With over 22 years of experience of experience in inclusive education, counselling, and educational psychology, Dana Abdul-Ahad brings deep expertise in advancing student wellbeing and strengthening human connection across learning environments. She holds degrees in Psychology and Special Education, as well as a Master’s in Educational Psychology with a specialization in School Guidance and Counselling.
Dana has worked closely with educational institutions and families both internationally and across Dubai’s public and private sectors, supporting learners from early childhood through adolescence, including students with diverse learning and wellbeing needs. Her experience spans early childhood and school-based practice, family support, and government roles, enabling her to bridge real classroom needs with system-level policy development.
In her current policy role at KHDA, Dana leads and contributes to a range of strategic projects, including key areas such as wellbeing, digital balance, and financial literacy, all of which emphasize the importance of empathy, human connection, and student-centered approaches in response to increasingly complex and rapidly changing learner needs. Her work supports Dubai’s wider education policy agenda and contributes to building future-focused, resilient, and inclusive learning systems.
Dana remains deeply committed to ensuring that education systems are accessible, responsive, and grounded in the lived experiences of students, educators, and families. She brings a strong commitment to inclusive, wellbeing-centred education systems that enable every learner to thrive.