Dubai is giving its students a stronger voice than ever with the launch of its first Student Council, guided by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Made up of 16 students from a range of private schools, the council will connect young learners directly with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), helping shape the future of education across the emirate.
Dubai Student Council : A vision for empowering young leaders
Under 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 KHDA approved the formation of the Dubai Student Council for the 2025–26 academic year. This initiative is part of the Leaders of Tomorrow programme, embedded in Dubai’s Education Strategy 2033, aimed at nurturing young talent, fostering leadership, and encouraging innovation across the private education sector. On the council’s inauguration, each member received a copy of Lessons from Life by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The book was accompanied by a personal message from Sheikh Hamdan, highlighting the values of responsibility, commitment, and service.
Representation across diversity
The council brings together 16 students from Grade 9/Year 10 to Grade 12/Year 13, representing 16 private schools, six different curricula, and nine nationalities. These students collectively represent nearly 400,000 students in Dubai’s private education system, ensuring that the council mirrors the emirate’s rich cultural and educational diversity. Gender balance has been achieved with eight male and eight female members. Inclusion was further emphasized with the participation of a student of determination. From a pool of 90 private schools across 10 curricula, 40 students were shortlisted based on specific criteria for excellence. The final 16 members were selected through a rigorous process involving individual interviews and group activities conducted in collaboration with PwC Consulting, which evaluated leadership, interpersonal skills, and the capacity to represent peers effectively. Membership is valid for one academic year, with an option to renew for a second term based on performance and eligibility.
First meeting and Dubai Crown Prince’s message
The council’s first 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, Sheikh Hamdan’s gift of Lessons from Life was presented, reinforcing the values of innovation, perseverance, and national pride. In his congratulatory message, Sheikh Hamdan 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. 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.” Sheikh Hamdan further emphasized that the council embodies Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of investing in people, nurturing talent, and opening doors to opportunity, creativity, and innovation.
A platform for student engagement and policy influence
The Dubai Student Council is designed as an interactive platform linking students directly with the KHDA. While the specific responsibilities and duties of its members are yet to be formally outlined, the council’s general objectives include:
- Fostering collaboration and problem-solving between students and educational authorities.
- Addressing key challenges and exploring opportunities for development.
- Promoting student engagement and excellence across Dubai’s private education sector.
Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, stated:“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. Dubai’s students are at the heart of the emirate’s educational excellence and leadership. They are the foundation of every developmental effort and the aim of all programmes and policies. We trust in their ability to innovate, overcome challenges, and make a positive contribution to shaping educational programmes that anticipate the future of learning, in line with the Education 33 Strategy.” Through the council, Dubai hopes to create a learning environment that’s flexible, inclusive, and innovative, while giving students a real say in shaping policies and programs that reflect their goals, ideas, and potential.
