Dr. Mariam Shaikh’s Journey to Making Education Accessible and Globally Connected

As a thought leader who believes in the power of education, Dr. Mariam Shaikh is a strong voice in the higher education sector of the UAE. A visionary in this field for over three decades, she has been shaping higher education, talent development, and international academic partnerships across the UAE and beyond. Starting her journey by establishing a preschool in the UAE in the early 1980s, Dr. Shaikh has never looked back since. 

As the Founder and CEO of MS Education Consultants, Dr. Shaikh actively bridges the gap between students and higher education opportunities. Specializing in student recruitment, new campus establishment, institutional partnerships, global education strategy, professional development initiatives, entrepreneurial programs, and internships, MS Education Consultants carries out university exchange opportunities as well. 

Helping students in their journey of learning and long-term success, the organization empowers students with the skills and exposure needed to thrive in today’s dynamic world. With services spanning from entrepreneurial initiatives to student recruitment, MS Education Consultants is actively transforming the educational sector of the UAE. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Shaikh has held senior leadership positions with leading universities and has guided thousands of students and professionals in making informed education and career decisions. With impactful roles at prestigious institutions, including Heriot-Watt University, Canadian University of Dubai, and Amity University, she has dedicated herself to making quality higher education accessible over the years. 

Alongside filling the gap between education and industry, Dr. Shaikh even empowers institutions, develops future-ready talent, and helps individuals navigate an increasingly complex global landscape through lifelong learning. Beyond traditional educational consultancy, Dr. Shaikh is even advancing professional development through different initiatives including Georgian Global, the UAE’s first Canadian training hub licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). 

Recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the Global Excellence in Education Award, reflects her relentless efforts to fulfill her vision. She reflects, “Pioneering the establishment of the Dubai campus of the University of New Brunswick, one of the first foreign university branch campuses in the Emirate, was equally a notable milestone in my journey.” Having worked with students representing more than 100 nationalities, she brings a global vision in this sector. 

Dr. Shaikh’s honorary Doctorate in Transformational Educational Leadership is a reflection of her vision to drive transformation in the higher education field. A sought-after speaker, mentor, and strategic advisor, Dr. Shaikh is widely recognised for her insights on the future of education, leadership, employability, and workforce transformation. Also known for being a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, she undertakes initiatives to support women entrepreneurs, alongside mentoring women leaders through their leadership journey. 

Through her work, Dr. Mariam Shaikh continues to shape conversations that influence educational innovation, talent development, and the evolving relationship between academia and industry, establishing her as a respected thought leader in the education sector.