Book of stories by Emiratis in English and Arabic launched

Dubai: Never give up, do something you love, identify your merits and demerits, keep practicing, bring happiness to others, make life easier for those in need for help, take the risk, be patient, and pass knowledge and expertise to others.

Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak with Delphine Barets (left) and Marlene Plomik at the launch of the book Those Who Inspire: UAE in Dubai on Wednesday. — KT photos by Mohammad Mustafa Khan

These are some of the inspirational pieces of wisdom focused on in ‘Those Who Inspire: UAE’, a book that was launched on Wednesday evening at the Park Hyatt, Dubai, in the presence of 60 profiled Emiratis who have contributed their stories to the book.

The 284-page English and Arabic book portrays Emiratis from all walks of life across the seven emirates and promotes the values of citizenship, community partnership and workforce nationalisation.

Delphine Barets and Marlene Plomik, authors and publishers, said each page highlights the advice, experience and wisdom of UAE nationals who have achieved their dreams and simultaneously add value to the community. “The main recipient, being Emirati youth, we believe this book is a unique opportunity to better understand the UAE culture through the people portrayed.”

Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, told Khaleej Times that the Emirati youth tops the priorities of the UAE government. “The book sheds light on bright examples of Emiratis who have outstandingly braved the challenges they met to sincerely serve their country.”

The book sets a role model for young UAE nationals to give more to their country and to all those staying here, be they locals or foreigners, he added. “We do encourage creativity which is a salient ingredient for maximising youth energies and giving them confidence to think out of the box for the best of their country.”

Salem Ali Sharhan, Advisor to His Highness Shaikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, told Khaleej Times that his brief message in the book to young Emiratis is to start with themselves and discover their strengths and weaknesses.

“You need to judge yourselves, identify what you know and what you don’t, admit that you need to learn, read more, mix with people, and most importantly find their way to what they are not aware of which is an inevitable step to gain knowledge and experience, and be successful.”

Dr Abdallah A. Al Najjar, President of the Arab Science and Technology Foundation, said Emirati youth are in need for young existing models of their age from their own society and culture to learn from their stories of excellence.

“Such inspirational stories of real, normal, dedicated and hard-working Emiratis do instill hope in the hearts and minds of young generations and make sweet dreams of similar exceptional achievements more accessible to them.”

Dr Naeema Abdullah Al Ali, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Emirates Airlines, said it took her so many years to build hope and help others, particularly the struggling cancer patients, their families, and friends.

“My message to us all, mainly the young, is to volunteer as much as possible and try their best to make life easier for those in need for help disregard their nationality, and make them happy.”

Souad M. Al Hosani, Entrepreneur and President of the Nexus Business Services, said she gave up a government job to achieve her dream and manage her own business which she started five years ago when she was 21. “Business has changed my life, made me more professional and ambitious to be a leading business provider in the region.”

Al Hosani contributes a tripartite message. “Young people need to say ‘No’ to the obstacles they may face, consider failure a push for success, and take risks since no matter how they fail, it’s the process to achieve what they want.”

Dr Mohammed bin Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club and Middle East rally champion 14 times, advised youth that everybody can be a champion or leader once they have proper education, skills and practice.

“Never give up, love what you do, pass knowledge and experience to others, beware of speed and manage it the right way, give as much as you want to get, and bear in mind that you need recognition rather than appreciation.”

Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO, Mohammed Bin Rashid Est for SME Development, said it is so brilliant to inspire people by the inspired who have contributed in the development of their nation. “It is so critical to pass knowledge, and positive attitude and vibe to others so that they can be part of the development of others.”

Meanwhile, the Those Who Inspire Ltd, the publishers, has teamed up with the Ministry of Higher Education to make the book available for Emirati students. “The right kind of influence can change the course of a young person’s life. That’s what inspiration is all about,” said Barets.

By the end of 2012, the first of the ‘Those Who Inspire’ collection was a hit with young and elder Omanis. The publishers are to launch ‘Those Who Inspire: Nigeria in 2015, and are planning books for France, Greece, Panama and Hong Kong.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com