Founding Principal Amy Falhi on leadership, learning, and launching DBS Mira this August 2025
Dubai British School Mira is set to welcome its first cohort of students from FS1 to Year 6 in August 2025, becoming the fourth school under the DBS brand operated by leading UAE education group Taaleem.
With plans to expand to Year 13 in the future, DBS Mira builds on the strong reputation of its sister schools: Dubai British School Emirates Hills (DBSEH), Dubai British School Jumeirah Park (DBSJP), and the recently opened Dubai British School Jumeira (DBSJ).
Yalla spoke with Founding Principal Amy Falhi to talk about her own school days, what makes a great education, and how DBS Mira aims to foster a warm, inclusive environment where every child can thrive.
“We’ll open with around 680 children. I want every child, and their families, to feel truly welcome.”
1. What’s your educational background?
My teaching journey began in a small UK community primary school, which shaped my belief in the power of a warm, caring environment for both children and staff.
After two years in Abu Dhabi, I joined DBSJP as a founding member, witnessing its growth into the ‘Outstanding’ school it is today.
I’ve held several leadership roles—from year group and subject lead (with an English specialism) to Head of Primary and Vice Principal.
Since 2019, I’ve been part of the leadership team responsible for DBSJP’s improvement from ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’. I now bring that knowledge and experience to DBS Mira.
I feel incredibly grateful to work for Taaleem—an organisation that has consistently challenged and supported me. I look forward to continuing this journey, drawing on the expertise across the DBS group to ensure DBS Mira is equally successful.
2.Did you love school, or loathe it?
I loved school and had a fantastic time.
In Primary, I was well-behaved (my mum was the Deputy Head!), and in Secondary, I built strong relationships with both peers and teachers.
I loved English and History, went on to read History at the University of Leeds, and later completed my PGCE.
3.What key influences shaped you growing up?
Family was everything—we spent a lot of time together, and traditions and celebrations were important.
That’s where my belief in ‘marking moments’ and building community began, something we’ll prioritise at DBS Mira.
My family inspires my leadership values: my grandad’s humility, my grandma’s joy, and above all, my mum – hard-working, visionary, and a role model.
She also works in education, and I still call her for advice!
4.Has there been a pivotal moment in your career?
Three weeks into my first Deputyship, I unexpectedly became Head of Primary—just as the 2019–2020 academic year and COVID began!
It was a steep learning curve, but it taught me to be agile and impactful.
It also reinforced the importance of human-centred leadership during challenging times.
5. How do you define a great education?
It begins with children feeling happy and valued. Once they have that sense of belonging, learning follows naturally.
I believe we should foster humanity through every experience we offer.
At DBS Mira, we’re preparing students for the future through our LIFE curriculum (Leadership, Independence, Flourishing, Empowerment), which blends wellbeing with skills like financial literacy and community service.
Our goal is to nurture well-rounded, future-ready individuals.
You might like: The Yalla 100 StandOut UAE Schools Guide
6. What makes a positive school environment?
Culture is everything. Everyone in the community must feel they matter and have a voice. I am truly passionate about this.
A positive culture emerges from consistent day-to-day practices and a shared sense of responsibility.
We may face challenges, but with care and collaboration, we rise together.
7. What’s one lesson you’ve learned from your students?
As an Inclusion Champion, I’ve seen how Students of Determination push boundaries with the right support.
Their courage and resilience remind us that success looks different for everyone and should be celebrated equally.
8. What drew you to your role at DBS Mira?
Being a Founding Principal is such a special and unique opportunity.
Helping shape the school’s vision from the ground up has been an incredible experience.
Yes, it’s a huge challenge—but imagining the finished school, filled with children and their families, keeps me motivated.
Seeing their faces on opening day will be magical.
9. Can you paint a picture of DBS Mira?
At its core, DBS Mira will be about people.
We’re building a school culture that’s inclusive, positive, and shaped by our community.
Our dynamic, project-based curriculum promotes interdisciplinary learning, enabling students to make meaningful connections.
Learning will be fun and engaging from day one.
From Year 4 upwards, every student will have their own device, used purposefully to build digital literacy in a safe, impactful way.
Our facilities have been carefully designed: light-filled classrooms, open collaborative spaces, age-appropriate landscaped playgrounds, and specialist areas including a black-box theatre, indoor swimming pool, training gym, and dedicated art, music, and tech rooms.
We’ll open with around 680 children, and more than anything, I want every child and their families to feel truly welcome.
10. What excites you most about the UAE education landscape?
The UAE continually strives to raise the bar, offering world-class education and fostering constant innovation.
That aligns perfectly with our vision at DBS Mira.
Excellence is one of our core values, and we’ll work from day one to deliver the best possible experience.
As a Taaleem school, we’re proud to be part of a group setting the standard across the region—and we’re determined to join our sister schools in earning top ratings while keeping children at the heart of it all.
QUICK-FIRE ROUND
Let’s get to know Amy a little better…
Favourite food?
Definitely chocolate!
Movie you love to rewatch?
About a Boy starring Hugh Grant—it never fails to make me laugh.
Your ideal superpower?
I’m a Harry Potter fan, so I wish I could ‘apparate’ so I can instantly travel anywhere I need to go!
If not a headteacher, what would you be?
I worked in a hair salon as a teenager and loved it—just chatting to people all day!
Your dream school trip and why?
Pompeii, Italy. I’ve loved history since I was young, and I think students would gain a great deal from seeing it firsthand.
Proudest or funniest school moment?
Proudest: helping build a culture at DBSJP where people truly wanted to come to school each day—and hearing others say you could feel how special it was.
Funniest: there are too many to count! The team-building moments that ended in tears of laughter are some I’ll treasure forever.
For further information visit Dubai British School Mira
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