1) Which school and university did you attend?
I attended Lycée Louis Massignon for school and graduated from New York University Abu Dhabi.
2) What are your main interests / hobbies?
I am interested in the study of society, how things work and why we are the way we are. This is actually what I studied in university under the major Social Research and Public Policy. Additionally, I like to learn about different cultures and heritages. As someone who was in a very diverse school, I was always fascinated by how other people live and what their traditions look like.
3) What do you like doing in your spare time?
I like to fill my time with things that make me active and introspective. Recently, I have taken up tennis and I really enjoy it. I also enjoy reading books. My favorite book of 2024 so far is Kings of Shanghai by Jonathan Kaufman. Lastly, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. With my friends, I do lots of activities like Pilates, painting and pottery. With my family, it’s more about finding the time to spend with each other, especially now when everyone is on a different schedule because of their jobs. I cherish the time I get to spend with my niece and nephew as they always bring fun and life to the house.
4) Who is your role model / idol? Why?
My role model is my father, Saeed Abduljalil Al Faheem. He has worked tirelessly to give me the life I am living now and I am forever grateful. I look up to him because of his humbleness, his dedication and his ambition. Despite his busy schedule, he always made me feel loved and cared for and there is nothing more that you can ask of a father.
5) What has been your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement as of now would be successfully planning and coordinating a conference at New York University called One Ocean | One Heritage. The experience taught me how to work as a team, how to overcome obstacles and how to create a clear schedule that delivers results. We had brought in over 20 experts from around the world, including UNESCO representatives to discuss why the ocean is important to global heritage and how we can work together to preserve it. While we planned, the participants were truly the star of the show. Their knowledge and experience in the field was amazing to watch. I could really see and feel how passionate each person was about their project and that inspired me.
5) What has been your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement as of now would be successfully planning and coordinating a conference at New York University called One Ocean | One Heritage. The experience taught me how to work as a team, how to overcome obstacles and how to create a clear schedule that delivers results. We had brought in over 20 experts from around the world, including UNESCO representatives to discuss why the ocean is important to global heritage and how we can work together to preserve it. While we planned, the participants were truly the star of the show. Their knowledge and experience in the field was amazing to watch. I could really see and feel how passionate each person was about their project and that inspired me.
6) Where do you currently work?
I currently work at NYUAD as a research assistant in the social sciences division. I was recruited by my professor, Robert Parthesius, after taking a class with him and am very grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him.
7) Describe yourself in three words.
Driven, adventurous and thoughtful.
8) Any words of wisdom you wish to share?
While I feel like I have many more years of wisdom to come, I shall leave you with this: Be Open To Change! Fear of the unknown is debilitating in many ways, however keep an open heart and open mind to what opportunities might find you when you least expect it. Change is powerful and inevitable so it’s best to not worry and let things happen.