Dr. Mariam Shaikh Interview
In the dynamic world of international education, Dr. Mariam Shaikh’s names resonates with the same passion and purpose. With almost four decades of experience, Dr. Shaikh has redefined what it means to lead with vision, empathy, and impact. From founding one of Ras al Khaimah’s most prominent nursery schools to heading large-scale academic institutions and now running MS Education Consultants, her journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
A recipient of multiple global awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award and Global Icon Award, Dr. Shaikh is a trailblazer in student empowerment, cross-border education partnerships, and institutional consultancy. Her unwavering commitment to student well-being, global collaboration, and women’s leadership in education sets her apart as a transformative force.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Shaikh opens up about her journey, mission, and the driving force behind her work helping students across cultures find not just academic success, but happiness, purpose, and a future they believe in.
A Journey Fueled by Purpose
We started the interview by asking, “What inspired you to transition from running a nursery school to leading higher education initiatives across the UAE and globally?”
Dr Mariam Shaikh replied, “My journey in education has been one of continuous growth, purpose, and deep personal connection. It all began in the early 1980s when, inspired by my own children, I founded a nursery school. At the time, I simply wanted to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment where children could thrive. That small beginning sparked something much larger in me a passion for shaping young lives through quality education.
As the nursery grew, so did my aspirations. I went on to become the Principal of a prominent school group in the UAE, and under my leadership, it expanded exponentially to become one of the largest Asian schools in the region, with over 7,000 students. That experience was transformative it taught me the power of vision, the importance of community, and the impact of education on a larger scale. In the early 2000s, I felt a strong pull towards higher education. I saw an opportunity to support students at a pivotal stage in their lives—when they’re making crucial decisions about their futures. The idea of helping them not only pursue academic excellence but also align their education with their career aspirations deeply resonated with me. I wanted to be there to guide them, to open doors, and to create pathways to global opportunities.
That desire led me to play a foundational role in the development of higher education institutions in the UAE. I was actively involved in pioneering efforts to bring international universities to Dubai one notable example being the initiative to establish the University of New Brunswick from Canada in Dubai Knowledge Village. Throughout my career, I’ve held leadership roles in some of the most respected universities in the region, including Canadian University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and Amity University Dubai. My focus in each of these roles was centered around student recruitment, enrollment growth, brand positioning, strategic development, and creating meaningful international partnerships.
Working with students from over 100 nationalities has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I’ve always believed in the importance of the student experience not just academically, but holistically. That’s why I was honored to serve as the Chief Happiness Officer and Vice President for Student Experience & Success. In these roles, I implemented initiatives to foster student happiness, promote leadership, and build vibrant, inclusive campus communities. My work has also extended beyond borders. I’ve led international collaborations with institutions in countries like Austria, China, Australia, and the U.S., developed study abroad programs, and hosted global student events in the UAE. One of my proudest moments was leading the recruitment of 120 Chinese students to study English in Dubai, as part of one of the earliest efforts to activate the ‘Study in Dubai’ initiative.
In 2020, I was humbled to receive an Honorary Doctorate in Transformational Educational Leadership an acknowledgment that fuels my continued commitment to education. I’ve been privileged to speak at conferences, join international delegations, and serve as an ambassador for the Canadian Business Council in Dubai, all in service of promoting the UAE as a world-class education destination.
Today, I also channel my energy into supporting women through the Global Women Entrepreneurs Group in Dubai. I believe in the importance of empowering women to participate in the mainstream economy, through education, skill development, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support.”
From Mentorship to Mobility
The Worlds Times: What is the core mission of MS Education Consultants, and how does it reflect your vision for global education?
Dr Mariam Shaikh replied, “MS Education Consultants was born out of a desire to guide students worldwide toward achieving their academic and career goals. At the heart of our mission is empowerment & empowering students to make informed choices, equipping institutions to grow through strategic partnerships, and bridging international education gaps. We don’t just provide recruitment services; we create meaningful collaborations between global institutions and the UAE. From campus setup consultancy to cultural exchange programs, we aim to offer a complete ecosystem of support. My vision is to see Dubai become a global education hub, where students from all over the world can thrive. Through partnerships with top universities like the University of Guelph, we are making that vision a reality. I believe in building futures, not just careers, and that’s what MS Education stands for global exposure, innovative learning, and student-centric growth that adapts to the needs of a rapidly evolving world.”
Beyond Accolades
The Worlds Times: You’ve received numerous awards over the years, what does recognition mean to you as a leader in education?
Dr Mariam Shaikh replied, “Every award I’ve received is a reflection of the countless students, institutions, and colleagues I’ve had the privilege to work with. Recognition, to me, is not about personal accolades, it’s a reminder of the responsibility I carry. Awards like the Lifetime Achievement Award, Global Icon Award, or the Women Power Leader recognition affirm the impact we’re making in the education space, especially in the UAE and beyond. They also highlight the importance of mentorship, inclusion, and global collaboration. What matters most is how these recognitions inspire others especially young women and educators to pursue their passion and believe in their ability to lead change. I take every award as a push to do more, reach more students, and amplify the voice of education as a transformative force. It’s incredibly humbling and motivating to know that our efforts are not only noticed but are making a difference in people’s lives.”
Where Happiness Meets Learning
The Worlds Times: How do you promote student happiness and well-being across the initiatives you lead?
Dr Mariam Shaikh replied, “Student happiness is a core value I’ve championed throughout my career. During my tenure in higher education leadership, I was honored to be appointed as Chief Happiness Officer a title that carries deep meaning for me. I truly believe that a student’s well-being is just as important as academic success. At every institution I’ve worked with, I’ve implemented initiatives focused on mental health, community engagement, leadership development, and creating inclusive environments where students feel valued. From hosting student-led projects to organizing cultural immersion events, the goal has always been to give students a sense of belonging and purpose. At MS Education Consultants, we continue this by offering personalized support, mentorship, and career guidance. When students are happy and emotionally supported, their performance and confidence soar. My mission is to ensure that every student, regardless of background or nationality, feels empowered, heard, and inspired to achieve their full potential.”
Empowering Women Leaders
Lastly we asked, “What advice would you give to women aspiring to become leaders in education or entrepreneurship?”
“My advice to women is to embrace your voice, trust your vision, and never underestimate the power of resilience. The journey may come with challenges, but every obstacle is an opportunity to grow stronger. In education and entrepreneurship, passion must be your compass, and purpose your driving force. I strongly encourage women to seek mentors, build networks, and invest in learning. I’ve seen firsthand how collaboration and community can elevate a woman’s career. Through my involvement with global women entrepreneur groups and leadership forums, I actively support women in accessing opportunities and resources. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating space for others to grow with you. Be authentic, lead with empathy, and always stay committed to your mission. Whether you’re building a business or a classroom, your influence has the power to transform lives. Believe in yourself, because the world needs more women change-makers.” Dr Mariam Shaikh concluded
Connect with Dr. Mariam Shaikh on LinkedIn
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