One of only 15 students selected across the UAE to join KHDA’s new Leaders of Tomorrow – Game Changers initiative under the Education 33 Strategy, Inaya will collaborate with KHDA to help shape the future of the emirate’s private education sector.
A Prestigious Appointment
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 27, 2025: Bloom World Academy (BWA) is delighted to announce that its Head Girl and Grade 10 student, Inaya Zaidi, has been appointed to the Dubai Students Council (DSC), as part of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority’s (KHDA) Leaders of Tomorrow – Game Changers initiative under Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy.
Following a citywide call for applications and a rigorous selection process that saw over 80 private schools across Dubai nominating their top student leaders, only 15 students from Grades 9 through Grade 12 were ultimately selected to join the inaugural council – making Inaya’s achievement a proud milestone for both her and the school.
Empowering Student Voices
The Dubai Students Council is designed to enable students to actively participate in shaping the education ecosystem over the next decade. Acting as a bridge between young people and government authorities, the Council ensures that the perspectives and ideas of students inform decision-making across the private education sector.
Inaya’s appointment reflects her proven leadership, effective communication, academic excellence, active participation in community initiatives, and vision for impact. She will serve a one-year term, with the option to reapply for a second term.
School Recognition and Support
Expressing full confidence in Inaya’s suitability, Nicola Upham, Principal – Wellbeing and Development at Bloom World Academy, said:
“Inaya is an exceptional young leader whose maturity, initiative and passion for positive change make her an ideal candidate for the Dubai Students Council. She is passionate about raising awareness and motivating her peers to be global citizens and drive meaningful change, and she consistently puts others forward by leading various initiatives. We’re incredibly proud to have her represent the school.”
Achievements and Community Impact
Among her many achievements, Inaya founded WeGrow, an international sustainability initiative that promotes gardening as a sustainable hobby and a means of supporting mental wellbeing, which has grown to include workshops and charity fundraisers. Inaya won second place in a national sustainability story writing competition, and this recognition led to her being invited to speak at COP28. She has received the Diana Award, was recognised through Dubai Cares’ Distinguished Philanthropic Award, and is a recipient of the National Young Filmmakers Scholarship, awarded by Global Village in collaboration with Bloom World Academy. She has held leadership positions in international competitions such as the First Lego League and has consistently served on the school’s leadership council. In addition to her academic and extracurricular excellence, Inaya has raised substantial funds for breast cancer research through Dubai Cares and for children’s mental health initiatives for Al Jalila Children’s Hospital.
Selection Process and Vision
During the selection process, which included group challenges and individual interviews with officials from KHDA and global consultancy firm PwC, Inaya impressed the panel with her thoughtful ideas and practical proposals. She spoke passionately about leadership as a tool for social change, sharing her vision of using the Dubai Students Council as a platform to connect students across the emirate through fundraisers, volunteering and community activities. She proposed introducing artificial intelligence into school curricula to prepare students to become responsible, future-ready digital citizens, and outlined plans to create teacher-student support groups to nurture healthy, collaborative relationships within schools. She also suggested launching a KHDA student newsletter that would highlight volunteering opportunities, mental health resources, student feedback channels and university guidance, bridging the gap between student passion and meaningful action.
Reflecting on her journey and looking ahead to her new role, Head Girl and Grade 10 student, Inaya Zaidi, said:
“It was a really insightful experience – sharing ideas with students from all over Dubai. It didn’t really feel like a competition, more like a community. I’m excited to work with KHDA and other student leaders to turn these ideas into meaningful action.”
Shaping the Future of Education
The Dubai Students Council aligns closely with the Education 33 Strategy, which prioritises learner-centric education, innovation, inclusion and excellence. Through this appointment, Inaya will contribute to shaping educational priorities for the future, ensuring student perspectives are embedded in policy and practice.
For Bloom World Academy, this achievement represents both immense pride and a meaningful opportunity to have a student voice contributing directly to Dubai’s educational vision. Inaya’s leadership journey is a powerful example of the school’s commitment to nurturing young people who are equipped, inspired and ready to make a difference locally and globally.
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