The eLearning industry in the Middle East is experiencing high demand for new educational technologies and is expected to reach revenue heights of $560 million by 2016. With millions more beginning to use these technologies, big data piques the interest of corporations and institutions that can use the information, for better or worse.

Prof. Abtar Darshan Singh, Dean of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University's School of eEducation and Chair of the eLearning Excellence track at Innovation Arabia 8, believes the global understanding of big data still hasn't reached its peak; nevertheless, the better-established eLearning regions will be quickest to take up new technologies as they hit the market.

"Due to the dynamic growth in online learning and technology improvements in schools, the rate of acceptance and implementation of big-data technologies will be far easier in the MENA region," says Prof. Darshan Singh.

Rather than being relevant only to children and tertiary students, Prof. Darshan Singh cites eLearning as "a way of life" that is permeating all sectors internationally, including the healthcare, architectural, and agricultural industries. For eLearning programs to be successful, though, a tailored design approach that considers culture, content, and expectations is essential - only by studying the audience can the program deliver results.

The Innovation Arabia 8 track eLearning Excellence will explore the current and next-stage trends in eLearning, from blended learning to flipped classrooms, and experimental smart learning to innovation in curriculum design. Keynote speaker for the track Dr. Alan Bruce, CEO & Director of Universal Learning Systems and Vice President of EDEN, will share knowledge and experience in the open education sector with participants at Innovation Arabia 8 in Dubai.

The theme of this year's conference, 16-18 February 2015, is "Innovate, Collaborate, and Differentiate: Honoring the Past, Treasuring the Present, and Shaping the Future". This theme reflects the belief that innovation is the path towards growth, progress and a better tomorrow for the Arab World.

Innovation Arabia 8 will feature four tracks: Quality and Business Management, eLearning Excellence, Health and Environment, and Islamic Banking and Finance. Innovation Arabia will help to unleash the economic opportunities waiting within the region.