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What is

AlephYa?

AlephYa is an educational group established in the UAE that owns and operates schools across the GCC with a core focus on nurturing global citizens who have a strong connection to their heritage and the world we live in. Our schools provide high quality education that is affordable and accessible to every child. Staying true to its origins, the name AlephYa was inspired from the first and last alphabets of the Arabic language respectively.

‘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

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

Philosophy

At AlephYa, our schools and our approach to education are defined by five core attributes

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

Chairman
HH Sheikh Sultan is member of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Emirate and is Undersecretary at the Court of the Ruler’s Representative for Abu Dhabi’s Eastern Province. He is the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company and Managing Director of the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development. He has been awarded the American Federation of Arts’ “Cultural Leadership Award” for his role in spearheading the development of Saadiyat’s Cultural District, including the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. He is qualified as an architectural engineer from the UAE University and holds an MA in Economic Studies, with a major in International Relations from Tufts University, USA

Mohammad Al Fares​

Board Member
Representing GIC
Mr. Mohammad Al Fares is Head of Diversified Projects Division at Gulf Investment Corporation. He is a seasoned investment professional with 20+ 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

Board Member
Representing Jabreen Capital
Mr. Badar Al Shanfari, currently serves as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at OMINVEST. He has over 17 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

Board Member
Representing GIC
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).

Shailesh Doshi

Board Member
Shailesh is an Executive Director and Board Member of AlephYa Operating Company and is responsible for the overall management and operations of the company. He co-founded AlephYa in 2016 and has worked on building the platform since its inception till today. Shailesh is passionate about education and ensuring that all children have access to quality education. He is also Managing Partner, founding shareholder and a Board member of Aramis Partners Ltd, a DFSA regulated firm. Previously, he was a Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking for Deutsche Bank in the Middle East region. He was a member of the Deutsche Bank MENA Executive Committee, the UAE Executive Committee and a member of the CEEMEA Management team. Prior to joining Deutsche Bank, Shailesh worked at Citigroup’s Telecom, Media and Technology Investment Banking team in London and prior to this with Ernst & Young. He holds an MBA degree from INSEAD Business School in France, a B.S. in Finance from Indiana University and is a qualified Certified Public Accountant from the USA.

Nadeem Masud

Board Member
Nadeem is an Executive Director and Board Member of AlephYa Operating Company. He was one of the founders of AlephYa and has focused on social impact investing since 2015, specifically in the education sector. He is also a founding shareholder and a Board member of Aramis Partners Ltd, a DFSA regulated firm. Previously, he was the Chief Country Officer for Deutsche Bank in UAE and Head of Corporate and Investment Bank (CIB) coverage for Middle East region. He was a member of Deutsche Bank MENA Executive Committee, the UAE Executive Committee and CEEMEA Management team. He also headed the Global Fund Derivatives structuring team based in Deutsche Bank, London. He holds an MBA degree from Wharton Graduate Business School (University of Pennsylvania) and a BSc in Electrical Engineering from University of Houston in USA.

Chandra Tiwari

Board Member
Chandra is an Executive Director of AlephYa Operating Company and a co-founder of AlephYa. He oversees the acquisition, strategy and operations of the schools and is currently focused on building and delivering the long-term strategy for the platform. He is also part of the Board of Governors of the various schools. Chandra has focused on education sector investments since 2010. Prior to co-founding AlephYa, Chandra was Senior Vice President at Lagoon Capital, a secondary focused private equity firm backed by Qatar Insurance Company and HarbourVest. While at Lagoon Capital, he was responsible for originating and execution of secondary private equity transaction in the Middle East and South Asia. Prior to joining Lagoon Capital, he worked at QInvest, Qatar’s leading investment group and JP Morgan. He has held board, investment and management committee membership at various companies including ABEC, Intercat, Al Nakheel & AG, Ambit Corporate Finance and Lagoon Capital. He holds an MBA degree from IIM Bangalore and a B. Tech in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kanpur in India.

Dr. Asmaa Al-Qadi – Principal

Al Tarbiyah Al Islamiyah School – American and National Curriculum Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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 – Principal

School of Modern Skills – American Curriculum, Muhaisnah, Dubai, UAE
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 – Principal

Ajyal International School – American Curriculum Al Falah, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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 – Principal

Ajyal International School – British Curriculum– Mohamed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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.

Amal Shahine – Founding Principal

Horizon Private School – American Curriculum Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
What does it take to build a school from the ground up? Mrs. Amal Shahine, Founding Principal of Horizon Private School – Branch (HPS – Br.) since 2008 knows exactly what it takes. From just 100 students in its first year to 1900 students by the eleventh year, Mrs. Amal’s dedication and vision to offering the highest standards of education delivered through a team of highly trained and experienced educators is what makes HPS-Br., one of the most sought after community schools in Abu Dhabi. She believes that every child is a gift from God, every student can add immeasurable value to the world; and it is the duty of every educator to unlock that potential in their students, so they can fulfill their destiny. After 30 years of her career in education which began as a Biology teacher in an international school, Mrs. Amal is still known and respected as someone who ‘leads by example’, a role model to her students and staff and is highly regarded within the community

Aida Nemer – Principal

Horizon Private School –Ministry of Education Curriculum –Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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.

Bandar bin Abdulrahman Al-Sulaiman – Principal

Al-Majd National Schools – American Curriculum, Riyadh, KSA
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

Ali Asgar Shroff – Principal

Chief Executive Officer – Oman ABQ Education Group
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.

Dederick Swart – Principal

ABQ Azzan Bin Qais International – Cambridge Curriculum, Muscat, Oman
With 15 years of experience in educational leadership, Dederick is a dynamic principal dedicated to fostering growth and academic excellence. Prior to joining ABQ, he served for nine years as Executive Head at a prominent Cambridge school in South Africa, where his leadership contributed to the school’s notable development.Dederick holds a B.Com and an Honours Degree in Human Resources. After completing his studies, he worked in the UK, returning to South Africa to obtain a PGCE and later advancing his qualifications with diplomas and an Honours degree in Labour Law. Following a successful career as a director at an MBA Labour Law Firm, he returned to education, gaining extensive teaching experience across both primary and high school levels, specialising in accounting.His career in management began as Head of Department at a government school, where he significantly contributed to the school’s growth. He then joined an international school as Head of High School and was soon promoted to Executive Head. Under his guidance, the school experienced substantial growth, showcasing his effective management style and commitment to fostering a love for learning.Dederick joined ABQ in 2021 as Principal of ABQ Sohar International, later transitioning to lead ABQ Azzan Bin Qais in 2024. A passionate educator, he strives to inspire students and staff, using his extensive experience to advance ABQ’s mission of providing exceptional education.

Sharl Prinsloo – Principal

ABQ Seeb International – Cambridge Curriculum, Muscat, Oman
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 – Principal

ABQ Seeb International – Cambridge Curriculum, Sohar, Oman
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 – Principal

ABQ Al Imtiaz Private School – Cambridge Curriculum, Muscat, Oman
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.