KHDA Launches Dubai Student Council to Shape Education Policy

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 part of the Leaders of Tomorrow programme under Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy, aimed at empowering students to actively contribute to the emirate’s educational development.

The council comprises 16 students from Grade 9/Year 10 to Grade 12/Year 13, chosen from private schools across Dubai. Representing six different curricula and nine nationalities, the council reflects the emirate’s cultural diversity. Members will collectively represent nearly 400,000 students from Dubai’s private education sector.

The council’s first meeting was attended by Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary-General of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Aisha Miran, Director-General of KHDA. Each student received a copy of the book Lessons from Life by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, along with a personal message from Sheikh Hamdan, encouraging them to contribute positively to the education system.

Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that council membership is a symbol of responsibility and service to the community. He encouraged students to represent their peers’ ambitions, share ideas, and actively participate in shaping Dubai’s education system. He highlighted the vision of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focused on empowering youth, nurturing talent, and fostering creativity and innovation.

The Dubai Student Council provides an interactive platform connecting students directly with KHDA. Members will address key challenges, explore opportunities, and support initiatives that improve student engagement and educational excellence. The council aims to create an inclusive, innovative learning environment responsive to the needs of Dubai’s student community.

Aisha Miran, Director-General of KHDA, congratulated the selected students and praised the transparent selection process. She noted that Dubai’s students are central to the emirate’s educational excellence and leadership. The council ensures student voices influence educational policies in line with the Education 33 Strategy.

The council includes Emirati students and a student of determination, achieving gender balance with eight male and eight female members. The selection process involved nominations from 90 private schools, shortlisting of 40 students, and a rigorous final selection including interviews and group activities, conducted with PwC Consulting to assess leadership and interpersonal skills.

Membership in the Dubai Student Council is valid for one academic year, with an option for renewal based on performance and continued eligibility. The initiative reinforces Dubai’s commitment to student empowerment, leadership development, and inclusive educational growth.