Founder & CEO at MS Education Consultants | Visionary in Higher Education & Student Empowerment | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment and Refugee Education
Meet Dr. Mariam Shaikh
In the evolving world of higher education and student empowerment, few have made as lasting an impact as Dr. Mariam Shaikh. Based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dr. Mariam Shaikh is the Founder and CEO of MS Education Consultants, where she works with students worldwide to guide them on their academic and career journeys. Her leadership extends beyond education into entrepreneurship, mentorship, and women’s empowerment. With over 35 years of experience, her work spans student recruitment, international partnerships, and strategic development. Dr. Mariam has become an influential figure in the UAE’s education sector, known for her ability to guide students toward academic success while promoting the UAE as a global hub for higher education.
As a passionate advocate for education, Dr. Mariam believes deeply in the transformative power of learning. She says: “It is never too late to set a new goal, or dream a new dream.”
Early Foundations: Nurturing a Passion for Education
From humble beginnings in Mumbai, India, Dr. Mariam Shaikh’s passion for education was sparked early in life. Her journey into the education sector began with a simple yet profound motivation, her own children. In the early 1980s, as she sought the best educational environment for them, Dr. Mariam identified a gap in quality early childhood education. Rather than settling, she took matters into her own hands and founded a nursery school. This initial success laid the groundwork for her future achievements and ignited her passion for guiding young minds.
Under her leadership, the nursery experienced rapid growth, eventually serving more than 60 children. She later transitioned to working with schools, where she played a key role as Principal in expanding the student population of one of the largest Asian schools in the UAE to over 7,000 students. This experience refined her skills in student recruitment and strategic development, which defined her future endeavors. Her academic path spans a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from St. Xavier’s College in 1975, followed by an Honorary Doctorate in Transformational Educational Leadership in 2020 from St. Mother Theresa University. These accomplishments laid the foundation for her visionary work in education, enabling her to make groundbreaking contributions to higher education in the region.
“Dedication to student growth is the cornerstone of effective teaching. It’s about nurturing hearts and spirits, guiding each student toward their fullest potential,” Dr. Mariam has often said when reflecting on her early career.
A Defining Moment: Pioneering Higher Education in the UAE
After years of success in K-12 education, Dr. Mariam transitioned into the higher education sector, marking a pivotal moment in her career. In the early 2000s, Dr. Shaikh’s career took a significant turn when she was instrumental in establishing the University of New Brunswick’s branch campus in Dubai Knowledge Village. This groundbreaking initiative was one of the first foreign university branches in the UAE and laid the foundation for a wave of international universities entering the region.
Dr. Shaikh’s relentless pursuit of creating accessible, high-quality education opportunities has taken her to senior leadership roles at prestigious institutions. She held senior leadership roles at Canadian University of Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and Amity University Dubai, In each position, she spearheaded growth initiatives, driving student recruitment and engagement to new heights and her strategic leadership contributed to the exponential growth of these institutions.
“I was motivated by the idea of creating opportunities for students to pursue their dreams,” Dr. Mariam reflects.
Building MS Education Consultants: Empowering Students Worldwide
In 2020, after decades of transforming institutions and guiding countless students, Dr. Mariam founded MS Education Consultants, a firm dedicated to assisting students in achieving their academic dreams while facilitating the growth of educational institutions worldwide. The consultancy offers a range of services, including student recruitment, new campus set-up consultancy, and specialized training programs. It also facilitates cultural and higher education experience programs, inviting international students to visit UAE universities and immerse themselves in the region’s academic offerings.
Her firm has built a reputation for providing personalized mentorship and academic guidance, helping students navigate complex admission processes and connect with the right universities. A unique feature of the consultancy is its focus on mental health and well-being, offering stress management workshops and emotional support resources to ensure that students are not only academically prepared but emotionally resilient as well. “At MS Education Consultants, we believe that education is the key to unlocking a world of opportunities,” she says. Discover the services MS Education Consultants offers.
She explains, “I aim to facilitate vital partnerships for innovative learning programs, government initiatives, and industry collaborations to better equip students with the skills they need to succeed in our fast-paced, evolving world.”
Championing Refugee Education and Global Collaborations
Dr. Shaikh’s commitment to education extends beyond traditional boundaries. She is deeply committed to creating opportunities for marginalized groups, particularly refugee students. One of her most impactful initiatives has been working closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide scholarships for refugee students. She believes that education is a powerful tool that can help marginalized communities break the cycle of poverty and hardship.
Her influence extends across borders, with strategic partnerships at institutions such as the University of Guelph and Toronto Metropolitan University. As the Middle East Strategist for these universities, she helps students from the region access world-class education in Canada, ensuring that every step forward, no matter how small, is a step closer to your ultimate goal. “Wherever they are, children must go to school. Education can help refugee children and youth succeed despite the severe challenges they face,” Dr. Mariam affirms, emphasizing her belief in the transformative power of learning.
Empowering Women and Supporting Mental Health
In addition to her work with refugees, Dr. Shaikh is a fierce advocate for women entrepreneurs. Through the Global Women Entrepreneurs Group in Dubai, she provides mentorship, resources, and support to young women aspiring to leadership roles, particularly in non-traditional fields such as STEM and entrepreneurship. Her leadership in this area has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 Asia’s Top 100 Women Power Leaders Award and the Global Icon Award at the Women’s Economic Development Global Summit.
Mental health, particularly in the context of studying abroad, is another area Dr. Mariam is passionate about. Recognizing the emotional challenges students face, she has integrated mental health support into MS Education Consultants’ services, offering stress management workshops and access to wellness resources. Her holistic approach ensures that students are not only prepared for academic success but are also emotionally equipped to navigate the complexities of life away from home.
“One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is the power of community and mentorship. No one achieves success alone,” she notes, highlighting her dedication to empowering the next generation of female leaders.
Recognition and Awards
Dr. Shaikh’s contributions to education, women’s empowerment, and student mentorship have been recognized globally. In 2024, she was named one of the Top 20 Entrepreneurs and a recipient of the Global 200 Women Power Leaders Award. Additionally, she received the prestigious PAWES Award for Outstanding Collaborative Partnership in Africa. Her achievements in promoting international education, mental health awareness, and student empowerment have also been acknowledged with the Global Super Achiever Award, the Excellence in Education Award at the UAE WIM Top 50 Global Awards, and the GCC Woman Leadership Award.
She has also co-authored “Dubai Business Leaders Volume One,” a best-selling publication on Amazon, showcasing the insights and experiences of prominent business leaders. Dr. Mariam’s recent accomplishments underscore her impact in both the education and social sectors, including:
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2024)
- Educator of the Year – ME EMMI Empire USA (2023)
- Global Icon Award by Women’s Economic Development Global Summit (2023)
- Educational Trailblazer Award by Emirates Finest Business Awards (2023)
- Excellence in Education – UAE WIM Top 50 Global Awards (2022)
- Entrepreneur Award Winner – Emirates Women Award, presented by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority
- Excellence in Mental Health – World Health Award (2021).
The Next Chapter: Expanding the Legacy
Looking ahead, Dr. Mariam remains committed to driving innovation in education. Through MS Education Consultants, she aims to expand her reach, continuing to build partnerships that create lasting change in students’ lives. She envisions a future where international collaborations in education will play an even greater role. She sees the rise of hybrid learning models as a way to democratize education globally, offering students the flexibility to begin their studies online and complete them abroad. “International exposure and the blending of diverse cultures will lead to a tolerant and peaceful global society,” she asserts.
Dr. Mariam Shaikh’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the power of education. Her story continues to inspire countless students, educators, and entrepreneurs, proving that with vision and determination, there are no limits to what can be achieved.
“Education is a lifelong journey,” she says, “and with the right guidance and opportunities, every student has the potential to achieve greatness.”
The Nectar of Wisdom from Dr. Mariam Shaikh’s Story
- Embrace Every Challenge: “Each obstacle taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of staying true to my vision.”
- Collaboration is Key: “The more we lift each other, the higher we all rise.”
- Education as a Holistic Journey: “It’s about nurturing hearts and spirits, guiding each student toward their fullest potential.”
- Mentorship Fuels Success: “Surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you.”
- Adaptability Leads to Growth: “The road to success is not a sprint; it’s a marathon where we build endurance and strength.”
Editorial Note
Dr. Mariam Shaikh’s lifelong dedication to education and empowerment has left an indelible mark on the global landscape. Her inspiring journey continues to touch countless lives, fostering growth and success. Dr. Mariam’s story serves as a reminder that passion, perseverance, and vision can truly shape the future.
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