Dr. Mariam Shaikh is a distinguished figure in the education sector, bringing over 35 years of expertise and consistent success to her field. Based in the United Arab Emirates, she has made significant strides in student recruitment, marketing, strategic development, international relations, and enhancing the student experience. As the Founder and CEO of MS Education Consultants FZ LLC, Dr. Mariam is globally recognised as a top education entrepreneur. She is an inspiring role model for young women aspiring to build careers in education, demonstrating through her entrepreneurial journey and achievements that success is attainable with dedication and passion.
Dr. Mariam’s career began in the early 1980s with a nursery school inspired by her children. She quickly gained prominence, transforming her villa into an engaging child-friendly environment, complete with a mini zoo. Her determination to create a cost-effective, high-quality curriculum set the foundation for her future endeavours. She later headed large K-12 schools as principal and shifted her focus to higher education, targeting international markets. Notably, she played a pioneering role in establishing the University of New Brunswick’s foreign campus at Knowledge Village, Dubai, and encouraged other foreign universities to follow suit.
A respected global thought leader, Dr. Mariam is renowned for her expertise in student recruitment, marketing, strategic development, international relations, and student experience enhancement. She is an active speaker at conferences and on news channels, promoting Dubai’s world-class educational facilities. Her extensive travels representing Dubai in educational delegations have contributed significantly to the emirate’s status as an educational hub offering globally recognized education.
Beyond her institutional roles, Dr. Mariam is a strong mentor and advocate for students and female entrepreneurs. Her commitment to women’s empowerment is evident through her collaboration with various organizations dedicated to supporting women worldwide. She believes in the transformative power of entrepreneurship for achieving economic independence and serves as an inspiration with her business success tips: confidence, determination, passion, and resilience.
“Success is not something that happens by chance. It takes tenacity, dedication, consistency, confidence, self-belief, learning, studying, sacrifice, and, most importantly, a love for what you do,” she emphasizes. Dr. Mariam advocates for continuous learning and perseverance, advising young entrepreneurs on the importance of stepping out of their comfort zones and working diligently towards their dreams and goals.
Dr. Mariam’s academic credentials are impressive, holding a Bachelor’s Degree with Honors in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology, and a PhD in Transformational Educational Leadership from Harvard Affiliate Mother Theresa University. She has mentored students from over 100 nationalities, and in 2020, she founded MS Education Consultants to support students and educational institutions with innovative learning programs tailored to a rapidly evolving world. Her company has become the official Middle East strategist for the prestigious University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, and the Regional Recruitment Representative for Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU).
Her career highlights include serving as Vice President of Amity University’s Dubai Campus and holding key positions at other renowned institutions like the University of New Brunswick, Canadian University of Dubai, and Heriot-Watt University. Dr. Mariam has played a pivotal role in establishing Dubai as an educational hub, contributing to the development of Knowledge Village and Academic City.
“It’s never too late to set a new goal or dream a new dream,” she asserts. Dr. Mariam’s entrepreneurial journey began later in life, following a 35-year career in education. Founding MS Education Consultants allowed her to channel her expertise into a platform dedicated to student success, demonstrating that new beginnings are possible at any stage of life.
Dr. Mariam has received numerous awards, including the Global Excellence in Education 2021, GCC Woman Leadership Award 2019, and Educator of the Year 2023, among many others. Her accolades reflect her exceptional contributions to education and her influence as a global thought leader.
In 2024, her company, MS Education Consultants, was featured in a comprehensive article in great companies, highlighting its innovative strategies and success stories. An exclusive interview with AllAroundWorlds.com provided further insight into her inspiring journey. Additionally, her participation in the #IGotMotivation campaign showcased her mentorship skills and deep understanding of students’ needs.
Dr. Mariam Shaikh stands at the forefront of educational innovation, her visionary leadership transforming the landscape through collaboration and a steadfast focus on student success. She champions inclusivity, internationalization, and lifelong learning, fostering an environment where diversity and creativity thrive. Her enduring contributions shape the future of education, demonstrating that true leadership and innovation can create lasting, positive change.
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