Mozah Al Samahi firmly believes that culture is the backbone of every country and every individual.
The 24-year-old believes in this to such an extent that she has taken it upon herself to educate expats about Emirati culture by hosting regular meetings on the subject. Her initiative, Yala Sarayna, is backed by the UAE’s Promise of a Generation programme, which is aimed at enabling girls and young women to have a positive effect on the community.
Al Samahi came up with the idea while studying for a master’s in London. Living away from home in a diverse city, where everyone was interconnected regardless of their nationality, race, religion or cultural background, gave her time to reflect.
“I’m always interested to share my culture with others, and to learn about other cultures as well. When I came back to the Emirates I realised there was a gap between nationals and non-nationals. I wasn’t sure why the gap existed, but I wanted to build a bridge,” Al Samahi says.
The meetings, which promote Emirati culture through activities such as fashion shows, historic storytelling, games and lessons in basic Emirati dialect, are held monthly between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and the demand for them is increasing. “It makes me happy to hear back from the attendees wanting me to host more events. This shows they are having fun and learning so much,” says Al Samahi, who grew up in Fujairah before heading off to Sharjah to study management at the American University of Sharjah, and then winged her way to the United Kingdom.
“Besides this, I love travelling — my friends call me life’s wanderer,” she says. “I enjoy walking around and exploring places, food, cultures, music and small pieces of every country. I learn a lot and it adds to my cultural dictionary.”
Al Samahi hopes to teach at a university here in the UAE. “I want to interact with the younger generation and feed them great knowledge,” she says.
What is your favourite travel destination and why?
I lived in London for two years alone which I believe gave me a sense of belonging. Besides London, Austria would have to be my favourite place to visit. I am used to going there every summer for its beautiful green natural scenery. It relaxes me.
What five things do you never leave home without?
My watch, hand cream, iPhone charger, water, and my smile.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Our rulers and leaders are my inspiration. I see what they do for our nation and the nationals particularly and I get aspired to give more to our country. On a personal level, my father is my biggest supporter and inspiration. I look up to him for his wise words, constant support, and his willingness to help me whenever I need. I see what he does at work and how he balances work and life and it aspires me to do the same.
What is your favourite food and why?
I like to eat everything, I like to try new food every now and then.
What is your biggest achievement so far?
Completing my master’s degree is sure one of my latest achievements, and I aim to go further with my studies and get a PhD. Yala Sarayna is also one of my current achievement as it was my dream.
Where do you go when you just want to relax?
If I want to relax I go back to my house in Fujairah. I enjoy being at home with my family, having good food, laughing and just appreciating the moment.
Describe yourself in five words.
Positive spirit, dreamer, never gives up, passionate, and strong.
What CD do you currently have playing in the car or on your iPod?
Most of the time I just turn on the radio listen to both English and Arabic music. However, at times I like to listen to old Emirati songs that are played by Oud.
If you could have any three celebrities to dinner who would they be?
Julia Roberts, Salman Khan and Eddie Murphy.
Melinda Healy
THE TWIN BIO
Their favourite city: Dubai
Their favourite food: Khaleeji
Their favourite past-time : walking on the beach
Their favorite quote: ‘we rise by lifting others’ by Robert Ingersoll
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Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
Company%20Profile
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THE SPECS
Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
Power: 420kW
Torque: 780Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh1,350,000
On sale: Available for preorder now
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Fixtures
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NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
UFC Fight Night 2
1am – Early prelims
2am – Prelims
4am-7am – Main card
7:30am-9am – press cons
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Company%20Profile
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ABU DHABI ORDER OF PLAY
Starting at 10am:
Daria Kasatkina v Qiang Wang
Veronika Kudermetova v Annet Kontaveit (10)
Maria Sakkari (9) v Anastasia Potapova
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Ons Jabeur (15)
Donna Vekic (16) v Bernarda Pera
Ekaterina Alexandrova v Zarina Diyas
Engine: 80 kWh four-wheel-drive
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 402bhp
Torque: 760Nm
Price: From Dh280,000
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
