The Arab Thought Foundation (ATF) is a think tank initiated by Makkah Governor Prince Khalid Al Faisal over a decade ago to enhance social and cultural development in the region. It hosts annual conferences that provide its members with a chance to network and work towards the common goal of empowering the youth in the region.
I am part of the Youth Ambassadorship Programme and was nominated as the honorary Arab Thought Youth Ambassador from the UAE on December 6 last year.
I feel this huge honour was bestowed upon me for my work in community development, youth empowerment and engagement.
I now join 21 other Arab Thought Youth ambassadors from other Arab countries. These ambassadors have worked to empower their communities - from organising TEDx Conferences that help to stimulate and exchange ideas to getting involved with non-profit organisations that deal with missing people in Libya, to organising heart transplant surgeries in Iraq.
Young people who have done commendable work in their communities are hand-picked and made ambassadors for the youth so that the new generation can connect with them.
I am 21 and am the oldest of seven children; I have five brothers and a baby sister.
I was born in Umm Al Quwain and was raised in Abu Dhabi but I consider the whole of the UAE to be my home. I feel each emirate has its own charm.
My father works as a Legal Chancellor at the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. My mother used to work in the public sector in education, and is now retired and a regular housewife. One of my brothers is studying at Zayed University.
I was pleasantly surprised to be given this honour at such a young age. While this may be an honorary title, I need to show greater involvement and participation in conferences and events that can lead to the youth's development in the region. I know several young people who are doing inspiring work, and who can represent the organisation.
At the end of my tenure, I will have to nominate three youths from the country, one of whom will become the next ambassador. That will not be too difficult because there are a lot of talented people here.
Diversity is vital to life….
I got a taste of diversity when I was growing up in a multicultural school environment in Abu Dhabi where I was the only Emirati student. I enjoy being with people of different nationalities, exploring new places and meeting people. That has helped hone my communication skills and led me to pursue a degree in international relations.
I have worked at event coordination with Unicef, the World Food Programme and several youth conferences in the region and I've enjoyed learning at every step.
I also have tremendous respect for all the people who taught me so much. It might be a cliché, but it works - if you have a passion for something, you should go for it. Always be active and throw yourself into what you are interested in. Social networking definitely matters, but it adds value only if you have the right intention. While public speaking abilities are vital to good leadership, you also have to have a good knowledge of the community. This becomes imperative if you want to spearhead a community project.
I love to read philosophy and am a fan of Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Nietzsche.
I am also interested in history - especially of the eastern cultures, Africa and South Asia. I enjoy music, critiquing films and have a passion for art.
As a student of the American University of Sharjah specialising in International Relations, I will complete my degree this month, and hope to take up a Master's Programme in Law. What I would love to do is earn a PhD in Middle East and North African Affairs.
Quick questions
Three causes close to your heart today?
Youth empowerment, youth engagement and community and social development in the UAE. I'd also like to get more involved internationally in conflict resolution.
People in leadership roles you admire?
I think for any Emirati today the first name is definitely that of the late President Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Also the three winners of 2011's Nobel Prize for Peace - Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkol Karman.
