Dubai, March 16, 2015: More than 75 school counsellors, advisors and education officials from eight countries across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region attended a professional development symposium this week, hosted by University of Dubai and organized by the British Council. Led by experts from UK careers and higher education institutions, the symposium included sessions on educational and careersí opportunities. Welcoming the school counsellors, Dr. Eesa M. Al Bastaki, President of University of Dubai, said: ìThe University†of Dubai is pleased to host this event in the UAE,††a country that†embraces advance and smart education methods. The University of†Dubai will always support such educational symposiums that coach†counselors on how to advise students to choose the best educational and career paths.î Dr. Al Bastaki also commended the British Council for its initiative in supporting and empowering learning. Marc Jessel, Director of the British Council in the UAE, said: ìThe symposium, and our new training programme, support the British Councilís mission of empowering learning, developing skills and supporting opportunity. Employability and employment are live issues across the region, and good quality, timely careers advice and guidance is an important intervention to ensure that young people make the right choices which will ensure them a prosperous and successful future. We are delighted to partner with the University of Dubai for this event, as our organizations have shared objectives, seeking to create opportunities for young people in the Emirates and across the MENA region.î The keynote speech was delivered by David Andrews OBE, Fellow of the UKís National Institute for Careers Education and Guidance.