On November 22–23, the Search Dubai November Fair brought together the energy, optimism, and global spirit that define international education. Hosted by Search Associates (SEARCH) Bill Turner and his partner Alison, the fair welcomed 150 highly experienced candidates representing 34 nationalities and currently working in 28 countries. Forty-one recruiters joined them, creating a vibrant, professional environment focused on meaningful conversations and shared purpose.
Throughout the two days, candidates and recruiters alike celebrated the value of meeting in person. In an era increasingly shaped by virtual interactions, the opportunity for face-to-face dialogue proved both refreshing and powerful. Recruiter Diana Elreda from A’Takamul International School captured this sentiment clearly:
In-person recruitment fairs are an essential part of our hiring process because they allow us to truly connect with candidates beyond what a résumé or virtual meeting can offer. Meeting face-to-face helps us understand a candidate’s personality, communication style, and fit for our school culture.
For many candidates, the fair offered not only interviews, but clarity and confidence as they navigated their international teaching journeys. Candidate Brijesh Babu shared his experience:
Attending an in-person job fair … allowed me to make meaningful, face-to-face connections with school leaders, gain deeper insights into school cultures, and explore opportunities that I may not have considered otherwise. This was my first time attending such a fair, and I genuinely believe that personal interactions and real-time conversations make a significant difference in the job-seeking process. I highly recommend in-person fairs to all candidates—they provide clarity, confidence, and a true sense of the global education community.
As one of two annual Dubai fairs, the November event plays a particularly important role early in the recruitment season. It is especially valuable for educators seeking positions in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, while continuing to attract schools from around the world. For candidates aspiring to leadership roles, the timing offers an early opportunity to connect with schools planning ahead. Yasmine Dannawy, Secondary Principal at The Aquila School, Dubai, reflected on the enduring importance of in-person interaction:
In person fairs give us an opportunity to meet candidates in person, as most of our interviewing has moved online now, and nothing beats meeting a candidate in person for us to imagine what they would be like in our school!
The fair was hosted at Universal American School Dubai, just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport. With a wide range of nearby hotels at varying price points, the location made the event both accessible and convenient for international travelers. Rob McCarl, Head of Karachi American School, shared why the Dubai November Fair remains a priority:
Karachi American School routinely makes the Search Dubai in person fair our first big recruiting push for a good reason: This fair gives us a great opportunity to meet candidates early in the season, and Dubai is an easy place for us to travel. The organization and camaraderie is just the cherry on top. A great experience every year, and one we aim to repeat!
Universal American School, located in Festival City, is itself a model of international education, offering a blended curriculum that includes the IB Primary Years and Diploma Programmes, the U.S. Common Core, and Advanced Placement courses. The school serves 1,300 students from 86 nationalities and employs staff from 27 countries, providing a fittingly global setting for the fair.
Adding further value to the experience, Senior Consultant Jeremy Lewis supported candidates and recruiters throughout the event and delivered a popular presentation, “Application Advice for Aspiring and Current Leaders.” Representatives from the University of Birmingham Dubai, long-standing exhibitors at Search Dubai fairs, also served as candidate advisors, enhancing the professional guidance available. Candidate Brijesh Babu noted the impact of this assistance:
The support from the Search Associates team—particularly Bill Turner, Alison Turner, and Senior Consultant Jeremy Lewis —was outstanding. They were consistently approachable, well-informed, and genuinely supportive throughout the fair. I truly appreciated their guidance and enjoyed the meaningful conversations with them.
As another recruitment season gains momentum, the conversations sparked in Dubai will continue well beyond the fair—shaping careers, schools, and international communities around the world. For educators exploring their next international opportunity and for schools seeking the right fit for their communities, Search Associates’ annual job fairs held around the world offer insight, inspiration, and a strong sense of belonging within the global education network.
