Following the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has officially approved the formation of the first Dubai Student Council for the 2025–26 academic year.
This forward-looking initiative stems from the Leaders of Tomorrow game changer under Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy, reinforcing the emirate’s vision to empower students and foster a globally competitive education system.
Diverse and Dynamic Representation
The Dubai Student Council 2025–26 comprises 16 students from Grades 9 to 12 (Years 10–13), representing 16 private schools, six curricula, and nine nationalities, which is a true reflection of Dubai’s cultural diversity. These young leaders will represent nearly 400,000 students across Dubai’s private education ecosystem.
First Council Meeting
The inaugural meeting took place in the presence of Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA. During the session, members received a special gift from Sheikh Hamdan. This included a copy of Lessons from Life by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, accompanied by a personal message from the Crown Prince encouraging them to lead with purpose, empathy, and innovation.
Sheikh Hamdan’s Message to Students
In his message to the council, Sheikh Hamdan congratulated the members and said:
“This is an exciting achievement and a great opportunity, and a symbol of responsibility, commitment, and service to your community and fellow students. As a member of the Council, you are now the voice of students in Dubai. You will carry their ambitions, express their ideas, and contribute to developing our education system. Your responsibility is significant, but our expectations are even greater.
He added:
“In appreciation of your efforts, I gift you a copy of the book ‘Lessons from Life’ by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It captures the values that inspire, guide, and ignite the passion to achieve and make a difference. Continue to exemplify the qualities that define our nation’s youth: minds that innovate, hearts that persevere, and a deep-rooted pride in the values that unite and inspire us.”
A Vision Rooted in Empowerment
Sheikh Hamdan reaffirmed that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision is deeply rooted in nurturing talent, unlocking human potential, and providing an environment that fuels creativity and innovation. Dubai’s education ecosystem aims to empower every student to co-create the future, with an education system built on quality, inclusion, and global competitiveness.
A Platform for Student Leadership
The Dubai Student Council serves as a dynamic platform to connect students directly with the KHDA, ensuring their voices help shape education policies and programmes. Through collaboration and dialogue, the council will address key challenges, explore new opportunities, and support initiatives that enhance student engagement, well-being, and academic excellence across private schools in Dubai.
Shared Vision for the Future
Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, said:
“We warmly congratulate the students selected for the Dubai Student Council for this academic year. The selection process was thoughtfully planned to ensure fairness, transparency, and diversity.”
Representation, Inclusion, and Balance
The Dubai Student Council includes Emirati students and a student of determination, ensuring inclusivity and authentic representation. Gender equality is also reflected, with eight male and eight female members selected based on academic excellence, leadership skills, and community impact.
Out of 90 private schools that submitted nominations, 40 students were shortlisted before final selection through rigorous interviews and group activities conducted in collaboration with PwC Consulting. Each member’s term lasts for one academic year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance.
Driving Dubai’s Education Excellence
The creation of the Dubai Student Council is another milestone in Dubai’s journey toward educational excellence, encouraging youth leadership, active participation, and a commitment to continuous improvement within the private education sector. It represents the next step in building an inclusive, innovative, and globally admired education model, aligned with the Dubai Education 33 Strategy.
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