What is
AlephYa?
‘Aleph’ & ‘Ya’ represent the ‘A to Z’ of learning and education.
AlephYa
Mission
AlephYa is a leading pan-GCC educational provider, whose core mission is to provide high quality education at affordable prices and empower students with the skills to become future leaders while retaining their national heritage.
AlephYa
Vision
Our vision is to develop well rounded, confident and responsible individuals who aspire to achieve their full potential. We will do this by providing a safe, welcoming and supportive learning environment in which everyone is equal and all achievements are celebrated.
AlephYa
Mission
AlephYa is a leading educational provider, whose core mission is to revitalize and transform neighborhood community schools into reputed institutions where all children have access to quality education
AlephYa
Vision
AlephYa
Philosophy
At AlephYa, our schools and our approach to education are defined by five core attributes
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
We constantly strive to ensure that our students have access to technology, advanced infrastructure, resources and tools they need to learn, grow and thrive. Our internationally trained and certified faculty are handpicked based on their experience, accomplishments and progressive teaching methods.
Our schools have international accreditations and also have programs that help our students tackle college-level work while still in high school; enabling them to earn college credit and placement, making them better prepared for the future. AlephYa schools offer Advanced Placement (American curriculum), IGCSE and A Levels (British Curriculum) and national curriculums to provide our students with the best tools to achieve their goals and ambitions.
COMMUNITY
AlephYa schools are an integral part of their communities. We recognize and value the impact a school can and should have in molding responsible global citizens.
It is therefore our responsibility and promise to revitalize community schools and provide quality education and infrastructure to all students from every community we operate in, while still ensuring affordable fees and responsible community engagement initiatives.
Corporate and Social Responsibility
At AlephYa we believe in the community and in providing access to education to all children. AlephYa plays an active role in the communities in which it operates and is proud to be associated with several initiatives whereby it offers free education to over 1,000 students from under-privileged families.
COLLABORATION
We encourage and promote a collaborative culture among our students. They learn to work together, lead a team, reason with their peers, lift each other up, discover new perspectives and arrive at a collective goal.
The competitive spirit is alive in every AlephYa student, when they team up to accomplish great things together.
HERITAGE
We celebrate our ‘traditions’ and ‘heritage’ with pride. They are the bridge to a bright future. While it’s necessary to constantly evolve and grow, it is equally important to maintain a deep connection with our roots: ‘who we are’ and ‘where we come from’..
Our schools in the GCC embrace the importance and value of a meaningful cultural understanding in the hearts and minds of our students.
HUMANITY
Our schools focus on developing and nurturing students into future citizens of the world. It is the humanity in all of us that helps make meaningful connections with people and at AlephYa, we incorporate this into our teaching and learning.
All AlephYa schools have initiatives and programs in place that deter bullying, promote inclusivity and provide emotional wellbeing support for our students. We instill in them early on, the importance of compassion, respect and empathy in their lives.
AlephYa also works closely with the community to provide free education to those that are under-privileged and have limited access to high quality education.
AlephYa
Team
The AlephYa team comprises of a diverse, talented group of individuals who have significant expertise in the education sector and the ability to improve existing schools through:
Improved Infrastructure
Adoption of smart technologies
Implementing integrated learning
Innovation in the region’s educational landscape
Developing a strong cultural understanding and connection to one’s heritage
HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan
HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan has chaired Frontline Heroes in the UAE since July 9, 2020. Previously, he served as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and led the boards of the Tourism Development and Investment Company, the Department of Transport, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, and Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort. He was also a board member of the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency and chaired the Eastern Region Development Committee. His contributions to cultural dialogue earned him the Rome-Lupa Capitolina Prize and the Order of Arts and Letters (Commander rank) from the French Government. He also received the Cultural Leadership Award from the American Federation of Arts. He holds a master’s in International Relations from Tufts University and a bachelor’s in Architecture from UAE University.
Mohammad Al Fares
Mr. Mohammad Al Fares is Head of Diversified Projects Division at Gulf Investment Corporation. He is a seasoned investment professional with 22+ years’ experience in investment banking and private investment. He has served as Chairman and Board Members of the companies in the multiple sectors that includes healthcare, education, building materials, manufacturing, construction and F&B. He holds BSC in Mechanical Engineering from Gannon University, MBA from Tennessee State University and Executive Leadership Diploma from London Business School.
Badar Al Shanfari
Mr. Badar Al Shanfari, currently serves as Chief Investment Officer (CIO – Private Equity) at OMINVEST. He has over 20 years of experience in the field of Investments and Financial Services. Throughout his career Badar has held various leadership positions including the CEO of Uzbek-Oman Investment Company, which is the leading private equity firm based in Tashkent. He then took on a role as EVP of International Strategic Business at OMINVEST and Deputy CEO of EastBridge Partners based out of Singapore to lead OMINVEST’s Southeast Asian initiatives. Badar has served and is currently on multiple Boards of various companies, in different sectors and geographies. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Duquesne University and his MBA from Strathclyde University. In addition, Badar is a Certified Public Accountant from the United States of America – state of Delaware.
Anis Saif
Mr. Anis Saif is a Senior Director in the Principal Investment Group at Gulf Investment Corporation with a focus on private equity investments in the Education, Healthcare, Food and Agriculture sectors. He has 25+ years of experience in North America and the Middle East region in Corporate and Business Development, Investment Banking and Private Equity investments. He has engineering degrees from IIT Bombay and Purdue University and an MBA from the Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania).
Dhiraj Poddar
Mr. Dhiraj Poddar is a Managing Director and heads the Indian operations of TA Associates. He focuses on investments in companies in India and other emerging markets. He has over 18 years of experience in the private equity industry, and has advised on more than 15 investments across financial services, consumer, technology, business services and healthcare.
He is a Chartered Accountant and completed his MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
Vishal Gupta
Mr. Vishal Gupta is a Director at TA Associates. He focuses on investments in technology, healthcare, consumer, business and financial services companies in India.
He received his B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and his MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
Gregory M Wallace
Mr. Gregory Wallace is the Chief Financial Officer, Funds, at TA Associates. He is responsible for oversight of the financial operations of the TA Funds, including the preparation of financial statements, valuation, cash management, structuring of fund investments, public securities trading and tax compliance.
He earned his MS in Accounting and BS in Analytical Finance from Wake Forest University and is a Certified Public Accountant (non-active).
Matthew Royce Laufer
Mr. Matthew Laufer is a Vice President, Finance at TA Associates. He is responsible for investment closings, valuation, and internal portfolio company financial reporting and analysis. He received his BS in Business Administration from Northeastern University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
HE Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri
HE Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri is Advisor of AlephYa. He is Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs. He has also served as the Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, Executive Director & Member of Strategy Committee at Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and is a Member of the Editorial Advisory Board of MSCI Barra. In 2007, he was elected by the World Economic Forum as one of the top 250 Young Global Leaders for his contribution to the public and financial sectors in the UAE. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Lewis & Clark College in the United States, is a qualified Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and attended the Executive Education Program at Harvard Business School.
Shailesh Doshi
Shailesh serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of AlephYa, overseeing the company’s overall management and operations. Prior to founding AlephYa, Shailesh was Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking for Deutsche Bank in the Middle East, where he also served on the Deutsche Bank MENA Executive Committee, the UAE Executive Committee, and the CEEMEA Management team. His earlier experience includes working with Citigroup’s Telecom, Media, and Technology Investment Banking team in London, as well as with Ernst & Young. Shailesh holds an MBA from INSEAD Business School in France, a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Indiana University, and is a Certified Public Accountant (USA).
Nadeem Masud
Nadeem is the President and Co-founder of AlephYa. With a distinguished career in the financial sector, Nadeem previously served as Chief Country Officer for Deutsche Bank in the UAE and Head of Corporate and Investment Bank (CIB) coverage for the Middle East. He was also a member of the Deutsche Bank MENA Executive Committee, the UAE Executive Committee, and the CEEMEA Management team. Earlier in his career, Nadeem led the Global Fund Derivatives Structuring team at Deutsche Bank in London. He holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Houston, USA.
Chandra Tiwari
Chandra is the Chief Financial Officer and Co-founder of AlephYa. He oversees school acquisitions, strategy, and operations, with a current focus on building and delivering the platform’s long-term strategy. Additionally, Chandra serves on the Board of Governors for various schools within the network. With a dedicated focus on education sector investments since 2010, Chandra brings extensive expertise to his role. Prior to this, he was Senior Vice President at Lagoon Capital, where he led secondary private equity transactions across the Middle East and South Asia. Earlier, he held leadership roles at QInvest and JP Morgan and served on the boards and committees of companies such as ABEC, Intercat, and Al Nakheel & AG. He holds an MBA from IIM Bangalore and a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, India.
Gavin Hyatt
Gavin is the Chief Operating Officer at AlephYa, where he leads operational excellence and efficiency initiatives across the organisation. He also serves as an active member of the Board of Governors for several schools within the group. As a dynamic, results-driven professional, Gavin has a successful history of fostering business growth and strategic development in the education sector. In his previous role as Head of Projects and Operations at Taaleem Group, one of the UAE’s largest private education providers, he played a key role in expanding the organisation from 9 schools to an impressive 33 through innovation and collaboration. His expertise in crafting compelling bid submissions has been instrumental in advancing the company’s growth strategy. With a 22-year background in the construction and project management sectors, Gavin has led major projects worldwide, including the notable expansion of the Mall of the Emirates. He holds a BSc Honours in Civil and Structural Engineering from the University of Bolton and is a member of the Institute of Structural Engineers.
Simon Testa
Simon serves as the Chief Education Officer at AlephYa, bringing over 30 years of international experience to his role. He has led schools and school improvement programs in the UAE, New Zealand, Malta, Malaysia, China, and the Cayman Islands. His background includes serving as a Senior Inspector with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and overseeing international school provision in both China and Malaysia. As the principal of three schools, Simon consistently achieved excellence in external evaluations. His leadership has driven significant improvements in student achievement, teacher retention, and overall school performance across diverse cultural settings.
Esther Supriya Iyer
Esther Supriya Iyer is the Group HR Director at AlephYa, bringing extensive experience in strategic HR leadership, talent management, and organisational development. Esther plays a critical role in shaping our people strategy as we continue to grow. With over 20 years of HR leadership across international markets, Esther has led large-scale talent, performance, and employee experience strategies. Before joining AlephYa, she was instrumental in driving leadership development and high-performance cultures at GEMS Education. A certified Executive and Leadership Coach, she has worked extensively with senior leaders, fostering transformation and equipping teams to succeed in dynamic environments. Outside of work, Esther enjoys travelling with her 7-year-old daughter, her biggest source of inspiration and adventure
Aditya Mittal
Aditya is the Director of Investment and Strategy at AlephYa. He is currently responsible for overseeing acquisitions, strategy, and school operations. He is also part of Board of Governors of various AlephYa group schools. Aditya is a seasoned corporate finance professional with over 15 years of experience in investing and portfolio management. Previously, he has served in various senior roles at including family offices and investment banking. Earlier, he has worked in quantitative finance at MSCI and in strategy consulting. He holds an MBA from IIM Bangalore, a B Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Bombay. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) from CFA Institute, USA.
Dr. Asmaa Al-Qadi
As a student, Asma studied at TIS from KG-Grade 12 before going on to complete her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English from King Saud University. Today, she holds a Doctoral in Organizational & Educational Leadership (Ed.D) from the University of Pennsylvania and a Masters of Education (M.Ed.) from Lehigh University. Her journey and experience within the educational sector has been remarkable and inspiring; especially since she relates to the experience of her students at TIS and is committed to offering the highest standards and opportunities for her students to grow and thrive. For the past 5 years she has successfully handled multiple roles at TIS, as Quality & Development Director, Transformation Project Manager, Program Manager and most recently, as Consultant to the Director General for TIS. Prior to working with TIS, she was the High School International Principal for 5 years for Riyadh Schools for Boys and Girls, where she led a team of 50 staff and 400 students through transformational change, quality recruitment, improving student outcomes, coordinated Advanced programs and managed key development projects.
Stephanie Chattman
For over 25 years Dr. Stephanie L. Chattman has dedicated her entire professional career to serving kids, families, and communities. She has made it her personal mission to be a professional educator and to promote personal empowerment, social development, and perpetual progress through the power of education. She believes that education is a continuous journey, that every experience, endeavor, and obstacle that one encounters is an opportunity to enrich one’s understanding of self and to gain additional knowledge. Education isn’t just her profession, it’s her passion, her mission, and her mechanism to help make the world a better place. Her career started in her native state of Alabama where she served as a social worker assisting families in ways that improved their lives through training, housing, and financial assistance. The driving force behind every decision was the question, “what is best for the children.” After securing a teaching position in the state of Georgia, she relocated there with her family. While she taught in an elementary school, in the Dekalb County School District, she continued to pursue her own professional development. She leveraged every opportunity to acquire additional certifications, professional development, and valuable experience all while obtaining her masters degree and doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. Dr. Chattman was a part of the leadership team at the Universal American School of Dubai from August 2018 until July 2022. While there she rose from Elementary Principal to High School Principal and Deputy Director. Dr. Chattman joined the School of Modern Skills in 2022 with the mission to build on the foundation that has been laid. Her objective is to maximize the potential of each student with a holistic approach, working collaboratively with the staff, board, and parents to ensure students’ needs are met. Dr. Chattman understands that to achieve all of this requires everyone to work together to make excellence the standard by which everyone operates.
Antoniette Brown
Antoinette Brown is a passionate KHDA and current ADEK licensed Principal and School Manager of Ajyal International School Al Falah. She has been working in the education sector in the Middle East since 2008 and is passionate about leadership, new strategies in teaching and learning, and empowering of teachers to contribute to students’ progress. She believes in a child-centered education philosophy and lifelong learning. She is dedicated to contributing to the education sector and bilingual literacy in The United Arab Emirates and has published a children’s book series of sixteen books through Penguin publishers titled “The Adventures of Matt and Mia.” Her early educational journey started as a teacher with a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a further specialization in Special Education Needs and Clinical Remedial teaching. She also obtained a master’s degree in Education Leadership and Management through the University of Middlesex. During her employment as Chief Education Consultant, she supported school principals with inspections, and policies, compiled schools’ improvement and development programs, and supported schools with their NEASC accreditations. In addition, she developed British, American, and IB curricula, interviewed and recruited new staff, trained teachers, and was employed as a school improvement specialist and principal in various emirates throughout the UAE. She has been involved in education research during her time in the UAE and her studies. Antoinette Brown was instrumental in developing collaborative relations with many business and education experts in related fields to support school development and high school students with future careers and scholarships. She has had the opportunity to be a keynote speaker at the UAE GCES 6th Annual Symposium and a presenter at the British University in Dubai (BUID Symposium) on the current education trends in the United Arab Emirates. She is in the process of obtaining a Doctorate in Education through the University of Stirling in Scotland, which she hopes to receive in April 2023.
Manal Azouqa
Mrs. Manal Azouqa joined Ajyal International School in 2017 as a Head of Secondary & school Vice Principal after 27 years of being a regional Head of Business studies and Economics in a well reputable school in Abu Dhabi. Mrs. Azouqa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Economics from Bir Zeit University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Essex (UK). She most recently served as Ajyal International School Principal. Prior to this time Mrs. Manal Azouqa served for five years as Head of Secondary and School Vice Principal at Ajyal International School. Mrs. Azouqa is an experienced, dynamic, inspirational leader who is committed to raising standards and ensuring that students acquire and consolidate, knowledge, skills and understanding. Skilled in driving academic improvements, with a proven record of leading Key Stages in Secondary Schools and delivering whole school ENC curriculum. Mrs. Azouqa has organized many professional development opportunities for staff and has served on several curriculum development and strategic planning committees. She enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues to maximize learning opportunities for the pupils and parents that she serves. She is absolutely delighted and excited this year about returning as the principal of such a positive, student centered, and academically orientated school. As Principal of Ajyal International School Mrs. Azouqa is committed to discovering and nurturing the abilities of every child. Setting the highest expectations in terms of learning and behavior, we are justifiably proud of the academic achievements of our students. Her primary responsibilities are hiring, coaching, evaluating, and retaining a highly qualified staff; developing and implementing the assessment program; compiling and presenting student achievement data; maintaining effective school discipline; and overseeing the school budget.
Ali Asgar Shroff
Ali is the Chief Executive Officer of AlephYa’s ABQ Education Group, Oman’s largest international school operator. A chartered accountant from ICAI (The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India), Ali worked with Ernst & Young, one of the world’s Big Four accounting firms prior to joining ABQ. As a founding employee of ABQ Education Group, his expertise spans mergers and acquisitions, strategy, and operational excellence, making him instrumental in ABQ’s mission to deliver top-tier education. With over 20 years of experience in finance and education in Oman, he brings a profound understanding of the local educational landscape and his vision for ABQ is rooted in a commitment to excellence and innovation.
Sharl Prinsloo
With over 20 years in education, Sharl brings a wealth of experience to his role as principal. After earning his degree from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in South Africa, he began his career at a primary school in Cape Town. Early challenges, including large class sizes and socio-economic issues, provided a strong foundation for his later work in multicultural, international education. Seeking new experiences, Sharl moved to the United Kingdom, where he split his time between teaching and playing cricket. This exposure introduced him to diverse teaching methods and ignited his interest in international education. Returning to South Africa, Sharl spent three years in his family’s business, gaining valuable financial insight, before ultimately deciding to return to his true passion: education. He resumed his career teaching science at a primary school and quickly advanced through roles as a teacher, Head of Department, and then Deputy Principal at a prestigious school in Pretoria. In 2009, Sharl joined ABQ Sohar International as Head of Primary, where he led for four years before his promotion to principal. In 2021, he transitioned to ABQ Seeb International in Muscat as principal, bringing his strong leadership and dedication to fostering an inclusive, high-quality educational environment for students from Pre-KG to Grade 12.
Barney Kruger
Barney has 15+ years of international education experience, with a dynamic background that spans teaching and senior leadership roles across several countries. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental and Tourism Management from North-West University, South Africa, in 2007, setting the foundation for his passion in education. His teaching career began in Qatar, followed by a PGCE focused on Geography and Mathematics, along with an extended diploma in Mathematics and Mathematics Literacy. Currently pursuing an MBA in Action Learning and Project-Based Management at the Business School of the Netherlands, Barney has developed advanced strategic and operational skills. Before joining ABQ Sohar, he served as Head of Secondary at ABQ Seeb in Muscat, where he led impactful academic and operational improvements. He also held the role of Executive Head at Ashton John’s Private School in South Africa, where he played a key role in the school’s establishment in 2021. Barney’s career includes several international positions, including roles in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and across the Middle East. His diverse experience has provided him with a deep understanding of international curricula and education leadership. His leadership philosophy emphasises fostering student-centred learning environments and adopting innovative educational approaches.
Hanane Feggadi
With 18 years of diverse experience in various educational roles, Hanane Feggadi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, a Bachelor’s degree in Education and teaching qualifications in French as a Foreign Language. Growing up in a family dedicated to education, she developed a passion for teaching from an early age.
Hanane began her career as a teacher in Morocco, where she honed her skills before transitioning to a Key Marketing Executive role in Oman. Her love for education brought her back to the classroom as a French teacher and Head of Foreign Languages at Sohar International School. She is fluent in Arabic, French, and English and effectively connects with students from diverse backgrounds.
Her commitment to student affairs led her to serve as Head of Student Affairs, and she later became Head of Quality Control and Vice Principal at ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International. Currently, as the Founding Principal of ABQ Al Imtiaz School, Hanane is dedicated to creating an innovative learning environment that inspires both students and educators.
Believing in the transformative power of knowledge, she is passionate about enhancing educational practices through creative material development and collaborative training. Hanane’s goal is to foster a culture of success and continuous improvement for all members of the school community.
Bandar bin Abdulrahman Al-Sulaiman
Bandar Al-Sulaiman has a wealth of experience in the field of education and has made significant contributions to the Saudi educational system over the years. His extensive experience, leadership, and dedication to education have made him a prominent figure in the Saudi educational landscape, with a lasting impact on students and educators alike.
Beginning his career as a high school teacher, Mr. Bandar then assumed the position of high school supervisor for six years, ensuring the quality of education. His leadership skills were duly recognized, leading to an eight-year tenure as a Principal. He also served four years as an educational administration supervisor under the Riyadh Education Administration. Further, he served as an educational trainer, contributing to Riyadh’s educational development. He then progressed to his role as the General Manager of Dar Al-Shawamikh Educational Company and Majd Private Schools, a position he currently holds. Under his leadership, the institution has seen significant growth, now accommodating over 4,500 students across three educational complexes.
Throughout his career, Bandar Al-Sulaiman has been dedicated to continuous learning and professional development. He has completed numerous training courses both in Saudi Arabia and abroad. Additionally, he has received several certificates of appreciation from various relevant authorities for his contributions to education
Aida Nemer
Aida joined Horizon Private School – Ministry of Education Curriculum in 2013. Aida’s vision is to equip future generations with tools that help them excel through innovation, creativity and high- quality education. She is the happiest when her students excel and achieve success in their university and career. Aida has a Masters in Educational Administration and has worked in the education sector since 1996.