In the ever-evolving landscape of global education, few leaders have left an imprint as deep, enduring, and transformative as Dr. Mariam Shaikh. With more than three decades of experience spanning early childhood education, school leadership, higher education development, and international academic partnerships, Dr. Mariam stands today as one of the most influential education pioneers in the United Arab Emirates.
A Forbes featured entrepreneurs, global speaker, and award-winning education strategist, Dr. Mariam’s journey is not only one of professional excellence, but also of vision, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to student success across borders.
A Journey Rooted in Purpose
Dr. Mariam’s story in education began in the early 1980s, when she founded her own preschool in the UAE a pioneering move at a time when the country’s education ecosystem was still taking shape. What began as a passion-driven initiative soon evolved into a lifelong mission: to build meaningful learning pathways that empower students to thrive in a globalized world.
Her leadership capabilities soon led her to helm a prominent school group as Principal, where she was instrumental in driving its exponential growth. Under her guidance, the institution expanded into one of the largest Asian schools in the UAE, serving over 7,000 students a milestone that firmly established her reputation as a transformative education leader.
A Pioneer of Higher Education Growth in Dubai
As Dubai emerged as a regional hub for international higher education in the early 2000s, Dr. Mariam played a critical role in shaping this transformation. She was among the early pioneers responsible for establishing overseas university branch campuses in the emirate including setting up one of the first international campuses for the University of New Brunswick, Canada.
Her influence extended further through senior leadership roles at some of the UAE’s most respected institutions, including Canadian University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus, and Amity University Dubai. In each role, she led both institutional start-ups and large-scale student recruitment initiatives, helping transform emerging campuses into fully operational, thriving academic environments.
Founding MS Education Consultants
In 2020, drawing upon decades of expertise, Dr. Mariam founded MS Education Consultants, a UAE-based education advisory firm dedicated to empowering students, institutions, and governments through strategic guidance and global collaboration. Under her leadership, the consultancy has emerged as a trusted partner in student recruitment and enrollment growth, new education entity and campus set-up, international institutional partnerships, global education strategy and branding, as well as the facilitation of university fairs, alumni engagement initiatives, and academic exchange programs. Operating with a clear and purposeful mission, MS Education Consultants connects students and institutions with world-class educational pathways while actively contributing to the UAE’s vision as a global education hub.
Bridging Continents Through Strategic Partnerships
One of Dr. Mariam’s most impactful contributions lies in her ability to build meaningful academic bridges across continents. She has facilitated articulation agreements and strategic partnerships between UAE-based institutions and universities across Canada, Europe, China, Australia, and the United States, opening doors for students to access international education pathways.
She was also among the first leaders to activate the ‘Study in Dubai’ initiative, recruiting 120 Chinese students to pursue higher education in the emirate a landmark achievement in international student mobility.
Since September 2021, Dr. Mariam has served as the Middle East Strategist for the University of Guelph, Canada, driving student outreach and institutional partnerships across the UAE and GCC. She has also represented Toronto Metropolitan University and, more recently, was appointed the official UAE representative for Kean University, New Jersey, further strengthening transatlantic education ties.
A Global Voice for Education and Women’s Leadership
Beyond institutions, Dr. Mariam is a frequently invited keynote speaker at education and business forums, a panelist on higher education policy discussions, and a spokesperson across digital platforms advocating for quality education and innovation.
She is also a passionate supporter of women in business and leadership, consistently recognized among the most influential women entrepreneurs in the UAE and globally. Her work reflects a deep belief in mentorship, inclusion, and long-term impact values that resonate strongly with the region’s next generation of leaders.
Recognition That Reflects Impact
Dr. Mariam’s contributions have been widely recognized through numerous prestigious honors and leadership appointments. She has been named among the Global 200 Women Power Leaders and Asia’s Top 100 Women Power Leaders, and has received multiple Lifetime Achievement, Leadership Excellence, and Educational Trailblazer awards in recognition of her long-standing impact on the education sector. In addition, she was appointed as the first Ambassador for the Canadian Business Council Dubai and serves as a G100 Global Advisory Council member, as well as Chair for Edu-Connect at CBC Dubai, while remaining an active and respected member of several international networks dedicated to advancing education, entrepreneurship, and community development.
A Legacy Still in Motion
Today, Dr. Mariam Shaikh continues to shape the future of education from the UAE, working closely with governments, universities, schools, parents, and students from over 100 nationalities. Her legacy is not measured solely in institutions built or awards received, but in the thousands of lives empowered through access to education, opportunity, and global perspective.
As the Gulf region continues to strengthen its position on the world education map, leaders like Dr. Mariam Shaikh remain at the forefront building bridges, shaping minds, and redefining what educational leadership truly means.
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