Dr. Mariam Shaikh is a renowned name in the field of education with over 35 years of experience and an illustrious career marked by numerous achievements and accolades. She is a prominent figure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the domain of education and entrepreneurship and stands out for her exceptional dedication, vision, and impact. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Dr. Mariam’s remarkable journey, pioneering initiatives, vision for education, and ongoing efforts to empower students and promote global collaborations.
Dr. Mariam Shaikh’s journey in this sector has been truly remarkable. As we began our conversation, she talked to us about her background and journey that led to establishing MS Education Consultants, “I am from Mumbai, India, and I’ve lived in the United Arab Emirates for 38 years. Throughout my 35-plus years of career in education, I’ve held a variety of responsibilities and accomplished important milestones. The foundation of my preschool in the 1980s marked the beginning of my adventure, which also included positions in K–12 schools as a principal and as a Senior Leader at Canadian University Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus, and Amity University Dubai.
I decided that it was time for me to take a break and retire as the vice president of Amity University Dubai in January 2020. I flew back to my home in Mumbai and thought of a peaceful retirement life taking care of my art gallery. My plans were unexpectedly changed by the lockdown, and I realized that I was not ready for retirement yet. There were goals I wanted to achieve in the field of education, rather, my goal was to start my own company MS Education Consultants, in Dubai. From day one, I have always been driven by a passion for Higher Education, Student Recruitment, Marketing, Strategic Development, International Relations, and Student Experience. I enjoy counseling students and mentoring young entrepreneurs to help them overcome any obstacles they face. My goal in the education sector is to drive student engagement and achievement with a steadfast focus and my primary objective through my company would be to guide students worldwide, in making decisions regarding admissions and achieving their professional aspirations” Dr. Mariam narrated her journey.
“Dedication to student growth is the cornerstone of effective teaching. It’s about nurturing hearts and spirits, guiding each student towards their fullest potential.”
We asked Dr.Mariam what are some of her achievements that led to founding her company in the UAE. She proceeded to explain, “Recognizing the potential for international collaboration, I have spearheaded the establishment of several esteemed foreign university branches in the UAE. After my stint in school education, I ventured into the Higher Education Sector to pursue new opportunities and assist students in fulfilling their academic and career aspirations. I was fortunate to play a key role in establishing some of the most reputed foreign university branch campuses in the UAE, such as the University of New Brunswick in Dubai Knowledge Village. This was my first pioneering effort to encourage foreign universities to set up their campuses in Dubai.”
Education is one of those industries that never stops growing. Dr. Mariam played a key role in developing and carrying out strategic business plans for colleges and universities. These tactics complement the institution’s objectives and vision. She assisted institutions in becoming competitive and flexible in the ever-evolving educational landscape by emphasizing long-term growth. As a Senior Leader at various universities, Dr. Mariam shared the strategies employed to attract and retain a diverse student population, “Firstly, I have worked on building strong partnerships with schools, colleges, and other educational institutions across the globe to create a robust pipeline of prospective students.
Secondly, I have leveraged digital platforms and social media to promote the world-class education offered by the institutions. I have also traveled extensively as a Brand Ambassador, participating in foreign delegations to promote Higher Education and showcase Dubai as an Education Hub and a destination of choice for students seeking Higher Education. Lastly, I have emphasized the importance of providing personalized guidance and support to students throughout their academic journey. By understanding their unique needs and aspirations, we can better empower them to pursue their goals and succeed in their chosen fields.” She replied.
In 2020, Dr. Mariam received an Honorary Doctorate in Transformational Educational Leadership, reinforcing her dedication to empowering students. That same year, she founded MS Education Consultants. “We aim to foster crucial partnerships for Innovative Learning Programs, Entrepreneurship & Empowerment initiatives, Government projects, and Industry collaborations to equip students with the necessary skills for success in our rapidly changing world. Our services cover various areas, including Student Recruitment to boost university enrolment, Consulting for setting up new campuses in the UAE or GCC region for international educational institutions, Specialized Online Training Programs, and Cultural and Higher Education Experience Programs.”
As the Middle East Strategist for the prestigious University of Guelph (UofG) and the Middle East Representative for Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Dr. Mariam’s key focus areas are to assist students from the Middle East with their admission into these prestigious institutions and to promote the world-class education they offer. Her objectives include building strong relationships with schools, colleges, and other educational institutions in the region, providing personalized guidance and support to students, and organizing events and activities that showcase the unique strengths and offerings of UofG and TMU.
Dr. Mariam received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. She shared a few memorable ones and what they mean to her, “I have been fortunate to receive several awards and accolades throughout my career, each of which holds a special place in my heart. Some of the memorable ones include the Golden AIM Conference Awards – Most Prestigious Education Professional In Asia, Educator of the Year – ME EMMI Empire USA, Asia’s Top 100 Women Power Leaders by White Page International UK, and the Entrepreneur Award Winner – Emirates Women Award from H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman & CEO of Emirates Airline and Group.
These recognitions serve as a constant reminder of the impact I have been able to make in the lives of students and the education sector as a whole. They also motivate me to continue striving for excellence and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of education.” She blushed with pride.
Before wrapping up, we asked Dr. Mariam for advice she’d offer to aspiring educators and professionals seeking to make a difference in education. She shared, “My advice is to always stay passionate about your work and prioritize your students’ needs and aspirations. Education has the power to transform lives and shape our future. By putting students at the center and fostering strong partnerships, you can make a lasting impact on the sector’s growth and development.”
She continued, addressing entrepreneurship, “Entrepreneurship is both challenging and rewarding. It requires passion, continuous learning, and a solid business plan. Stay updated on trends, strategies, and technologies. Efficient time and financial management, along with adaptability, are crucial skills. Build relationships with mentors, peers, and customers. Embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, and stay true to your vision and values. Success is achievable with passion, persistence, and a commitment to learning.”
With that, Dr. Mariam concluded her insightful interview.
