By Dr Mariam Shaikh’s journey in education spans more than three decades, continents, and generations of students. Based in Dubai, she is widely recognised as one of the most influential education leaders in the UAE, known not only for building institutions but for shaping ecosystems that connect students, universities, governments, and global opportunities.
Her story begins in the early 1980s when she founded her first preschool in the UAE, driven by a deep belief in the power of learning to transform lives. That early venture set the tone for a career defined by courage, foresight, and a willingness to build from the ground up. Over time, she went on to lead one of the region’s largest Asian school groups as Principal, growing it into an institution with over 7,000 students. It was here that her reputation as a builder of scale and systems truly took shape.
In the early 2000s, as Dubai’s higher education sector was still finding its footing, Dr Mariam stepped into a pioneering role. She played a key part in establishing some of the UAE’s earliest international university branch campuses, including the University of New Brunswick from Canada. Her leadership extended across globally reputed institutions such as Canadian University of Dubai, Heriot Watt University Dubai, and Amity University Dubai, where she led student recruitment, campus growth, and strategic expansion.
“I have always believed that education is not just about institutions, but about access, experience, and outcomes,” she often shares. That philosophy is evident in her work facilitating articulation agreements and global partnerships between universities in the UAE and institutions across Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, China, and beyond.
In 2020, drawing on decades of institutional leadership, Dr Mariam founded MS Education Consultants, a premier education advisory firm headquartered in the UAE. The consultancy focuses on student recruitment, new education entity set ups, institutional partnerships, and global education strategy. Under her leadership, MS Education has become a trusted bridge between universities and students across the UAE, GCC, and international markets.
Her work goes beyond strategy and numbers. Dr Mariam has worked closely with students from over 100 nationalities, mentoring them through critical academic and life decisions. She has also been actively involved in initiatives such as Study in Dubai and has collaborated with UNHCR to support refugee education through scholarships.
Recognition has followed naturally. From receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Transformational Educational Leadership to being appointed the first Ambassador of the Canadian Business Council Dubai, her contributions have been acknowledged globally. She continues to serve as a keynote speaker, panelist, and advisor across education and business platforms, shaping conversations around the future of learning.
Yet, what defines Dr Mariam Shaikh most is her unwavering commitment to impact. As a strong advocate for women in leadership, she believes that education is one of the most powerful tools for empowerment, progress, and inclusion.
Through MS Education Consultants and her continued engagement across global education networks, Dr Mariam Shaikh remains focused on one enduring mission: opening doors, building bridges, and ensuring that students and institutions alike are equipped to thrive in a connected world.
