Next Table Topics meet up in Abu Dhabi invites residents to discuss personal growth

Get inspired by the stories of community leaders at Table Topics, a new discussion forum set up in UAE. Abu Dhabi resident Yasmine V Trofast has created informal meetups to network, collaborate and get inspired by like-minded people in the country.

The marketing professional held the first gathering last year during Ramadan and the positive response encouraged her to set up Plum and Gem, under such self-help discussions will be organised regularly.

The next ladies only Table Topics forum will be held on Wednesday at the Art House Cafe.

Six health experts and life coaches will initiate a discussion on personal growth, fitness and positive changes.

“With everyone on their phones all the time, I decided to first set up an online platform to spread the word and then follow up with several offline meet ups in various locations to continue to the conversation in a relaxed setting,” says Trofast.

The topics at each gathering will vary, and she has planned four more such events to tackle topics of art, photography and charity during the year.

“I think my passion stems from the time I saw my mother help women lead a better life when she used to work with the Ministry of Health in the UAE,” says the Swedish-national who grew up in the Emirates.

“At a time when everything has become a rat race and competition is rife, I want to slow it down and promote a culture of success through support and collaboration.”

Speakers at the event this week include, Laura Kopinski, the founder of the Inner Seed Project that develops personal growth activities for children, adults and people with special needs; FitNut UAE founder Sarah Al Nowais, who organises women-only health and wellness events in Abu Dhabi; and

Farah Muradovic Bushnaq and Lyne Ismail, creators of #EndSmallTalk, a monthly gathering for people to engage in meaningful conversations.

Each speaker will answer three questions about their passion, challenges and long term goals.

“From there the discussion will grow organically. Often people have these barriers, either psychological or physical constraints that prevent them from achieving their potential. When the speakers talk about their own struggles, they will become relatable and motive people attending the talk.”

Trofast says the discussions will be open to everyone, with mixed-sessions in the future, as well.

“This is a place where people of all nationalities, every walk of life can join the conversation. Our next few sessions will also be open to men.”

Speakers

Laura Kopinski — Founder of Inner Seed Project which provides people with the opportunities to nurture, and enhance their inner growth through empowering activities catered to both adults, kids and those with special needs

Sarah Al Nowais — Founder of FitNut UAE and co-founder of #theADmovement, a series of health and wellness events to be held quarterly across various venues in Abu Dhabi

Eiman Al Zaabi — A life coach, facilitator, energy healer, and spiritual teacher and author of the book "Art of Surrender"

Shaden Bolbol — Founder of Seeds for Change, a Life Coaching and Self Development Company based in Abu Dhabi.

Farah Muradovic Bushnaq & Lyne Ismail — Founders of #Endsmalltalk, a monthly gathering allowing people to get together to have more meaningful conversations

• The discussion will begin at 7.15 at Art House Cafe on April 27. Light refreshments will be served at the forum. For more, follow @plumandgem on Instagram.

aahmed@thenational.ae

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“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

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