Sport | Tennis
Behind the Scenes
It's the everyday employees at the barclays Dubai Tennis Championships who make sure everything runs smoothly.
- By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:47 March 3, 2008
On-the-job training is something that student Anan Ghaith, 26, finds invaluable. From helping to organise the press office, scanning the newspapers everyday and helping press officers carry heavy laptops for busy overloaded journalists, Ghaith is enthusiastic at every step of the way.
What's your job at the Dubai Tennis Championships?
I'm a volunteer in the press office. We help with anything from referencing the results to assisting at press conferences. We help with anything basically related to the press room.
What do you normally do?
I'm studying for a degree in tourism and marketing at Middlesex University, Dubai. I'm also studying for an events management diploma — the EMDI.
How long are the courses?
The degree is three years and the events management diploma is a one-year course.
What do you want to do after you've finished studying?
I would like to work in events management, particularly at the tennis because it's one of the biggest sports events in the region. I would like to work in sports events in general.
What's the biggest challenge for you at the tennis?
My biggest challenge is to get as much experience as I can while I'm working here. I need to do my part and to do it perfectly.
Are you enjoying your role so far?
Yes. Very much, very much. I've got the opportunity to see what's going on around me and also to watch some of the games, which I like to see.
Have you had a chance to watch any of the games?
Yes from time to time. Sometimes I stay after work to watch the games and sometimes, if I have a break from work, I get a chance to watch.
Would you do it again?
For sure. If I have the opportunity in my private or work life, I would like to do it again because it's such a big sport event for the region.
Have there been any problems this year?
I haven't had many problems at all in my role. Sometimes you have to put in a bit extra and sometimes there's time for you to rest, so it's going quite well.
Have you met any of the players?
I've tried to! I can't talk to them, but I've seen a good number of players, sometimes when they are having lunch. I try to spot them.
Who would you most like to watch play tennis?
In the men's I would like to see Rafael Nadal. He's a good player, he's social and he's doing very well.
Who is your favourite player of all time?
Maria Sharapova. I've been watching her for a long time, watching her take the steps. She's very good.
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