Education is more than just a means to an end—it is the foundation upon which aspirations take shape and futures are built. But what happens when students face uncertainty, unsure of the right path forward? That’s where visionary leaders like Dr. Mariam Shaikh step in, turning obstacles into stepping stones. Today, in the evolving world of education, Dr. Shaikh has dedicated her entire life to establishing pathways that help students develop their abilities. Her journey demonstrates how education transforms individuals and supports the fundamental human right for learners to thrive.

Since beginning her career almost 35 years ago, Dr. Shaikh has shaped global education through her pivotal leadership role. The strategies developed from her research unite diverse educational stages into cohesive frameworks that create equal access opportunities for student achievement. Through her efforts, Dr. Shaikh guides people—especially women—to challenge societal barriers and rise into leadership positions. Her impact extends beyond instructional spaces because she uses her reach to drive productive changes in both educational systems and societal growth.

As the Founder & CEO of MS Education Consultants, Dr. Mariam Shaikh leads an organization that is redefining consulting in higher education. Her extensive experience, combined with her strategic vision and firm dedication to student success, has resulted in industry-leading accomplishments. Her professional awards represent just the beginning of her belief that education transforms communities through lasting positive influence. She continues to advance learning by opening new opportunities while guiding the development of promising educational futures, driving meaningful progress across the global educational landscape.

Let’s see how Dr. Shaikh is shaping global education and fostering student success across the world!

A Visionary Leader with a Purpose-Driven Mission

Dr. Shaikh achieved esteemed status in the education field as a result of her deliberate actions. Her journey towards high prominence in education emerged from an endless dedication to learning, combined with a deep faith in every student’s ability and her relentless pursuit of global education transformation. Dr. Shaikh began her journey by establishing a modest nursery school, growing from her dedication to children and her goal of delivering quality education at an early stage. She started providing early learning programs for children out of personal commitment, eventually transforming this initiative into the guiding principle that would define her future career.

Her early experiences shaped a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional factors influencing educational outcomes. As a student herself, Dr. Shaikh recognized not only the importance of a strong academic foundation, but also the need for holistic support throughout a student’s educational journey. This realization motivated her to pursue advanced degrees in educational psychology, further equipping her to understand the intricate dynamics at play in both student development and leadership.

The transition from early childhood education to higher education marked a pivotal moment in Dr. Shaikh’s career. It was within this sphere that she would make her most significant contributions, beginning with her involvement in the establishment of the University of New Brunswick’s branch campus in Dubai Knowledge Village in the early 2000s. This groundbreaking initiative set the stage for an influx of international universities into the UAE, further establishing the country as an educational hub. From there, she expanded her impact by taking on senior leadership roles at prominent institutions such as the Canadian University of Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, and Amity University Dubai.

The Birth of MS Education Consultants

Despite an already successful and fulfilling career in academia, Dr. Shaikh recognized a significant gap in the market that needed to be addressed: the lack of comprehensive and personalized support for students aiming for international education. In 2020, with a deep desire to provide students with tailored, hands-on assistance in navigating their academic dreams, she founded MS Education Consultants in the United Arab Emirates.

Driven by the belief that “It is never too late to set a new goal or dream a new dream,” Dr. Shaikh created the company with the intent of making educational aspirations accessible to students across the globe. The firm’s mission was clear from the start: to offer comprehensive educational consulting services that cater to the unique needs of each student while fostering the growth of international education systems.

Her vision extended beyond just student recruitment; she wanted to create opportunities for students to flourish in new academic environments and help them discover their passion for lifelong learning. Over the years, MS Education Consultants has positioned itself as a trusted partner for students seeking higher education opportunities abroad, providing strategic counseling, application support, and mentorship every step of the way.

Partnerships with Global Institutions

As part of her ongoing commitment to providing students with the best possible opportunities, Dr. Shaikh expanded MS Education Consultants’ portfolio of partnerships with leading institutions. Her appointment as the Middle East Strategist for the University of Guelph in 2021 marked a major milestone in her career.

As part of this role, she works directly with students from the Middle East, helping them navigate the complex admissions process to one of Canada’s top educational institutions. Her work with the University of Guelph, which consistently ranks among the best for student satisfaction, highlights her ability to connect students with universities that offer not just academic rigor but a community-focused environment.

In 2023, MS Education Consultants was also appointed as the Middle East Representative for Toronto Metropolitan University, one of Canada’s leading urban institutions. With this partnership, Dr. Shaikh continued her mission to offer students the chance to pursue their educational dreams in diverse, multicultural settings that prepare them for a globalized workforce. By fostering these strategic relationships, she has cemented her role as a connector of global educational opportunities, ensuring that students from the Middle East are represented and supported on the international stage.

A Legacy Built on Transformational Leadership

Dr. Shaikh’s journey from a passionate educator to a globally recognized and trusted leader in the field of international education consulting is defined by a deep commitment to transformational leadership. For her, success isn’t just about numbers, rankings, or accolades; it’s about making a real difference in the lives of students and empowering them to achieve their goals.

She believes that leadership in education requires more than just business acumen — it requires an understanding of the human elements that influence learning and student development. Her background in psychology and leadership has proven invaluable in creating the tailored services MS Education Consultants offers today. Through her guidance, students are not only equipped with the tools they need to navigate the admissions process, but they are also given the support they need to succeed in their chosen fields.

Dr. Shaikh is quick to emphasize that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Her experiences have taught her that success in education comes from understanding the unique needs of each student and recognizing the importance of a holistic approach to education. This belief is at the core of MS Education Consultants, where personalized, student-first solutions take center stage.

Award-Winning Leadership and Recognitions

Over the years, Dr. Shaikh has been honored with numerous prestigious awards, further validating her tireless efforts in transforming the educational landscape.

Among the most significant recognitions, Dr. Shaikh was awarded the Global Excellence in Education Award 2021 by H.E. Sheikh Eng. Salem Bin Sultan al Qassimi, a momentous honor that speaks to her outstanding contributions to the global education sector. She also received the Outstanding Contributions to the Education Industry Award 2021 from H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi, a recognition that celebrates her dedication to shaping the future of education across the UAE and beyond.

Her work has been celebrated globally with the GCC Woman Leadership Award 2019, acknowledging her role as a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field. Dr. Shaikh was also the recipient of the Global Super Achiever Award 2020 and the Lifetime Achievement Award 2020, both affirming her long-standing commitment to excellence in education.

In 2021, Dr. Shaikh was awarded the Achievers Award in New Entrepreneurial Venture and Excellence in Mental Health – World Health Award for her work in advancing mental health support for students and educators alike. She also received the SHE Business Woman Award 2021, an honor that recognizes her entrepreneurial spirit and leadership.

Adding to these accomplishments, Dr. Shaikh became the only UAE nominee for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Education Industry’ at the 2021 Pioneer Awards. She was also awarded the Global Excellence in Education 2021 by

H.E Sheikh Eng. Salem Bin Sultan al Qassimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah (RAKDCA). Additionally, she received the Prestigious Fame Times International Excellence Award 2021, supported by The World Book of Records, UK, and the South Asian Chamber of Commerce.

In the same year, she earned the Outstanding Contribution to the Education Industry Award 2021 under the patronage of The Private Office of H.E Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi. In 2022, her remarkable influence continued with the Business Excellence Award 2022 for Excellence in Education, as well as being named in the UAE WIM Top 50 Global Awards 2022 for her exceptional work in education. 2022, Dr. Shaikh was also awarded the Women Entrepreneur Award by the Emirates Women Award, presented by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman & CEO of Emirates Airline and Group. In 2023, she was named Educator of the Year by Emmi Empire, and Asia’s Top Women Power Leaders 2023, a demonstration to her dedication to inspiring women in education.

Her pioneering spirit extends beyond education, as seen in her groundbreaking appointment as one of the first Ambassadors of the Canadian Business Council (CBC) Dubai. In this prestigious role, she has bridged opportunities between Canada and the UAE, fostering bilateral ties in education and cross-cultural collaboration.

Looking ahead, Dr. Shaikh’s impact continues to grow. She was awarded the Women Economic Development Global Icon and Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 and was named among the Top 20 Entrepreneurs and Global 200 Women Power Leaders 2024. Her most recent recognition includes the PAWES Award for Outstanding Collaborative Partnership Africa 2024, marking her ongoing influence and commitment to global educational collaboration.

A Passionate Advocate for Women’s Empowerment

Alongside her professional accomplishments, Dr. Shaikh devotes herself fully to the mission of women’s empowerment. Throughout her professional journey, Dr. Shaikh has dedicated herself to supporting organizations that foster women’s leadership and career advancement. Through mentoring young women, she helps them pursue their goals, whether academic or business-oriented, while teaching them to seize opportunities in the modern world.

Through MS Education Consultants, Dr. Shaikh has also provided opportunities for women to not only receive education but thrive in their professional careers. She has created programs that give female students access to scholarships, career opportunities, and professional networks, ensuring that women are not only represented in educational spaces but are also able to excel.

Dr. Shaikh extends her commitment to supporting women through opportunities beyond the MS Education Consultant organization. She actively advocates for women to find secure, supportive surroundings that enable their path toward achieving personal career success independently.