Dubai Prince Sheikh Hamdan Forms A New 16-Member Dubai Student Council
Following the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has approved the formation of the Dubai Student Council for the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative is a part of Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy.
The council represents 16 students from various private schools in Dubai, studying in Grade 9/Year 10 to Grade 12/Year 13. The students represent six different curricula and nine nationalities and cultures. As council members, these students represent nearly 400,000 students across Dubai’s private education system. Gender balance was also achieved, with eight male and eight female members, all chosen based on established criteria for excellence.
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The council’s first meeting was held in the presence of Abulla Mohammad Al Basti, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Aisha Miran, Director-General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Students received a gift from H.H. Sheikh Hamadan, a copy of the book ‘Lessons from Life’ by His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, PM and Ruler of Dubai.
In a congratulatory message to the new council members, 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.”
The Dubai Student Council marks a significant step towards amplifying students’ voices and encouraging their active involvement in shaping education policies within Dubai’s private education sector. The council aims to create an inclusive, flexible, and innovative learning environment that meets the community’s changing needs and aspirations.
The council will serve as an interactive platform to connect student representatives directly with the KHDA, fostering collaboration, mutual understanding, and shared problem-solving. Members will act as a link between the student community and the KHDA, addressing key challenges, exploring opportunities, and supporting initiatives that promote student engagement and educational excellence across Dubai’s schools.
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This year, 90 private schools from 10 different curricula submitted nominations for the council. Out of these, 40 students were shortlisted based on specific criteria for excellence. Final members of the council were selected through a rigorous and transparent process that included individual interviews and group activities, conducted in collaboration with PwC Consulting, to assess candidates’ leadership and interpersonal skills.
Membership in the Council is valid for one academic year, with the option to renew for a second term, subject to performance and continuous fulfilment of eligibility criteria.
