Our Team

Dr Sayd Farook

CEO

Dr. Sayd Farook joined Unity Grammar after a global career spanning education, financial services and government, in roles that saw him educate financial services professionals in Bahrain, to leading a global information services company and advising at the highest level for the most dynamic governments in the world. Dr. Sayd has a Phd in Financial Economics / Business focusing on Islamic banking and finance from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He also has first class honours in Business and a degree in Law from UTS. He has completed the Certificate in School Management and Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Harvard Business School. He has also undertaken and championed the 2 year Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (REAP) for the Government of Dubai from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Sayd started his professional career as a lecturer at UTS, teaching undergraduates and MBA students about finance. He then went on to become a Business Development Manager and Lecturer at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance. After a stint in an Islamic Finance Advisory firm based in Oxford, he was then appointed as the Global Head Islamic Capital Markets for Thomson Reuters (now a part of the London Stock Exchange Group). He built a global team and business there, that spanned 5 continents. He was then offered a role as Advisor to the Executive Office of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. Besides leading the transformation of Unity, towards a school that nurtures pioneers of the future, Dr. Sayd also performs multiple roles in service of his Creator, including serving on the board of Australia for UNHCR, board for Class/Room, board and senior partner for Dinar Standard, investing in impact oriented start-ups and mentoring young mission-oriented entrepreneurs.

Rukshana Nabi

Head of Administration

Rukshana Nabi has been an integral part of Unity Grammar College since 2012, serving as the Head of Administration. With over 12 years of experience in this role, she has been a driving force behind the smooth functioning of the college’s administrative operations. Her extensive background includes roles as a finance and administration manager in various industries such as corporate, retail, and service, which has equipped her with a broad and versatile skill set. Rukshana holds a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in accounting and economics, and has recently enhanced her expertise by completing a mini-MBA. Her academic and professional background allows her to efficiently manage the college’s administrative responsibilities, particularly in student enrolments and overall administration. Rukshana is also in charge of the delightful service, ensuring that every interaction within the college reflects the highest standards of care and excellence. She works closely with families to guarantee a seamless enrolment process, making sure that students and their families feel supported and welcomed from the very beginning. In addition to her administrative duties, Rukshana collaborates with the Friends of Unity, the parent group dedicated to fostering a strong community spirit within the college. Rukshana’s passion is to help shape the future pioneers of the community.

Mahnaz Khan

Head of Business and Finance

Mahnaz has over 23 years’ experience working in finance roles in independent Islamic Schools, with 14 years of that time spent working in financial managerial roles. She has been working at the College for just over 5 years. Mahnaz has completed a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Financial Accounting and Business Law and she holds the designation of Certified Practising Accountant after completing the CPA program in 2013. Mahnaz is responsible for the overall business and finance of the College including financial management, budgeting, compliance, ICT and HR. Mahnaz is a member of the Association of School Business Administrators and CPA Australia. She continues to stay up to date with changes in the fields of funding, accounting standards and ICT. Mahnaz’s experience in working in financial roles in schools has provided her with extensive knowledge in grants and funding, financial management, assisting Boards and committees in technology and communications. Mahnaz is passionate about supporting the College with financial decisions being made in the best interests of the students. She is enthusiastic about financial accounting, process improvements and technological change. She is passionate about working in Islamic schools, particularly at Unity Grammar and supporting our families.

Dr Tareq Aldeen

Head of Vision Realisation Office

With a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry and master’s degrees in business management, Dr Aldeen’s 25-year journey spans roles from a university lecturer to a technical manager in the petroleum industry, where he introduced a patent, authored technical papers, and presented globally. His passion for education brought him back to manage science laboratories before he had the privilege of leading the "Future of Unity" team, a key milestone in Unity Grammar's transformation, where they have redefined the school’s vision, mission, and values. For the past ten years, Dr Aldeen has been dedicated to Unity Grammar, transitioning from technical roles to leading the Vision Realisation Office. This experience has deepened his faith, revealing a greater purpose in serving our community—engaging parents, learners, and educators to understand, support, and embody our vision, and inspiring them to achieve great things. The Vision Realisation Office turns our vision into action through a strategic roadmap with SMART goals, championing cultural change through designed events that align with our vision of learners as future pioneers.

Sam Halbouni

Senior School Principal

Sam Halbouni is currently the Senior School Principal at Unity Grammar and has a Bachelor of Teaching, a Bachelor of Education (TESOL), and a Master of Educational Leadership (UNSW). He has specialised in education and has been employed within the Islamic Schooling sector for almost three decades. He has served in a myriad of leadership roles, is in his 3rd Principal’s role and his 14th year as a Principal. Sam has served on several committees and boards including the AISNSW Advisory Board, the AISNSW ISTAA Council, the Al-Siraat College Board, the Arkana College Board and as a Director for the Together for Humanity Foundation. Sam was the Vice Chairman of the Islamic Schools Association of Australia (ISSA) and will be joining the University of South Australia’s CITE (Centre for Islamic Thought and Education) Advisory Board. Sam is also passionate about his humanitarian work, having participated in projects in Egypt, Malaysia and Cambodia. He recently completed his eighth expedition in rural Cambodia with the AusRelief team, an Australian NGO, during the last 10 days of Ramadan this year; which focused on food distribution initiatives, water sanitation projects, water wells and basic housing. Sam’s vision is to see Islamic schooling thrive; academically, spiritually and holistically in the Australian context. He wants to see his classroom educators collaborate, engage their students in critical and creative thinking, problem solving and purposeful learning and build robust relationships with the various stakeholders within the school community. Sam’s approach is to use qualitative and quantitative data to implement best practices, with a focus on data driven practices to deliver and shape the curriculum. He wants to see his students reach their full potential by achieving academic excellence and becoming successful members of the Australian society, whilst still preserving the tenets of Islam.

Hibba Mourad

Junior School Principal

Hibba Mourad is a Sydney-based Muslim educator with over 24 years of experience in education and leadership within Islamic schools. She holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education in Educational Management and Leadership from the University of Sydney, graduating with Merit, and a Graduate Certificate in Islamic Education from the University of South Australia, where she received the Chancellor's Letter of Commendation. Since November 2023, Hibba has served as the Junior School Principal at Unity Grammar College, where she is committed to fostering academic excellence and moral values rooted in Islamic principles. Inspired by the concept of a ‘wholesome educator,’ Hibba strives to create a respectful learning environment that encourages critical thinking, ethical behaviour, and a strong connection to faith. She is passionate about empowering learners to become future leaders, innovators, and compassionate global citizens, guided by empathy, patience, and sincerity.

Dario Hawat

Head of Community Experience

Dario Hawat, the Head of Community Experience at Unity Grammar, brings over 15 years of corporate experience to his role, where he is instrumental in enhancing the school’s connection with students, parents, and the broader community. Dario’s strategic leadership is evident in his efforts to bring real-world experiences into the classroom and extend learning beyond the school’s walls. He leads the Community Experience team with a focus on organising impactful events, driving effective marketing initiatives, and building external partnerships that resonate with Unity Grammar’s values. Beyond his professional expertise, Dario is also deeply committed to humanitarian work, actively contributing to causes that uplift and support those in need. This dual focus on corporate excellence and community service positions Dario as a dynamic leader who enriches the educational environment while fostering a culture of empathy and social responsibility at Unity Grammar.

Hassan Zoabi

Head of Operations

Hassan Zoabi is the Head of Project Management and Operations. His vast portfolio includes onsite maintenance and caretaking responsibilities, security, school transport, canteen and overall operations. He has been in the role for 3 years, and has lead the Astrolab construction process, the expansion of the Junior School Playground, introduction of better security within the campus and overall improvement of operations. Hassan holds over 35 years of experience in the Project and Facilities Management for shopping precincts and commercial real estate. Together with the executives and wider Unity Team, Hassan overlooks strategic matters, to ensure that the school is adhering to policies and procedures.

Ustaad Ali Assaad

Head of Islamic Faith

Ustaad Ali Assaad holds the position of Head of Islamic Faith and continually empowers our staff and students to strive to find balance in an ever-evolving world. An educator, leader, entrepreneur, community influencer, and author with a Bachelors degree in English literature, Masters of Teaching, and Masters of Islamic Studies, Ustaadh Ali has also completed a Certificate in School Management and Leadership at Harvard Business School. As a member of the Australian National Imams Council, Ustaadh Ali actively contributes to community-based projects and consults for non-profits on various strategic issues. Under his leadership and guidance, Unity Grammar has developed a contextualised Islamic Studies Curriculum, grounded in Quran, Sunnah, and academic works of our scholars. He has rejuvenated the Quranic Culture of the School and delivered on spiritually uplifting experiences, immersions, and community services during his tenure in the position.