My UAE: Alanoud Al Madhi believes in sparking a debate

The founder of Between the Sips on why constructive argument is a must in this region.

Alanoud Al Madhi, 26, is the founder of Between the Sips. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

“Knowledge is very important – it’s something that I thrive on – and part of my goal is knowledge transfer and to let people know more about the UAE and the GCC,” explains Alanoud Al ­Madhi, the 26-year-old founder of Between the Sips, a website, Instagram account and Twitter feed dedicated to promoting social awareness and understanding, one conversation at a time.

A cross between a message board and a debating chamber, Between the Sips aims to create an online forum where its members can gather for discussions that are supported by the kind of facts and figures that Al Madhi hopes will sponsor informed argument and reasoned debate.

Al Madhi’s role is multifaceted. Part-­researcher, part-convenor, part-moderator – not only does she decide on the issue to be debated, she also provides the supporting materials in the form of infographics, surveys, facts and figures, and equally succinct follow-up materials to inform participants about the outcome of their online debates.

Al Madhi was inspired to create Between the Sips by the online uproar that surrounded two of 2013’s hottest online debates: Rihanna’s sultry photo shoot at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the UAE dress code.

“I saw a gap,” Al Madhi explains. “There isn’t one space where people can discuss social topics and where they can be provided with the facts and the correct information about those topics to support their ­arguments.”

Although Between the Sips is aimed primarily at people living in the UAE and GCC, Al Madhi insists that everybody is welcome. “Part of the goal is knowledge transfer and to let people know more about the UAE and the GCC but it’s open to anybody who can add value to the debate.”

To find out more and register, visit www.betweenthesips.com

Quick chat with Alanoud Al Madhi

Do you have a favourite book?

The Great War for Civilisation by Robert Fisk. I read that at university and it was so enlightening to read a book by someone who has been explaining the history of the Middle East first-hand.

What’s your favourite newspaper or magazine?

The Harvard Business Review. There is so much information in it and it's not very difficult to read.

What got you started with Between the Sips?

Wanting to give something back and wanting to serve. I think there are many people in the UAE who would love to contribute in some way but I think it’s very important to have information available that allows you to decide. I think maybe you also need to know where the UAE wants to be in the next 10 years.

What’s your next goal?

My dream is to go to Harvard University because it’s the best university in the world. I’d study for a masters in public administration or an MBA.

What’s your favourite food?

I like Indian and Mexican food. I love Ushna, the restaurant near the Shangri-La hotel.

Do you have any mentors? Who is your inspiration?

I have so many. The two that are closest to me are my father and my manager. They are two of the toughest, hard-working people I know and in addition to that they both have the kindest hearts.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

One of the things I try to be is a kind and forgiving person but that’s not always very easy. The best piece of advice I’ve been given is “Do not blame people for their weaknesses, we do not know their lives or their journey through it, just keep doing your best and your ride will be a good one.” It’s a piece of advice from a friend of mine.

Where does your sense of responsibility come from?

It comes from the country, from the leadership. There was an interview with the founding father Sheikh Zayed that I heard. Someone who was not from the region asked him: “You give people free education, free housing, free everything. How do you expect them to work hard for the country?” Then Sheikh Zayed answered: “Do you have children? Do you feed them, do they have a roof on top of them? These people are my children and when I feed them and give them housing and education and health they will reach a stage where they are able to give something back.”

Do you have any habits?

If I get really upset I read a lot and drink a lot of water.

Which object is it difficult for you to live without?

My phone. It has everything, I use it to communicate but I also use it for notes and for my schedule.

Which quality do you most admire in others?

I like people who are genuine and kind.