Ms. Rubi Mahmood is the division director for the office of students of determination at the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK). She began her career as a teacher in both mainstream and special education and then moved into school improvement projects as an education consultant. She has worked in public and private education for over 20 years. Her recent work at ADEK includes being part of the team to open Al Karamah School, the first autism School in Abu Dhabi. She has a particular interest in special educational needs and inclusion.

Rubi holds Bachelors and Master's degrees in education from the University of Derby in the UK and is undertaking studies for a doctorate in inclusion.