School Governing Body

“Schools with high levels of trust and collaboration between teachers and administrators retain good teachers and get better student outcomes.

Having worked in education for 28 years, most recently as Head of Accreditation and Evaluations at BEAM and previously as an Academic Advisor for a group of American and British Schools in Al Ain, Mr. Hesham has a thorough understanding of the sector from early years to higher education. Two of his five children are currently at ISCS and lived in Al Ain then Sharjah since 1995, having a personal interest in the success of schools and the local community, he is delighted to have the opportunity to utilize his professional skills and experience and parental knowledge to support the staff and children at their education.

Mr. Hesham enjoys applying his skills and experience in education and quality assurance to inform an external, objective perspective to challenge and support the continuing progress and development of the School.

The Local Governing Board, in collaboration with the school leadership and Governing Body will work hard to ensure that our children are provided with the best possible opportunities to thrive in a safe environment.

“The time our children spend in schools has an enormous impact on their future life opportunities. That is why if we think learning is the product of teaching, we need to reimagine that as learning is the product of all learners’ activities. So, let’s look at our learners as the creators of how they can learn, with full autonomy and independence. That’s why we need to inspire and educate learners for life” -Hesham Abdeen, Head of Accreditation and Evaluations.

Professor Hamid M.K. Al Naimiy is a renowned scientist and researcher in the fields of astronomy and space sciences and a prominent leader in education. He is the Chancellor of the University of Sharjah (UOS), Director General and Founder of the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences, and Technology (SAASST), and President of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences (AUASS). He received a BSc in Physics from the University of Baghdad, followed by an MS in Astronomy and a PhD in Astrophysics from the University of Manchester in the U.K. He is the founder of seven (7) observatories and space centers in various countries, such as Iraq, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, including SAASST, which he founded in 2015. In addition to his current positions, he has held numerous senior-level administrative positions, such as UOS Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Institute of Astronomy and Space Science at Al al-Bayt University (IASS) in Jordan, and Chairman of the Physics Department at UAE University (UAEU).

He is widely recognized on a global scale for his significant contributions to the fields of applied physics, astronomy, and space sciences. He has imparted extensive knowledge by teaching a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses and supervising over 50 MSc and PhD theses. He has conducted groundbreaking research into the correlation between Quranic verses and scientific discoveries in the fields of astronomy and space sciences. He has authored more than 35 books in the fields of astronomy, space sciences, and education, published over 800 scientific articles in newspapers, magazines, and journals, and refereed over 130 publications in high tier journals. He has served as the chief/associate editor for over 10 journals and edited numerous books. Additionally, he has delivered keynote speeches at more than 250 national and international conferences, symposia, and workshops, including the esteemed International Astronomical Union (IAU) conference. He has also played a significant role in organizing more than 100 conferences and workshops at the national, regional, and international levels. Professor Al Naimiy’s exceptional contributions to the field of higher education, astronomy, and space sciences have earned him numerous prestigious awards, such as the NASA Plaque for Coordinator of the International Heliophysical Year (IHY 2007), the Khalifa Award for Education 2009/2010, and the 2009 IAU/UNESCO Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Success of the International Year of Astronomy.

A passionate Principal of 20 years of educational leadership and 8 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Samar Murad has always inspired leaders at all levels in different settings to drive schools in a clear strategic direction that promotes ambitious vision. Her experience in leading NEASC, CIS and BSO Accreditation process has driven schools to improve their practices and achieve the desired outcomes of accreditation and inspection authorities.

Mrs. Murad was privileged enough to work with multinational professionals and gain experience in implementing the English National Curriculum, the Common Core standards and UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

She is visionary and possesses enthusiasm, resilience and commitment to lead a school of a purposeful learning culture with main focus on developing, educating and nurturing global leaders of faith, humanity, learning and life. She is highly committed to the UAE national agenda and ISCS vision, mission and values.

Mrs. Murad led ISCS successfully to achieve a Very Good rating in SPEA inspection 2024-2025.

Mrs. Murad was honored with the BEAM Most Dynamic Principal Award for two consecutive academic years, 2017–2018 and 2018–2019. She was also the recipient of the Sharjah Award for Educational Excellence in the category of Outstanding Educational Leader. In addition, she has made significant contributions at the national level, particularly in planning initiatives for the improvement of Sharjah private schools as well as other national projects.

Under her leadership, the school received the Sharjah Award for Education Excellence, as the “Most Distinguished School” from Sharjah Education Council. She earned a number of appreciation awards at the national and inter-schools’ levels.

Mrs. Samar has held several prominent positions at the national level, including Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and currently Executive Member of the Sharjah Private Schools Principals Council. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics with Distinction from Lebanon and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from USA.

Mr. Ataullah is the Executive Principal at the Creative Science Schools in Dubai. Mr. Ataullah has been a Senior Leader in schools for over a decade, including being a Head Teacher in the United Kingdom. Ataullah has led ISCS through multiple inspections, including the most recent 2019 KHDA inspection where the school was rated Good with Very Good and Outstanding features. In the same year, the school achieved Good with Outstanding ratings from the British Schools Overseas, registering the school as an International British school with the Department for Education, UK.

Mr. Ataullah has led the Virtues programme across BEAM schools, an integrated approach which promotes faith-based virtues within the curriculum.

Prior to working as a Head Teacher, Mr. Ataullah has worked within the strategic education departments of multiple local authorities in the UK, as a board member of the Association of Muslim Schools UK, and as a Policy Manager for Ofqual; advising the UK government on vocational and GCSE qualification reforms.

Mr. Ataullah completed his National Professional Qualification for Head Teachers in 2017, and completed his National Professional Qualification for Executive Leaders in 2022. He has an undergraduate degree in Philosophy and a Masters in Leadership and Management. Ataullah teaches the social sciences and is passionate about liberal arts education.

Dr. Fahd Kahlaoui has been in Education for over 17 years and holds various degrees, namely a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Business (BSC), a Master's degree in Strategic Marketing (MSC), NPQH and a Master’s level PGCE in Mathematics, and a Doctorate Degree in Education. He believes in the Kaizen philosophy and method of, “continuous improvement without any excuses’, as he feels it encourages constant personal and professional growth, by looking for possible improvements and then initiating positive change.

Since starting his career in teaching, he has never stopped learning, viewing himself as a permanent student and academic researcher. Dr. Fahd strives to continuously develop his academic knowledge and stay current on the latest educational updates and strategies, in order to improve himself as a leader.

Dr. Fahd first began his teaching career in a large comprehensive school in North London as a Mathematics Teacher, where he soon achieved one of the highest value-added scores in Mathematics and was promoted to Gifted and Talented Coordinator within his first year of teaching, before taking on a range of additional leadership responsibilities and relocating to Dubai in 2014.

Since 2014, Dr. Fahd had occupied various leadership and decision-making roles such as Head of Mathematics, Assistant Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher, and Vice-Principal. Additionally, he has worked alongside School Governors, being involved in activities such as budgeting, manpower, curriculum planning, and school-wide strategic decision-making activities.

After 7 successful years in Dubai, Dr. Fahd Kahlaoui joined ISCS in August of 2021 as he was drawn to the faith-based ethos of the school and felt that this new establishment would not only be a good choice in terms of his career but also the right choice for himself and his children’s deen.

Mrs. Manoucheca is the dedicated Head of Primary School with over 16 years of experience in shaping and enhancing learning environments. She holds a degree in English Language and Literature from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, bringing both academic expertise and a deep understanding of curriculum and instruction to her role. She has successfully completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), equipping her with the skills to lead strategically and drive meaningful change within educational settings.

Manoucheca has extensive experience leading schools through SPEA (Sharjah Private Education Authority) inspections and BSO (British Schools Overseas) accreditations. Her deep knowledge of these frameworks has guided ISCS to achieve consistent high ratings, with notable progress in teaching quality, student achievement, and safeguarding. She has been instrumental in developing whole-school improvement plans, aligning policies with international standards, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. She has led transformative initiatives that have significantly enhanced the culture of teaching and learning. She designed and implemented the Teacher Matrix, a strategic model that enhanced staff development, identified future leaders, and improved overall teaching quality. She has driven curriculum alignment and innovation, ensuring smooth vertical progression and integration across the Primary School, and has established a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, leading to higher student outcomes and stronger parent-school partnerships. She has also championed student leadership programs, such as the Student Council, while introducing targeted literacy improvement strategies that resulted in measurable progress in external benchmarks such as GL assessments.

Throughout her career, Manoucheca has demonstrated a passion for leading education and a strong commitment to developing both students and educators. She is deeply focused on fostering innovation, building collaborative teams, and ensuring excellence in teaching and learning across all phases.

As a member of the Governing Board, she is dedicated to supporting continuous improvement and strategic growth, working to create opportunities that empower the entire school community to thrive. She is also a lifelong learner, continuously seeking to grow and evolve in her leadership journey while inspiring others to do the same.

A result driven, multi award winning I.T professional, from the United Arab Emirates, with over 23 years of experience leading large teams, Mohamed Sadawy is currently the Group Head of I.T, for the Bukhatir Group, where he also manages the technology stack, at the Creative Science Schools, adding to his successful track record of business transformations and optimization, for local, multinational and F500 companies, across North America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia.

At the Creative Science Schools, Mr. Sadawy has overseen the implementation of state-of-the-art technologies, to ensure students are safeguarded from malicious cyber activities, along with providing parents with complete visibility on students’ academic progress, attendance, and school activities.

Mr. Sadawy holds both, a Bachelor’s, and a Master’s of Science, from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, in the United States, and is a member of Etisalat’s RPA Advisory Board and the Hyper-Grid Customer Advisory Board. Furthermore, Mr. Sadawy has been the recipient of various awards, for project management, leadership skills and work ethics.

AbdelRahman has been a dedicated student at the International School of Creative Science since Year 3, growing into a natural leader through his roles in various school activities. Currently serving as President of the Student Council, he is known for his enthusiasm, creativity, and a strong sense of responsibility. AbdelRahman has a genuine passion for connecting with people and building a supportive, inclusive community where everyone feels heard and valued.

Throughout his time at ISCS, AbdelRahman has organized numerous events, including ISCSMUN, Iftar night, and charity initiatives like the Gaza Charity Campaign. His leadership style is all about collaboration and teamwork—he loves working with others to bring ideas to life, ensuring that every member of the school community has a chance to contribute. Whether it's through his work on the Debate Club or his role as English Master of Ceremonies at graduation, AbdelRahman consistently seeks to foster a positive and engaging atmosphere.

AbdelRahman is also known for his creativity and open-mindedness. He enjoys thinking outside the box and finding innovative solutions to challenges. As someone who values personal growth, he encourages his peers to step outside their comfort zones and take part in new experiences. His approachable nature makes him a strong communicator, always ready to listen and collaborate with students, teachers, and staff alike.

In his role as Student Governor, AbdelRahman hopes to make a meaningful impact by advocating for student interests and driving positive change. His vision is to help build a school environment where all students feel supported, engaged, and inspired to reach their full potential—while always staying true to the values that define ISCS.

Hodan Salah is a highly experienced senior leader with over 17 years in teaching, pastoral, and leadership roles across primary and secondary phases. She has lived in the UAE for 12 years, serving five years as Head of Primary at ISCS Nad Al Sheba before being appointed Vice Principal at ISCS Sharjah (Muwaileh).

In her current role, she provides strategic oversight of EYFS, Primary, and Secondary, with a core responsibility for leading on Teaching and Learning. She also oversees curriculum development, staff training, and safeguarding. She has successfully driven whole school improvement through robust monitoring systems, leadership coaching, and effective use of data to raise attainment.

Hodan has a strong academic background, holding a degree in Marketing and Human Resources Managment, as well as a PGCE. She has completed the NPQSL and is nearing completion of both the NPQH and a Master’s in Leading Inclusive Practice.

Her leadership style is collaborative and values-driven, with a clear focus on accountability, inclusion, and pupil well-being. She is committed to building capacity within teams, supporting middle leaders, and ensuring consistently high standards of teaching and learning across all phases.

Afnan joined the International School of Creative Science in 2015 in grade 2. She is the governor of the Student Council and a former champion of Gulf Gymnastics Competition, 2019. Afnan is very passionate about her memorization of the holy Qur’an and avidly believes that the Qur’an is the only gateway to everyone’s success. Her passion for leadership is built around kindness, humbleness and sincerity. She has a confident yet humble mindset about the necessity of inclusion where she strives to ensure that every voice is heard, every talent should be identified and every initiative should be appreciated in order to make a strong foundational student body.

Afnan excels in Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology. At ISCS, she has learnt how to think critically and analyze situations, observing them from each angle and perspective, showing how every issue can be tackled comprehensively, aligning them with the Islamic values of the school. Afnan possesses an excellent range of oratory skills, amplifying her public speaking skills representing the school at AUSMUN, and MUN conferences. This exposure enabled her to understand the importance of creating innovative resolutions to tackle real issues in society. Afnan is an active sportswoman, with diligence and discipline in her daily workouts. This ensures how discipline and consistency is vital in the achievement of dreams and visions. With that mindset, Afnan would certainly like to magnify that approach into helping the school achieve its visions, shaping it into a better school.

Afnan understands that real growth and any school’s ability to live out its mission and vision depends on the collective effort of everyone involved. She places high value on open collaboration, seeing it as the key to creating meaningful improvements in students’ learning and wellbeing. This belief shapes how she leads: she aims to bring people together, encourage dialogue between students, and ensure every perspective is credited. Motivated by a pursuit.

Farzana Shahid Iqbal is an experienced Mathematics Coordinator and teacher at the International School of Creative Science, with over twenty years of teaching experience across GCSE and IGCSE curricula. She has successfully completed the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL), reflecting her strong commitment to educational leadership and continuous professional growth.

A reflective practitioner and research-informed educator, she applies evidence-based strategies to raise student achievement and ensure consistent progress across all ability levels. Farzana is well-versed in the UAE School Inspection Framework, particularly in the key performance standard of Students’ Achievement, which she uses as a benchmark to drive improvement in teaching quality, assessment practices, and learning outcomes. Her leadership ensures that departmental priorities are aligned with inspection expectations while maintaining a supportive, high-achieving learning environment.

Beyond her subject area, Farzana plays an active role in secondary school development by designing and leading CPD initiatives that promote instructional excellence and collaborative learning among teachers.

As a Teacher Governor, Farzana brings a strategic, data-informed perspective to school improvement and governance, ensuring that every decision contributes to enhanced student outcomes and the overall success of the ISCS community.

I’m a student with a deep interest in Biomedical Engineering and how science and technology can improve people’s health and everyday lives. As the President of the Student Council, I’ve learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and listening to others to make a positive difference in the school community.

I enjoy being involved in STEAM activities and volunteering during Parent-Teacher Meetings, as these experiences have helped me grow more confident and responsible. Through Leadership and Student Advocacy (LSA) training at ASCS and my experience as an MC for MUN events, I’ve strengthened my ability to lead, collaborate, and express ideas clearly.

I believe in staying true to my values while continuing to learn and adapt to the world around me. I’m motivated by curiosity and the hope of one day contributing to advancements in healthcare that truly help people.

My name is Najla Sobhi Qeshta and I am a graduate of English Language, Literature and Translation of the University of Sharjah. I express my sincere interest and pleasure in joining the School Governing Board as the Parents' Representative for AY 2025-2026.

As a member of the Parents Council and mother of two children attending ISCS Muwaileh, I was in close touch with parents, educators and school leaders and I am eager to contribute my time, insights and energy to help ISCS further strengthen its strategic direction, student outcomes, and parent-school partnership.

I deeply believe in the school’s motto “Excellence Rooted in Values”, and I share the vision of nurturing students who do not only excel academically but also have a strong moral and global approach towards learning and life. As well as enhancing parent engagement and communication and promoting a strong community-school relationship that benefits students, families and staff.