Madeeha Hussain, a 22-year-old Indian, worked as a communication manager for a Dubai-based marketing and public relations company in her last job, while studying for a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications and advertising at the University of Wollongong.
Currently in her third year at university, Ms Hussain was born and raised in the UAE and lives with her parents and two siblings in a rented property at Al Jaddaf in Dubai. Her mother works in the logistics sector, while her father is in finance.
She believes you need at least four to five years of work experience before pursuing a master's degree.
Why did you decide to work in communications?
Initially, I was attending an Indian curriculum school, then shifted to the IGSCE curriculum. After completing that, I did my foundation year at the University of Wollongong.
While I was doing my foundation, I took up an unpaid internship as a content writer at a media company in Dubai. That was my first job at the age of 17.
After completing my foundation, I had to pick my major for my bachelor's degree. I was planning to choose accounting and finance because I was good at economics and business, but weak in maths. My professor suggested that if I cannot do maths, I should not take up accounting.
Since I enjoyed my media internship and because my friends and family work in media, I thought I’d try it out.
How many internships have you done so far?
I have completed six to seven internships. I was balancing it with studies.
I was an intern at Virgin Megastore and they wanted to keep me full time. Unfortunately, they couldn't because I’m still a student.
I joined as a summer intern with a marketing and PR company last July and then took the full-time role of a community manager. I was covering social media, PR, attending client meetings and managing Facebook ads.
I quit the role in November.
What was your salary in this role?
As an intern, I started on Dh2,000. This increased to Dh3,000 when I was made permanent.
I earned between Dh2,000 and Dh3,000 for my other internships as well.
In what industries have you done your internships?
They were all related to marketing and communications. However, it was in different fields such as publication, e-commerce retail and travel marketing.
All the companies offered me full-time roles, but I didn't want to take them up.
What did you learn in your last job?
To negotiate well for my skills.
I also learnt about client communications, Facebook marketing, marketplace, ads, PR, compiling a list of influencers and reaching out to them for barter collaborations.
What kind of role are you looking for now?
Something in marketing, PR or related to content. I have a job offer for a junior PR executive for a salary of about Dh4,000.
I also worked as a content creator for an adoption shelter in Dubai. However, I realised that content creation is not for me.
How did you balance college and a full-time job?
We had two work-from-home days at the office, so I would go to university on those days and attend back-to-back lectures and tutorials.
I’d start preparing for my assignments two weeks earlier because what if there was a client meeting that week or maybe I fell sick?
Time management and multitasking are key if you want to manage work and university simultaneously.
Does this affect your work-life balance?
It was a little bit of a struggle because I had work on weekends and also did my assignments, but I was happy. When I'm busy, I'm happy.
I was OK with watching TV for one hour maybe. But I was happy because I felt I was making good progress comparatively.
My scores were mainly distinctions and high distinctions while working full time. My peers weren't even working full time and their scores were lower than mine. That kept me motivated.
Why did you take on a full-time job while at university?
For the work ethic and gaining the experience. I think you can do 100 assignments, but it still won’t be the same as being in a job.
I used to think doing the 9am to 5pm routine meant completing work, but work never really ends.
We have an assignment mentality. Once we finish an assignment, the holiday mentality sets in, but the corporate world doesn’t function like that.
We need to have a balance, which I realised after I started my full-time job. You need to have a really good work ethic, which you cannot gain with just degrees and good scores.
I wanted to be independent and working gives me a sense of pride. I feel this will help accelerate my career faster.
Was financial freedom also a factor?
Once you earn a salary, you feel very independent. You have the money and resources to spend however you want.
I can always ask my parents to give me money and they will, but when you have the option to save and spend that disposable income, it’s worth it.
How are you managing now without an income?
I don't have a steady source of income now, but I still make money from side jobs.
When I received my salary, I saved it in the bank. My parents cover most of my expenses.
What types of side jobs?
I work at events as an usher who packs goody bags, for instance. I take up the work depending on the pay, maybe Dh100 or Dh250 per day for eight to 10 hours of work.
When I did a temporary job for Gitex DevSlam last year, I had to call schools and universities and send them invites. We took students on a tour, explained what the event was about, distributed brochures and everything leading up to customer service.
I also do freelance work by designing logos and graphics for small businesses or individuals.
I have an online shop for Formula One jackets. I place orders and then deliver them to customers in Dubai.
My friends and I also occasionally share the costs to organise villa parties and once we make a profit, we divide it among ourselves.
Side jobs give you extra skills that will help your career, boost your savings and enable you to lead a better lifestyle.
How do you find them?
Most of them are through my friends and my network. If you want to get paid higher, you need to join an agency.
We get paid up to Dh500 per day sometimes or Amazon vouchers, while agencies could pay between Dh800 and Dh1,000 per day.
These are part-time jobs which you just do for fun and to meet new people. I don't want to be a full-time hostess because it's not part of my career.
What are your biggest expenses every month?
It's mainly on university, which is covered by my parents. I try to keep my expenses as low as possible.
Since I'm out a lot, I spend on petrol, Salik, outings, food, clothing, hair and body care.
On average, it would amount to between Dh1,500 and Dh2,000 per month.
Do you spend your savings?
I don't use my savings. I plan to save it and use it for my future. Maybe for travel, to take out a personal car loan or help my mother start her logistics business someday.
However, I occasionally use it to pay for petrol or parking fines. I also use my savings sometimes to buy something a little more expensive, like a jewellery piece or a handbag, or to spend on my parents.
Do you have a debit card or credit card?
Yes. My mother gave me a supplementary credit card when I was 16 or 17, so she could track my expenses. I still use it.
As soon as I turned 18, I applied for Emirates NBD’s Liv account. My salary was transferred there.
You need to have a really good work ethic, which you cannot gain with just degrees and good scores
Madeeha Hussain,
student and marketing professional
I use my credit card but pay off my dues before the due date. I use it only to be eligible for discounts while shopping for electronics, or with Carrefour and Noon.com.
Were you taught how to handle your finances as a child?
My school didn’t teach me about finances, but my father did when I was five or six years old.
He told me to avoid debt, spend within my means and know the difference between needs and wants.
He also taught me to use a credit card prudently and explained the importance of passive income.
Do you have an emergency fund?
No. But I will start soon.
Do you invest in any assets?
I want to learn how to invest in Dubai’s initial public offering market such as the ones offered by Salik and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority.
I also started trading currencies on Binance last year with $100 and lost that money. I learnt trading online and my friends earn a lot trading in Bitcoin and other cryptos. For now, I'll just focus on Bitcoin.
I also want to monetise my YouTube and TikTok accounts where I focus on my interest in cars.
Do you ever worry about money?
I worry if something may go wrong. There was a health scare in my family during Covid and that opened my eyes. I know we have savings to support ourselves, but what if we didn't?
There might be a recession or a job loss, so it's important to keep money in mind because you need money to live.
Do you have any financial goals?
My short-term goal is to make my own money and earn passive income.
My long-term goal is to monetise my YouTube channel. I also want to support my mother with her logistics business, or my father if he wants to expand, or invest in my home country.
What is your idea of financial freedom?
It’s having enough income to live comfortably, save for the future and pursue my passion, without constant financial stress.
It means balancing my needs and wants and creating multiple income streams for the long-term security of me and my family.
Do you want to be featured in My Salary, a weekly column that explores how people around the world manage their earnings? Write to pf@thenationalnews.com to share your story
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3EFounder%3A%20Hani%20Abu%20Ghazaleh%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20with%20an%20office%20in%20Montreal%3Cbr%3EFounded%3A%202018%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Virtual%20Reality%3Cbr%3EInvestment%20raised%3A%20%241.2%20million%2C%20and%20nearing%20close%20of%20%245%20million%20new%20funding%20round%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%2012%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Manchester United v Barcelona, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
Emergency phone numbers in the UAE
Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
Emirates airline – 600555555
Etihad Airways – 600555666
Ambulance – 998
Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Matrix Resurrections
Director: Lana Wachowski
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Jessica Henwick
Rating:****
RESULTS
%3Cp%3E%0D5pm%3A%20Al%20Maha%20Stables%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(Turf)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20AF%20Alfahem%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%20(jockey)%2C%20Ernst%20Oetrel%20(trainer)%0D%3Cbr%3E5.30pm%3A%20Al%20Anoud%20Stables%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20AF%20Musannef%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%2C%20Ernst%20Oertel%0D%3Cbr%3E6pm%3A%20Wathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20AF%20Rasam%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%2C%20Ernst%20Oertel%0D%3Cbr%3E6.30pm%3A%20Arabian%20Triple%20Crown%20Round%202%20%E2%80%93%20Group%203%20(PA)%20Dh%20300%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Joe%20Star%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%2C%20Helal%20Al%20Alawi%0D%3Cbr%3E7pm%3A%20Liwa%20Oasis%20%E2%80%93%20Group%202%20(PA)%20Dh300%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20AF%20Alajaj%2C%20Tadhg%20O%E2%80%99Shea%2C%20Ernst%20Oertel%0D%3Cbr%3E7.30pm%3A%20Dames%20Stables%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3EWinner%3A%20Silent%20Defense%2C%20Oscar%20Chavez%2C%20Rashed%20Bouresly%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
HOW TO WATCH
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The UAE squad for the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games
The jiu-jitsu men’s team: Faisal Al Ketbi, Zayed Al Kaabi, Yahia Al Hammadi, Taleb Al Kirbi, Obaid Al Nuaimi, Omar Al Fadhli, Zayed Al Mansoori, Saeed Al Mazroui, Ibrahim Al Hosani, Mohammed Al Qubaisi, Salem Al Suwaidi, Khalfan Belhol, Saood Al Hammadi.
Women’s team: Mouza Al Shamsi, Wadeema Al Yafei, Reem Al Hashmi, Mahra Al Hanaei, Bashayer Al Matrooshi, Hessa Thani, Salwa Al Ali.
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
match info
Southampton 0
Arsenal 2 (Nketiah 20', Willock 87')
Red card: Jack Stephens (Southampton)
Man of the match: Rob Holding (Arsenal)
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
New Zealand 21 British & Irish Lions 24
New Zealand
Penalties: Barrett (7)
British & Irish Lions
Tries: Faletau, Murray
Penalties: Farrell (4)
Conversions: Farrell
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
The biog
Favourite films: Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia
Favourite books: Start with Why by Simon Sinek and Good to be Great by Jim Collins
Favourite dish: Grilled fish
Inspiration: Sheikh Zayed's visionary leadership taught me to embrace new challenges.
Squads
Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Babar Azam (vc), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz
Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Minod Bhanuka, Angelo Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara
The years Ramadan fell in May
Netherlands v UAE, Twenty20 International series
Saturday, August 3 - First T20i, Amstelveen
Monday, August 5 – Second T20i, Amstelveen
Tuesday, August 6 – Third T20i, Voorburg
Thursday, August 8 – Fourth T20i, Vooryburg
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Zakat definitions
Zakat: an Arabic word meaning ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purification’.
Nisab: the minimum amount that a Muslim must have before being obliged to pay zakat. Traditionally, the nisab threshold was 87.48 grams of gold, or 612.36 grams of silver. The monetary value of the nisab therefore varies by current prices and currencies.
Zakat Al Mal: the ‘cleansing’ of wealth, as one of the five pillars of Islam; a spiritual duty for all Muslims meeting the ‘nisab’ wealth criteria in a lunar year, to pay 2.5 per cent of their wealth in alms to the deserving and needy.
Zakat Al Fitr: a donation to charity given during Ramadan, before Eid Al Fitr, in the form of food. Every adult Muslim who possesses food in excess of the needs of themselves and their family must pay two qadahs (an old measure just over 2 kilograms) of flour, wheat, barley or rice from each person in a household, as a minimum.
THE SPECS
Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic
Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 518bhp
Torque: 625Nm
Speed: 0-100kmh 5.3 seconds
Price: Dh633,435
On sale: now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Henrik Stenson's finishes at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship:
2006 - 2
2007 - 8
2008 - 2
2009 - MC
2010 - 21
2011 - 42
2012 - MC
2013 - 23
2014 - MC
2015 - MC
2016 - 3
2017 - 8
JERSEY INFO
Red Jersey
General Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the leader of the General Classification by time.
Green Jersey
Points Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the fastest sprinter, who has obtained the best positions in each stage and intermediate sprints.
White Jersey
Young Rider Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the best young rider born after January 1, 1995 in the overall classification by time (U25).
Black Jersey
Intermediate Sprint Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the rider who has gained the most Intermediate Sprint Points.
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Last 10 NBA champions
2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
Abu Dhabi card
5pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 2,400m
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 2,200m
6pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 1,400m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 1,400m
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
The National selections:
5pm: Valcartier
5.30pm: AF Taraha
6pm: Dhafra
6.30pm: Maqam
7pm: AF Mekhbat
7.30pm: Ezz Al Rawasi
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
The view from The National
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi
Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
LIVERPOOL SQUAD
Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner, Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Joe Gomez, Adrian, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Adam Lallana, Andy Lonergan, Xherdan Shaqiri, Andy Robertson, Divock Origi, Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Neco Williams
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
Company%C2%A0profile
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BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
Company%20profile
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Astroworld
Travis Scott
Grand Hustle/Epic/Cactus Jack
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
If you go
The flights
Etihad flies direct from Abu Dhabi to San Francisco from Dh5,760 return including taxes.
The car
Etihad Guest members get a 10 per cent worldwide discount when booking with Hertz, as well as earning miles on their rentals. A week's car hire costs from Dh1,500 including taxes.
The hotels
Along the route, Motel 6 (www.motel6.com) offers good value and comfort, with rooms from $55 (Dh202) per night including taxes. In Portland, the Jupiter Hotel (https://jupiterhotel.com/) has rooms from $165 (Dh606) per night including taxes. The Society Hotel https://thesocietyhotel.com/ has rooms from $130 (Dh478) per night including taxes.
More info
To keep up with constant developments in Portland, visit www.travelportland.com. Good guidebooks include the Lonely Planet guides to Northern California and Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest.
