively to society, advocating for success defined by societal impact rather than traditional measures.
Future Fest 2024
This year’s Future Fest brought together a diverse array of educational institutions, providing students with an invaluable chance to learn about global academic opportunities and receive guidance from renowned speakers.
Ali Zeb Khan, Trade and Investment Counsellor at the Consulate General of Dubai, attended as a special guest and expressed admiration for the Expo’s comprehensive approach. “It’s inspiring to see these opportunities brought together for our aspiring young leaders,” he remarked, underscoring the event’s dedication to nurturing future talent.
PAD President Dr. Faisal Ikram reinforced the Association's commitment to empowering Pakistani youth through quality educational initiatives. “Future Fest is an expression of PAD’s mission to drive opportunity and empowerment,” he noted. “By collaborating with renowned universities and providing real career support, we hope to transform dreams into achievable goals for our community.”
Who attended it?
The Expo was attended by representatives from over 12 local schools, hundreds of students, and a range of exhibitors, including experts from academia and industry.
Special sessions featured prominent speakers such as Samia Hasan, a Career and Leadership Coach, who offered practical advice on building careers rooted in passion and purpose.
Broadcast journalist Abdul Karim Hanif inspired students with his talk on media skills, while Omar Hayat, a management consultant, shared insights into modern leadership and success strategies.
These sessions were designed to equip students with practical knowledge and inspiration to support their career journeys.
Focus on Career & Education
The Education and Career Expo’s overarching goal was to help students understand the broad spectrum of careers available and to align their educational choices with their aspirations. PAD General Secretary Zahid Hassan commented on the expanding scope of Future Fest, saying, “With each year, Future Fest will expand in scope and influence, reaching more students and connecting them to valuable career-building resources. This year’s turnout only confirms the need for this kind of platform.”
Students also engaged in hands-on workshops and benefited from exclusive scholarship opportunities offered by participating institutions, making the event both informative and accessible for those seeking affordable education pathways.
Future Fest saw the participation of 18+ well-regarded educational institutions from around the globe, including Bath Spa University, Riphah International University, Learn Academy, Education Pathways, and British Council, among others. Students had the opportunity to interact with representatives from each institution, learning about programmes, admission requirements, and scholarship options.
“Seeing students come together to explore their potential and access scholarship opportunities has been inspiring,” shared Dawood Khan, Head of PAD’s Education Committee. “Our goal is to ensure that every student leaves with the tools and confidence they need to navigate their future.”
Special Sessions & Workshops
Alongside talks from industry professionals, students engaged in interactive workshops tailored to foster both personal and professional growth. These sessions were crafted to help students not only refine career goals but also develop practical skills for success in various fields. Participants reported feeling motivated and better equipped to make informed career decisions, thanks to the expert guidance provided.
The two-day event would not have been possible without the support of key partners, including Champion Group, Lumber Frames Trading, Digitally, Al Meher Group, and Moon Balloon, whose support made the event a resounding success.