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Dr Hibah Shata
Founder
When a parent’s world changes overnight, it often ignites a purpose that goes beyond personal ambition. Nearly two decades ago, life changed forever for Dr Hibah Shata, Founder of Maharat Learning Center, a loving mother in Saudi Arabia, when her daughter was diagnosed with autism.
It transformed her life from a dentist to a social entrepreneur with a mission to empower and enable individuals with special needs to lead successful lives.
When faced with the shortage of appropriate educational and therapeutic services in the region, she turned liabilities into opportunities. Dr Hibah developed programs that combine medical, academic, and social services to enable children and young adults to excel academically, socially, and in life.
Her hard work, creativity, and quality are the attributes that have changed the face of special needs education in the UAE and beyond.
Dr Hibah graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from King Saud University, followed by a Master of Science from the University of London in 1995, and an Associate Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1996.
Soon after her child was diagnosed with autism, she established the Child Early Intervention Medical Center in Dubai in 2008, which was the city's first multidisciplinary center dedicated to supporting children with autism, developmental delays, and behavioral challenges.
In 2010, Dr Hibah launched the Child Learning and Enrichment Medical Center to offer focused education services to children, ensuring individualized learning plans and holistic development.
In 2016, she founded Maharat Learning Center, which offers modern educational and therapeutic services to children with additional needs such as ADHD, Dyslexia, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The mom who decided to expand her care beyond her child further strengthened her impact with the launch of Maharat Arabia Riyadh in 2019 and Maharat Arabia Jeddah in 2022, broadening access to innovative early intervention and specialized education services across the region. U
nder her leadership, the organization has introduced innovative teaching methodologies, life skills training programs, and career development programs for teachers as well. We are delighted to engage in an exclusive interview with Dr Hibah, who takes us through her social entrepreneurial journey.
Cherish every opportunity to appreciate the small joys and make each day meaningful
What does success mean to you?
My daughter’s autism transformed my career path from dentistry to social entrepreneurship, inspiring me to dedicate my efforts to empowering and enabling individuals with special needs to lead fulfilling and successful lives.
To me, success is the ability to serve others with dedication, compassion, and happiness, while striving to achieve our goals with integrity and humility. It is about leading with purpose, fostering collaboration, and celebrating the contributions of others.
True success is reflected in the growth of our communities, the progress of future generations, and our ability to rise stronger after every challenge. It is a continuous journey of perseverance, gratitude, and fulfillment through meaningful experiences and lasting relationships.
What are the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Growing up in a male-dominated society, I faced constant challenges in proving my abilities. As a medical professional, I learned that hard work, passion, and perseverance are key to demonstrating one’s true potential.
I view barriers as opportunities for innovation and growth, approach failures as lessons rather than setbacks, and consistently seek creative solutions until I succeed. This journey has taught me resilience, self-belief, and the importance of thinking beyond conventional limits.
How do you balance work-life balance?
Managing multiple organizations makes it challenging to disconnect from work, but I prioritize my family life by setting boundaries, such as stopping work after 6 PM and also dedicating weekends completely to my daughter.
I also believe in empowering my team through effective delegation, fostering their independence and building trust, which allows me to balance my professional responsibilities while making time for myself.
What is the future destination you are heading towards?
We have entered into a franchise agreement with the Saudi Arabian Chamber of Commerce, with plans to establish 10 franchise units over the next two years. While it involves significant effort, this initiative is expected to create meaningful opportunities and positively impact many families.
What would be your piece of advice to our readers?
I would like to convey to readers that life is short, and it is important to cherish every opportunity to appreciate the small joys and make each day meaningful. The coronavirus pandemic has affected us all, highlighting the need to remain positive, inspired, and committed to making a difference in our communities.
Dr Hibah Shata, Founder, Maharat Learning Center
An inspiring social entrepreneur with a professional career spanning three decades, Dr Hibah redefines special needs in education through compassion, innovation, and quality. With a strong foundation in healthcare and leadership, she empowers children with learning differences to thrive. Under her guidance, Maharat Learning Center stands as a pioneering force in inclusive education and therapeutic excellence across the region.
Awards and Recognition:
Got the DHCC Excellence award
MEED Award Female Leader of the Year
Inspiring Woman in Healthcare Award
GESS Education Award
DHA Distinguished Leader Award
Women Leadership Award in the Healthcare
Winner of the MEED Award for Health Care Company of the Year
The Middle East Healthcare Leadership Award
SME Health and Wellness Award
MOST SUSTAINABLE CEOs AWARD
The 50 Women Leadership Award in the HealthCare
The Emirate Women Award
Princess Haya Award