Emirati engineering student fearlessly chases his dream

Dubai : The next UAE generation has shown great interest in adopting cosmopolitan trends. Young Emirati model Mohammad Al Zarouni is one of them. He dreams of launching his own modelling agency, besides pursuing another goal of becoming a media director and also has an interest in graphic design.

Al Zarouni, 20, was born in Dubai but grew up in Sharjah. He currently studies industrial engineering in the University of Sharjah.

"I actually wanted to study directing, but in order to fulfil my father's dream — whom I immensely value and look up to — I had to enroll at engineering faculty."

Al Zarouni is still passionate about taking up directing once he graduates from the engineering college, despite the fact that he is currently modelling. "To tell you the truth, directing is still in my mind. Therefore I'm seriously thinking to study it once I obtain my degree in engineering."

Projects

"As a matter of fact, modelling wasn't listed in my agenda until destiny gathered me with the promising Emirati photographer and my best friend Nasser Al Mansouri, who told me that I have the right components that would make me a good model.

"I then started and currently I'm working with him on several photography projects. Well I'm aware that I might not have all the professional standards for such a demanding domain, but I know that I can reach" a certain level of competence. About contemporary trends, Al Zarouni says: "I admire the contemporary style but there's no specific name has captured my attention yet," he said.

Asked about the reaction of his family, friends and colleagues when they saw him as a model — given the conservative nature of the Emirati community — Al Zarouni said: "Well, my family wasn't so supportive, some of them saw the pictures and said it's just a waste of time, but my friends were and are still a real source of support to me."

Al Zarouni believes this may be because today's generation is more liberated and open-minded unlike the older one that judges on the basis of its prejudices.

"They cannot be blamed because they are governed by traditional rules. However I don't think being an Emirati model can offend anyone since I highly respect my country and my people."

Asked whether he got a chance to work with a fashion or advertisement company, he replied, "I got offers, but technically I haven't signed any contract yet. But in case I take part in any modelling projects it will, however, remain a mere hobby."

Al Zarouni is also thinking of attending a modelling course to acquire more knowledge about the profession.

He looks forward to entering television media and handling social issues from his own perspective. "I'm in love with the media, and I look forward to be able to come up with a better change."

Self-belief

What does he have to say to others who admire such a field but are afraid of the society's reaction?

"Well, the most important thing in anything is to have total faith of what you like to do and trust yourself and believe in your talent but if you keep paying attention to other's opinions then you'll never accomplish anything that you wish to be, because others will judge you based on their own views.

"Just you have to listen to yourself and realise what exactly you want to be in this life. And move forward to translate it to reality."

Al Zarouni admires the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"I greatly value him as a person with advanced vision and I admire his constant unique accomplishments surprising the whole world [with] unprecedented Dubai's miracles. And the generous opportunities that he continuously grants to the youth of the UAE."

Best shots:  Through the Al Mansouri lens

Almost all the pictures of Mohammad Al Zarouni were taken through the lens of Emirati photographer Nasser Al Mansouri, who was recently interviewed by Gulf News and is currently showcasing his photographs at More Café at Al Morouj Rotana.