Our Team

I am both honored and excited to introduce myself as the new principal of Diyar Private Academy, Dibba. As we embark on the 2025–2026 school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to all of our students and families.

Joining this incredible school community is a privilege, and I am committed to building on the strong foundation that already exists here. With over 20 years of experience in education—as a teacher, instructional leader, and administrator—I believe deeply in the power of collaboration, high expectations, and a positive school culture where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.

The start of a new school year brings fresh energy, new goals, and opportunities to grow. Whether you're returning or joining us for the first time, I want every family to know that we are partners in your child's educational journey. Open communication, mutual respect, and trust are the cornerstones of the school community I aim to foster.

As the school year progresses you will find some things that are new and some things that will continue. Any changes that will be made will be for the betterment of the school and I welcome any ideas you may have. I am here to listen, and I will never promise anything that I do not know for sure I can deliver. I aim to fair to all families and consistent in the way we approach all of the community. I thank you in advance for your support and know that together we will take this school to the next level for your children.

In the coming weeks, I look forward to getting to know our students and families more personally. Please keep an eye out for upcoming events such as ‘Meet the Principal Coffee Morning’, where I hope to meet many of you in person.

Here’s to a fantastic year of learning, growth, and shared success. Let’s make 2025–2026 a year to remember!

Ms. Sally Adnan serves as Vice Principal at Diyar Private Academy, bringing extensive experience in teaching, school leadership, curriculum development, professional learning, and data-informed school improvement. Her career spans educational settings in the United States and internationally, where she has served as a classroom teacher, department chair, principal, and higher-education learning and development leader. She holds a master’s degree in Urban Education and has a strong background in Mathematics and Science.

Throughout her career, Ms. Sally has led curriculum initiatives, coached teachers, strengthened instructional practices, and used student achievement data to guide meaningful improvement. She is passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments where students are challenged, supported, and empowered to succeed.

As a school leader, Ms. Sally has collaborated with educators, families, governing bodies, and community stakeholders to establish shared priorities and drive sustainable school improvement. Her leadership has included advancing academic and social programs, strengthening school operations, supporting strategic planning, and cultivating a positive school culture that promotes both achievement and student well-being. Ms. Sally believes excellence is achieved through strong relationships, high expectations, and meaningful partnerships among students, educators, and families. She is committed to advancing Diyar’s vision and contributing to the school’s continued growth and success.

Ms. Marilize Oosthuysen is an experienced educator and school leader with over 11 years of experience in education in the UAE, including extensive experience in middle and senior leadership. As Head of Secondary, she is passionate about creating a positive, supportive and ambitious learning environment where every student feels known, valued and encouraged to achieve their full potential. She believes that education extends beyond academic achievement and plays an important role in developing confident, responsible and future-ready young people. She is committed to preparing students to thrive in an increasingly global world while remaining firmly rooted in their local identity, heritage and values.

Ms. Marilize is committed to working closely with students, staff and families to build a strong school community founded on high expectations, meaningful relationships and a shared commitment to excellence. She is excited to have joined Diyar Private Academy and to become part of the Diyar Dibba community, and looks forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the school and its students.

Chaymaa is a dedicated educational leader with over 11 years of experience in elementary education. She is passionate about creating a positive, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every child feels valued and inspired to succeed. As Head of Section, she is committed to supporting teachers, celebrating student growth, and building strong partnerships with families. She believes that collaboration, high expectations, and putting children at the heart of learning are key to achieving excellence.

With more than 20 years of experience in education, Ms. Elzet is a passionate and dedicated educator whose career has been driven by a deep commitment to children's learning, wellbeing, and holistic development. She brings extensive expertise in Kindergarten and Early Years education, with a strong understanding of child development, play-based learning, early literacy and numeracy, and creating engaging learning environments that inspire young learners to thrive.

Throughout her distinguished career, she has held a range of leadership positions, including Head of Department, and Principal of an Early Childhood Development Centre, successfully leading teams to deliver high-quality educational experiences and foster a culture of excellence.

A firm believer that every child has unique strengths and potential, Ms. Elzet is passionate about nurturing curiosity, confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Her expertise in curriculum development, instructional leadership, staff mentoring, and school improvement has enabled her to support both educators and learners in achieving their fullest potential while ensuring that children's needs remain at the heart of every decision.

Ms. Elzet highly values strong partnerships between home and school and believes that open, honest, and consistent communication with parents is essential for student success. She is committed to building trusting relationships with families, creating opportunities for collaboration, and working closely with parents to support each child's academic, social, emotional, and developmental journey.

Known for her warm, approachable, and collaborative leadership style, Ms. Elzet creates inclusive and nurturing environments where children, families, and educators feel valued and supported. Her dedication to educational excellence, combined with her extensive Kindergarten expertise and genuine passion for children's development, has made a lasting and positive impact on the schools and communities she has served.