James opened VISS Khorfakkan as Principal in August 2022, having been Deputy Principal and Head of Secondary School at VISS since August 2014. VISS is a collaboration between the Government of Sharjah and Victoria, Australia and is Australian Curriculum K-10 and then International Baccalaureate.

James has taught in several UK state and independent schools in his 25+ year career, including over five years as Headmaster of Shoreham College, an all-through primary and secondary school near Brighton, England. A trained physics teacher, James has also specialised in the use of IT in education, serving on national advisory committees.

During his UK headship he has been an active member of the Independent Schools' Association (ISA) serving on the national executive and chairing its Academic Policy Committee through a period of extensive curriculum change in the UK. He has been an Apple Professional Learning Specialist and has spoken at many conferences on various issues around leadership and digital strategy.

When Dubai Heights Academy first opened in 2017, Istiqama's vision was to establish an inclusive school that delivers an excellent standard of British Education. She is proud to say the school has grown immensely in all aspects, and has achieved a "Good" rating in its very first KHDA inspection. The school's success is testament to the hard work and dedication of its faculty and staff, as well as the support of the community and the calibre of its students. Istiqama is sure the school will continue to grow and develop and she is delighted to be a part of this wonderful journey.

Abdulla Bin Sulayem is the CEO of Seven Tides; a Dubai-based, privately owned property development and holding company established in 2004. Currently focusing on luxury hospitality and residential real estate sectors, Seven Tides thinks progressively, works creatively, partners strategically and acts quickly. The result is a current portfolio of offerings in the gateway cities of London and Dubai.

Ghanim Bin Sulayem has been the Operations Director at Seven Tides for 11 years. He has been closely associated with the planning and development of the new secondary building at the school as well as the five-star NH Collection Dubai The Palm located on Palm Jumeirah and Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort.

Daniel is the DP World Group Chief Communications Officer. He is accountable for building and delivering the Group's global brand and communication strategies, across all stakeholder groups and communications disciplines. A member of the global leadership team, Daniel advises the Group Chairman and CEO on all matters related to company-wide re-positioning and the Purpose-led strategy for the DP World Masterbrand.

Daniel is a seasoned brand and communications specialist with a wealth of international experience spanning over 20 years across Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and Asia. He has worked in various markets and industries including Energy, Oil and Gas, Medical, Retail and Technology.

Prior to joining DP World, Daniel worked for Royal Dutch Shell for 17 years as a communications specialist, advising on corporate brand-building, reputation management and internal and external communications. He has served as a Non-Executive Director in the Communications industry.

Daniel has a BSc in Science from Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. He is a Dutch national, but has spent 12 years in New Zealand, 18 years in the UK and the last 5 years in Dubai, UAE.

With over a decade of experience, Marc Ferreira is the Head of Finance at Seven Tides, taking responsibility for the financial accuracy and reporting of sales, leasing, Owners' Association and Dubai Heights Academy.

Marc was previously commercial manager after being promoted from financial manager for a large organisation from the Durban Metropolitan Area in South Africa, having started his career as an auditor at international accounting and consulting firm Grant Thornton in Johannesburg.

Jonathan has been involved in the successful running of international British schools since 1998. He is a founding member of the Events Committee of the British Schools of the Middle East; with project management experience with input into design, procurement, FFE and financial planning. Jonathan is a board member of two international schools and is a qualified BSO inspector. He now drives change in safer recruitment practices across international schools.

Terrie Spencer is a passionate and dedicated leader of Inclusion. She has extensive experience of leadership and teaching in a variety of school settings in the UAE and UK, including: mainstream schools, specialist schools for students of determination, a pupil referral unit, a single gender school, a bilingual school and international schools.

Terrie has worked with pupils with a vast range of special educational needs and disabilities, including pupils with selective mutism, hearing impairment, Autism, ADHD and specific learning difficulties. In addition, she has supported the development of pupils with English as an Additional Language and has enriched the learning experiences of pupils identified as Gifted and Talented to ensure that they, like all pupils, are suitably challenged to reach their full potential.

Terrie is the eternal student, committed to ongoing professional development. To support her role as the Head of Inclusion, she holds a Master of Education in Special Education Needs with distinction, PENTA accreditation, is a registered test user and a qualified neuro-developmental therapist (INPP method). Furthermore, she is a member of professional bodies including, The British Psychological Society and the Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology.

Luke is a History and Politics Teacher with over 6 years of experience in the UAE and the UK, having studied History and English literature at University and obtaining his masters in Education. He is passionate about developing students' critical thinking skills and helping them understand the complexities of human society throughout history.

Luke believes that history education should be engaging, relevant, and thought-provoking. He uses a variety of teaching methods including debates, role-playing, and source analysis to bring historical events to life. His goal is to help students develop analytical skills, empathy, and a deep understanding of how past events shape our present world. He encourages students to think like historians, asking questions and evaluating evidence to form their own conclusions.

Ruba Awwad previously served as Head of MOE subjects at DHA and was a valued member of the SLT. She recently moved on to take up another position with the Emirates Schools Establishment and is currently a Senior Academic Support Specialist. We are delighted to welcome her back into our educational community as she joins us in the capacity of a governor. Her in-depth understanding and leadership in MOE subjects will undoubtedly enrich our discussions and strategic initiatives adding to the strength of our Governing Board.

As a parent and a Director of Business Development, Rushi brings two perspectives that matter in education: the empathy of a father and the discipline of a leader responsible for sizable projects, funds, and results.

Across many years in a variety of professional environments, he has led complex, cross‑border programmes and stewarded significant budgets in multiple markets. He is practised in governance, risk, and transparent reporting—habits formed managing large portfolios, vendor ecosystems, and end‑to‑end delivery under demanding timelines.

Dubai Heights Academy's vision of a diverse, forward‑thinking, innovative, and welcoming community resonates deeply with his own values and professional practice.

Rushdi promises to work to ensure the Board remains anchored in student outcomes, inclusion, and future readiness. As a parent, he will champion authentic partnership between home and school because when families and educators move in step, every child benefits.

He would be honoured to contribute his experience, energy, and integrity to a Board that keeps "Every child, Every mind, Everybody" at the heart of its decisions.