Dubai: Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed mourns Sister Samira Ayoub

Dubai: Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and the Dubai Women Establishment, mourned the passing of Sister Samira Ayoub, former principal of the Dubai-based Al Rashid Al Saleh Private School, where Sheikha Manal was once a student.

In a heartfelt social media post, she wrote: "She was a mother and a teacher to all, and she will forever remain in our hearts. We ask God to envelop her in His boundless mercy, forgive her, and grant her a place in His vast paradise."

Al Rashid Al Saleh School announced the passing of Sister Samira Ayoub, a devoted nun who dedicated her life to faith, humanity, and education.

Sister Ayoub served as the school’s principal and was widely respected for her leadership at an institution known for its distinguished academic reputation.

As a member of the Chaldean Order of the Sisters of Mary Immaculate in Iraq, she was deeply committed to nurturing generations of students.

In its obituary, the school said: "Today we bid farewell to one who was a sister, a mother, a friend, and an inspiration: our dear sister and great educator, Samira Ayoub, who peacefully departed to God's mercy after a remarkable and honourable journey in serving humanity and educating generations."

From 1984 to 2023, she devoted her life to the school, leading with love, wisdom, and sincerity, and remained the beating heart of the institution.

She was not merely a principal but a true leader, a role model, an inspiration, and a steadfast support to all who knew her.

Ayoub fought the good fight and fulfilled her calling through a life of monastic devotion.

"Farewell, O unrepeatable nun—we will miss you in every corner, in every smile, and in every moment of the time that you were part of," the school added.

Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) also mourned the passing of Sister Samira Ayoub.

"With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a woman who was the embodiment of love, compassion, and forgiveness — a nurturing mother to all who knew her. Sister Samira Ayoub, a respected and devoted educator, leaves behind a legacy of selfless giving and a lasting impact on Dubai’s education sector."

Al Rashid Al Saleh School is considered one of the oldest private schools in Dubai following the Ministry of Education curriculum.

It has been managed by a group of nuns since 1971, with the support of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who granted the land on which the school’s buildings were constructed.