Demonstrating leadership

Most of us have a role model whom we look up to, emulate in views and behaviour. For graduating student Noora Al Mahmoud, it is General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. As part of her graduation thesis at the Public Relations (PR) department in the University of Sharjah, Noora researched and prepared an entire project on national leadership in the UAE.

Her project featured a photo exhibition, a movie and a magazine all highlighting Shaikh Mohammad's leadership and influence in society over the years.

Noora's project put on display last week with officials from local organisations and the university attending its inauguration and film screening.

Choosing the topic

"I chose this subject because our country is blessed with a number of wise leaders who have made the UAE what it is today," said Noora in her presentation. "I chose General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed because he has a vision, a scientific and modern viewpoint in building the country and he has the nation's and citizens' interests at heart."

Speaking to Notes, Noora said: "He is my leader. Every young woman and man my age has a role model to follow. For me, he is the role model."

Exhibiting leadership

The exhibition documented Shaikh Mohammad's life, starting with his childhood, his involvement in social, political, cultural and military affairs and a number of his accomplishments at a national and international level.

Noora's film also depicted Shaikh Mohammad's life. It is narrated by a poet and includes photographs of him and of the important events in the history of the UAE.

Noora also brought out a magazine on the same theme. It lists some of the remarkable achievements in the country's history and includes information on the cultural life in Abu Dhabi and an interview with an expert on what it is to be a leader, his or her characteristics and the relationship between leaders and their followers.

An exercise in PR

So how does the project relate to her major? Noora said public relations requires knowing who to go to and how to establish contacts. "I had to find out who works closely with Shaikh Mohammad in order to get more information on my subject of study," she said. "I worked with the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research. I had to coordinate with the photo providers, the poet, the centre and the website that works with Shaikh Mohammad. This requires a lot of PR."

The future

In a major as vast as public relations, Noora said it was difficult at first to find a focus for her thesis. "The major has a sea of ideas. Not everyone can enter this major without a background in it," she said.

Noora has big plans for the future. "I want to open a PR agency and a national foundation to prepare national employees for future employment," she said.

"I want to promote Emiratisation in the country, because I feel as a UAE national, I have a big role to play," she added. "It is important for me to work and have a position where I can boost the name of my country."