The Gulf Comparative Education Society (GCES) is an academic society that was formed in 2008 to enable comparative and professional discourse on educational issues in the Arabian/Persian Gulf region. The Society aims to promote and develop collaborative and individual research activities that explore educational issues by hosting a series of annual conferences and workshops.
Formerly held once every year since 2010, GCES Symposia are currently held once every two years in one of the member GCC countries to examine context-specific education issues in the Gulf region. They bring together educators, policymakers, and researchers who share a common interest in promoting education across systems, countries and the broader region.
Participation in the GCES Symposia has been growing steadily since the organization's inception. Over the past years, the GCES has grown to include more than 500 members from 20 different countries. As the society matures, its potential impact will continue to grow as relationships among members deepen and more research attention is focused on the region.
Attendance at the annual GCES Symposia has grown and has many repeat participants. The topics presented have also become increasingly diverse and have included: use of technology, teacher quality and assessment, public-private partnerships, education reform, higher education and labor market demands, as well as school and university leadership.
The annual symposia have been held in four different countries in the Gulf region (United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait), with each host assuming significant responsibility for the organization and running of a successful conference.
Several conference proceedings have been published.