Dr. Mariam Shaikh: Architect of Global Education Pathways

In a region defined by ambition, transformation, and global connectivity, few leaders have shaped the education landscape as profoundly and persistently as Dr. Mariam Shaikh. With more than three and a half decades of experience spanning early childhood education, K–12 leadership, higher education start-ups, international university partnerships, and global student mobility, Dr. Shaikh stands as a cornerstone of the UAE’s rise as a global education hub.

Today, as the Founder and CEO of MS Education, Dr. Mariam Shaikh continues to influence the future of education bridging continents, cultures, and institutions while empowering students from over 100 nationalities to pursue global opportunities. Her journey is not merely one of professional milestones; it is a story of vision, resilience, and an unwavering belief in education as a transformative force.

A Journey Rooted in Purpose

Dr. Mariam Shaikh’s journey in education began long before global rankings, international branch campuses, and education cities became common terminology in the Middle East. In the early 1980s, driven by a passion for learning and child development, she founded her own preschool in the UAE. At a time when the region’s formal education ecosystem was still evolving, her initiative reflected both foresight and courage.

Her early work laid the foundation for a career defined by student-centric leadership. As she progressed to head a well-known school group as Principal, Dr. Mariam became the driving force behind its exponential growth. Under her leadership, the institution expanded to serve over 7,000 students, becoming one of the largest Asian schools in the UAE at the time. More importantly, it became a model of academic excellence, operational scale, and community trust.

This period marked the emergence of Dr. Mariam’s defining leadership trait: the ability to combine strategic growth with educational integrity.

Pioneering Higher Education in Dubai

The early 2000s represented a turning point not only in Dr. Mariam’s career but also in the UAE’s education narrative. As Dubai embarked on its journey to become an international education destination, Dr. Mariam transitioned into the higher education sector at a formative stage of its development.

One of her most pioneering achievements was playing a central role in establishing one of the first overseas university branch campuses in Dubai for the University of New Brunswick, Canada. This initiative was groundbreaking, setting a precedent for international universities seeking to establish a presence in the region.

Her success in this endeavor led to senior leadership roles with some of the most respected international institutions operating in the UAE, including:

• Canadian University of Dubai
• Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus
• Amity University Dubai

Across these institutions, Dr. Mariam was instrumental in start-up operations, student recruitment strategies, international branding, and long-term growth planning. She led the expansion of student populations at scale, contributing directly to the transition from initial academic centers to fully-fledged campuses with comprehensive facilities.

Her work helped redefine Dubai’s reputation from a regional education destination to a globally competitive higher education ecosystem.

A Global Connector of Institutions

Beyond campus development, Dr. Mariam Shaikh emerged as a trusted architect of international academic partnerships. She facilitated articulation agreements and strategic collaborations between institutions in the UAE and universities across:

• Europe
• Canada
• The United States
• Australia
• China

These partnerships opened pathways for student exchange, study-abroad programs, dual degrees, and joint academic initiatives providing students with global exposure while strengthening institutional credibility.

Her leadership extended into experiential learning as well. Dr. Mariam hosted multiple global business challenge competitions, bringing international students to the UAE and positioning the country as a center for innovation, enterprise, and cross-cultural collaboration.

She was also among the first education leaders to actively support and operationalize the “Study in Dubai” initiative, successfully recruiting 120 Chinese students to pursue higher education in the emirate well ahead of large-scale international recruitment trends.

The Birth of MS Education

In 2020, drawing upon decades of experience and an unparalleled network across education, government, and industry, Dr. Mariam Shaikh founded MS Education in the United Arab Emirates.

The firm was established with a clear mission: to empower students and institutions with access to global opportunities through expert guidance, innovation, and collaboration.

Today, MS Education stands as a premier education advisory firm, offering specialized services including:

• Student recruitment and international partnerships
• New education entity and campus set-up advisory
• Institutional marketing, branding, and market-entry strategy
• University and career fairs, alumni engagement initiatives
• Innovative learning and professional training programs
• Entrepreneurial initiatives and internship facilitation
• UAE cultural awareness and global exchange programs

Under Dr. Mariam’s leadership, the firm has become a trusted partner for universities, colleges, training institutes, and corporate organizations across the UAE, GCC, and beyond.

Strategic Global Representation

Dr. Mariam’s influence through MS Education extends well beyond advisory services. Since 2021, she has served as the Middle East Strategist for the University of Guelph (Canada), significantly expanding student outreach and institutional partnerships across the UAE and GCC.

In 2023, MS Education was appointed as the Middle East Regional Representative for Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), supporting student recruitment and regional engagement.

Most recently, the firm has been:

• Appointed to facilitate the start-up of a new Canadian education entity in Dubai
• Designated as the official UAE representative for Kean University, New Jersey, USA, a nationally ranked R2 Carnegie Research institution recognized for its extensive research portfolio

These appointments underscore Dr. Mariam’s credibility as a global education strategist and her ability to align international institutions with regional priorities.

Championing Students and Diversity

At the heart of Dr. Mariam Shaikh’s career lies an unwavering commitment to students. Over the years, she has worked closely with learners from more than 100 nationalities, guiding them through academic decisions that shape not only careers, but lives.

Her approach goes beyond admissions and placements. She is deeply invested in:

• Student experience and well-being
• Cultural integration and belonging
• Career readiness and global employability

Her advocacy also extends to social impact. Dr. Mariam has supported CSR initiatives with UNHCR, helping provide scholarships for refugee students ensuring that access to education remains a right, not a privilege.

Leadership, Recognition, and Global Influence

Dr. Mariam Shaikh’s contributions have earned her widespread recognition across international platforms. In 2020, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Transformational Educational Leadership, acknowledging her lifelong impact on education systems and leadership development.

She is also:

• The first Ambassador for the Canadian Business Council Dubai
• Chair for Edu-Connect at CBC Dubai
• Advisory Member for Higher Education at the G100 Global Advisory Council
• A distinguished member of the Indian Women Dubai Network

A frequent keynote speaker, panelist, and media spokesperson, Dr. Mariam is widely sought after for her insights on higher education policy, internationalization, and future skills. She regularly represents institutions as part of global delegations, promoting collaboration between academia, government, and industry.

A Legacy of Excellence: Awards and Honors

Dr. Mariam’s journey is marked by an extraordinary list of accolades, including:

2025

• Pioneer in Education Award – Hayat Arts Mirage Awards
• Top 50 Global Inspirational Entrepreneurs – Khatoon Entrepreneur Summit
• Leadership Excellence Award – Impact Leadership Global

2024

• Global 200 Women Power Leaders
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Co-author, Dubai Business Leaders – Volume One (Amazon #1 Bestseller)

2023–2021

• Asia’s Top 100 Women Power Leaders
• Educator of the Year – ME EMMI Empire USA
• Global Excellence in Education Awards

These honors reflect not just professional success, but sustained influence and credibility across continents.

Empowering Women, Shaping the Future

A strong advocate for women in business and leadership, Dr. Mariam Shaikh is recognized as one of the UAE’s leading women entrepreneurial leaders. She actively mentors emerging professionals, supports women-led initiatives, and champions inclusive leadership across sectors.

Her extensive network includes higher education leaders, government officials, school counselors from over 200 institutions across the Middle East, and community networks reaching more than 100,000 members.

Looking Ahead: Education Without Borders

As global education continues to evolve driven by digital transformation, mobility, and shifting workforce demands Dr. Mariam Shaikh remains firmly focused on the future. Through MS Education, she continues to:

• Enable global pathways for students
• Support institutions entering the UAE and MENA markets
• Strengthen academia–industry collaboration
• Promote Dubai and the UAE as world-class education destinations

Her story is one of vision translated into impact, and leadership defined by service.

In an era where education shapes economies and societies alike, Dr. Mariam Shaikh stands as a true architect of opportunity building bridges that will empower generations to come.