دبي-يت: كيف حوّلت رائدة أعمال في دبي فكرة أمومة إلى أعمال رعاية أطفال مزدهرة

Canadian entrepreneur Natasha Shaikh turned a motherhood insight into a growing childcare group in Dubai, launching Rainbow Valley Nursery in Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) in September 2012 and expanding to three facilities today — two nurseries and a kids’ fitness and edutainment centre. Born in Abu Dhabi with roots in Pakistan, Shaikh returned to Dubai in 2005 after university and built the business herself, navigating approvals, regulations and facilities to open the doors in 2012. She now works full-time as an early years educator, entrepreneur and founder, and is a mother of four daughters.

“After I had my first child, I found myself at a bit of a crossroads. I absolutely loved being a mother, but I was also looking for something I could build for myself while still being present and raising my daughter,” Shaikh said, recalling the moment that set her on the path to founding Rainbow Valley Nursery. She also remembered advice from her mother that helped shape her decision: “Don't get into a comfort zone. Strive for more. Having a child doesn't mean you can't do both.”

Shaikh’s entry into childcare began with a practical observation of JLT as a growing community with young families and limited local childcare options. “One day, quite literally, I walked into the free zone office and said, ‘What's the process if I want to open a children's nursery?’” she said, explaining that she managed “the entire process myself, from the very first application and approvals to understanding the regulations, finding the space and figuring out everything that was required to actually open the doors.”

Her experience underlines a city environment that she says encourages ambition and rapid execution. “Dubai gave me a platform where an idea could actually become something tangible if I was prepared to put in the work,” Shaikh said. “It didn't just give me an opportunity to start a business; it gave me the environment to learn how to build one.” She credits Dubai’s energy for normalising ambition and prompting her to ask not just “Can I do this?” but “What else could I do?”

• Background: Born in Abu Dhabi, spent first 12 years in Dubai, moved to Canada, returned to Dubai in 2005 at age 25; married in Dubai in 2008 to a husband she met in Canada.
• Business growth: Rainbow Valley Nursery opened September 2012; now operates two nurseries plus a kids’ fitness and edutainment centre.
• Operational approach: Shaikh handles operational and education sides while her husband, who works in real estate, focuses on finance, strategy and growth.

Shaikh stresses that growth in early years provision must never compromise quality: “Childcare is particularly challenging because growth can never come at the expense of quality. You are dealing with children, families, educators, regulators, safeguarding, facilities, and an incredible amount of responsibility.” That emphasis shaped how she scaled from a single site to multiple facilities while maintaining parental trust and staff culture.

The COVID-19 pandemic tested those commitments when nurseries closed almost overnight. Shaikh described the period as “a huge amount of fear about what would happen next,” noting how Dubai’s response and community cohesion prompted her to act locally during the crisis. Looking ahead, she frames her work through the lens of motherhood: “A parent isn't simply purchasing childcare; they are handing you a piece of their heart every morning.” Her outlook remains focused on sustaining nurturing, personalised spaces for children while exploring measured growth in Dubai’s supportive business environment.