Leaders

Navigating the dynamic global education system demands schools to embrace technological advancements, innovative strategies, and adaptable learning frameworks. Early exposure to digital skills, analytical thinking, and tailored learning experiences fosters students’ adaptability in an interconnected world. A lack of access to modern learning tools and critical thinking approaches set students on a path of uncertainty and hurdles, whereas implementing global benchmarks and leveraging data-driven approaches further strengthens their readiness for future challenges.

Experienced educator Alia Yahya Younis has passionately dedicated her career to instilling core values in students by delivering high-quality education that empowers every learner. As the principal of Dubai Carmel School, she reinforces the need to create a nurturing environment that celebrates inclusivity and blends creativity, tradition, and knowledge for students to reach their academic and social potential.

What began as a modest educational institution in Jumeirah has today turned into a provider of quality education that builds the leaders of tomorrow while also contributing to UAE’s evolving education landscape.

Dubai Carmel School ensures that every learner is equipped for future success in a technology-driven world.

Take us through your professional journey?

My professional journey began with a scholarship in pharmacy, where I distinguished myself by graduating at the top of my class. This accomplishment was a personal milestone, marking the beginning of an evolving career. After taking a break to focus on my family, I naturally gravitated towards education, teaching subjects like maths and science, before transitioning to biology. I was promoted to Assistant Administrator at the National School Dubai under Riyad Al-Mirabi’s leadership and later served in Ajman under Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Zayed bin Saqr Al Nahyan.

What are the key areas of expertise that you bring to the table as an educator?

By integrating cross-curricular strategies, I promoted collaboration and interactive learning while emphasizing personal development, knowing that attitude shapes future success. Beyond academics, I focussed on personal development, ensuring students adopt responsibility, discipline and healthy habits.

We reinforce anti-bullying initiatives and emphasize punctuality and attendance as essential core values. Managing 80 students of determination, we provide a dedicated space for specialized learning while catering to all achievement levels.

Through curriculum adaptation, professional teacher training, and lesson plan oversight, we ensure teachers deliver effectively, ensuring an engaging learning environment.

Introduce us to Dubai Carmel School. Tell us about the underlying idea behind the venture and its key areas of expertise.

Our Cambridge British Curriculum school began with FS2 to Year 6, operating in Jumeirah. Starting with just 50 students, 15 staff members, a nurse and two secretaries was a bold step toward building our institution.

Within a year, enrolment grew to 150 students, reaching 300 over a decade. Ultimately, building our own school is an accomplishment that defines our commitment to education.

Our vision remains strong, which is to nurture future leaders through creativity, well-being, and academic excellence. Our mission is to ensure highquality learning experience and exceptional parent collaboration. The school also promotes inclusive education and caters to students with special needs.

What key roles and responsibilities do you shoulder as the Principal of Dubai Carmel School?

I follow the Diamond Leadership Cycle, focusing on leading, organizing, controlling and planning. Engaging with parents, students, and teachers through effective communication is fundamental to my leadership style. Recruitments is also a critical responsibility, where I personally assess that candidates meet required standards before joining the team. I review teachers’ demonstrations and facilitate professional development at all stages through external training, internal programs, or direct guidance. I establish development goals, oversee course structuring, and guide scheduling which is now managed digitally.

Which methodologies and pedagogies do you leverage at Dubai Carmel School to ensure positive learning outcomes for students?

We ensure open communication and interaction between our students and teachers. We also emphasize on teaching real-world applications of knowledge to students. Interactive strategies such as hand-on experience, practical models, and collaborative group work are encouraged to promote interactive engaged learning.

Ongoing training ensures educators effectively implement these pedagogical advancements. Incentives help shape their behaviours, while a calm atmosphere ensures focus. We align assessments with UAE’s National Agenda, while conducting internal exams, presentations and monthly tests. Gifted students follow an advanced curriculum while differentiated instructions for others ensures tailored support for diverse learning needs.

Which career milestones are the most special for you?

My professional journey has been long but incredibly fulfilling. Founding Dubai Carmel School in a villa was my most challenging yet fulfilling milestone. What makes it truly worthwhile is the lasting impact on students’ lives.

Seeing students from Dubai Carmel express their gratitude, to me, the school, and their teachers, becomes a testament to the quality of education we provide. I firmly believe that the true value of education lies in the foundation we build for future generations.

As contributors to the UAE’s evolving education landscape, we remain dedicated to advancing learning and shaping a successful career for our students.

Tell us about the role played by your family in your success?

My husband Dr Tariq Raslan Al Hawary, ENT Consultant has provided me with his unwavering support, both emotionally and financially, throughout this journey. His belief in the power of education and his vision for the future of learning in the UAE have been instrumental in shaping Dubai Carmel School. His passion for nurturing the next generation of leaders and ensuring that every child has access to quality education has been a constant source of inspiration, guiding me every step of the way. Dr Tariq and I have transferred this passion and care of the school to our son and daughter who will be a great asset to DCS and talent of tomorrow.

How do you foresee the early education landscape evolving in the UAE?

The UAE is making significant strides to make Dubai one of the world’s leading student cities.

The UAE is actively cultivating a research-intensive environment where innovation thrives. As investment in knowledge and entrepreneurship strengthens, the nation’s economy is on a promising trajectory, securing a competitive future. The UAE is also reinforcing the role of Arabic in the curricula using modern, technologydriven teaching techniques while maintaining a strong focus on global academic standards. This not only strengthens the linguistic skills but also aligns with the nation’s vision for a knowledge-based Weconomy.

Alia Yahya Younis, Principal, Dubai Carmel School

Educator Alia Yahya Younis is leveraging education to shape the future leaders of UAE. A pharmacist by qualification, she forayed into education by teaching subjects like maths and science, before transitioning to biology. With an emphasis on holistic education, promoting creativity and empowering learners to achieve excellence, she equips young learners for future success in a technology-driven world.