Zulaikha Al-Naama

Zulaikha Mohammed A M Al-Naama is an educator who progressed from teacher to deputy head at Amna Bint Wahab and Khalifa Secondary Schools before becoming Principal of Al Shaima Secondary School.

She grew up in a traditional, conservative Qatari family. Her father combined strictness with understanding and affection, giving her a simple and happy childhood. From his popular and sociable character she learned how to deal with people; from her mother she learned patience, sacrifice and how to face hardship. Although neither parent had received a formal education, both were determined that their children should learn and be raised within the values of authentic Qatari heritage.

Her schooling began at Doha Girls’ School, where Amna Mahmoud Al-Jaida—may God have mercy on her—was among her teachers. She continued at Qatar Preparatory School and Qatar Secondary School for Girls before entering Qatar University’s first cohort. In 1977, she completed a bachelor’s degree in arts and education, followed in 1982 by a bachelor’s degree in special arts and a diploma in special education.

In 1977, she was appointed a geography teacher at Qatar Secondary School. After only two months in the classroom, she moved into administration, serving as deputy head at Amna Bint Wahab Preparatory School and Khalifa Secondary School.

A new phase began in 1986 when she became Principal of Al Shaima Secondary School. Training in meeting management, educational-leadership development and strategic planning gave her the tools to shape a long and productive period of school leadership.

One of its most demanding moments came after His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani assumed power. The Director of Education informed her that Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser would visit Qatari schools and meet their principals, with Al Shaima among those selected. She prepared for the responsibility and delivered a successful meeting attended by senior education officials and the late Sheikha Al Mahmoud, who was subsequently appointed Minister of Education.

As principal, she contributed to Ministry of Education projects on the two-semester system for the first secondary year, revision of schools’ internal systems, diversification of education and assessment of school performance. She also completed numerous courses for school principals through the Strategic Planning Office.

She consistently placed the school in awards and competitions. Al Shaima won the outstanding-school category of the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance in the United Arab Emirates; six teachers received outstanding-teacher awards in 2005. The school also achieved success at Scientific Excellence Day, where several pupils and teachers were recognised in 2008.