Dr Saeed Mubarak Kharbash Al Marri

Dr. Saeed Mubarak Kharbash is the CEO of the Policies, Research, and Programmes Sector at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai. In this capacity, he leads the formulation and implementation of educational policies and programmes aligned with global best practices and standards. His work aims to foster innovation and ensure access to high-quality educational opportunities for all learners—spanning early childhood, school education, higher education, vocational training, and lifelong learning.

With over 19 years of experience in strategic planning and business development, Dr. Kharbash has held senior roles across both public and private sectors. His career includes leadership positions at Istithmar World, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA). Prior to joining KHDA, he served as CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. He also held key roles such as Deputy Managing Director of the World Government Summit (WGS) at the Prime Minister’s Office, and Deputy CEO for Strategy and Planning at the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC), where he was instrumental in advancing Dubai’s vision as the global capital of the Islamic economy.

Dr. Kharbash holds a PhD in Business Administration from the University of Warwick, with a research focus on university–industry collaboration within the UAE innovation ecosystem. He also holds an MBA in Islamic Finance from Bayes Business School, an MSc in International Business from the University of Hertfordshire, and a Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications Engineering from Khalifa University.