Industry: Education & Student Success
Designation: Founder & CEO
Country: UAE
Company: MS Education Consultants
Impact: With 35+ years in higher education, she has positioned Dubai as a global education hub, recruited 120+ international students via “Study in Dubai,” and earned awards like Educator of the Year 2023 and Global 200 Women Power Leaders 2024.

Dr. Mariam Shaikh | Revolutionizing the Education Landscape of the UAE

An acclaimed global leader in education, Dr. Mariam Shaikh brings with her more than 35 years of experience and an inspiring record of success in the sector. As the Founder and CEO of MS Education Consultants, Dr. Mariam’s expertise covers a wide spectrum including student recruitment and enrollment growth, brand positioning, marketing, strategic development, new campus planning, international collaborations, and enhancing the student experience.

Throughout her professional journey, Dr. Mariam has held senior leadership positions at some of the most prominent universities in the UAE. She has actively guided countless students in pursuing higher education while also helping global institutions expand into the region. A notable example of her contribution was encouraging the University of New Brunswick, Canada, to establish a presence in Dubai Knowledge Village. Her leadership roles at Canadian University of Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and Amity University Dubai significantly contributed to the rapid growth of their student populations.

Dr. Mariam has also served as Chief Happiness Officer and Vice President for Student Experience & Student Success, where she introduced innovative projects to create a positive learning environment and promote student well-being. Her initiatives encouraged students to take ownership of their campus life and grow into confident leaders.

With her forward-looking approach, she has successfully established partnerships between UAE-based institutions and international universities, making study abroad opportunities more accessible. She also pioneered the ‘Study in Dubai’ initiative, recruiting 120 Chinese students to study English in Dubai as a pathway to higher education. By hosting events, welcoming international student groups, and promoting academic collaborations, Dr. Mariam has consistently championed Dubai as a global education hub.

A highly respected voice in the industry, Dr. Mariam is regularly invited as a keynote speaker at education conferences and panel discussions. She has represented Dubai internationally as a brand ambassador for higher education, highlighting the UAE’s position as a destination of choice for quality learning. Her extensive travels and participation in global delegations underline her commitment to building Dubai’s reputation as an education powerhouse.

Recognizing her outstanding contributions, Dr. Mariam has received several awards and honors, including the Global Excellence in Education Award, Educator of the Year 2023, Global 200 Women Power Leaders 2024, and the Leadership Excellence Award by Impact Leadership Global in 2025. She was also recently appointed as the first Canadian Business Council Dubai Ambassador, further strengthening her international influence.

Through MS Education Consultants, Dr. Mariam continues to empower students worldwide by guiding them toward their academic goals and supporting institutions with new initiatives. The consultancy provides services ranging from student recruitment and global partnerships to specialized training programs that prepare students for success in today’s competitive world. 

With an Honorary Doctorate in Transformational Educational Leadership, Dr. Mariam Shaikh stands as a driving force in shaping Dubai’s higher education landscape. Her vision to position Dubai as a top destination for students worldwide continues to inspire a new generation of learners and leaders.