My UAE: Maytha Al Habsi

Maytha Al Habsi, who has worked for the Emirates Foundation since 2004. Courtesy Emirates Foundation

Maytha Al Habsi has spent the past 10 years rallying 45,000 youth volunteers in the UAE who actively contribute to the country every year.

As the chief programmes officer at the Emirates Foundation, an organisation she’s been associated with since 2004, Al Habsi has a passion for empowering young people. “I connect very well with youth and the community,” she says. “The Emirates Foundation is all about guiding and empowering youth – we create initiatives that do that.”

Mentoring and youth development wasn’t in her life plan early on. After graduating from high school, the Emirati studied medical equipment engineering in the United States, but changed course after a year to arts with a minor in communications. “I came back very enthusiastic, with lots of energy and ideas and a want to invest all of that in my country,” she says.

Despite spending years abroad as the daughter of a diplomat, the Emirati culture was embedded in her family by her father. After a short time back home, she was approached by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to do some research, which a project called Takatof – the first run by the Emirates Foundation – was born out of.

“I would spend hours talking with youth, finding out the challenges, and wanting to understand what they want and how can we deliver it. I was honoured to have been selected,” she says.

Ten years on, the Takatof project has the biggest number of youth volunteers in the UAE. “You have to volunteer with them; I am a manager, but I am also with them,” she says.

Al Habsi, who is a mother to 2-year-old twins, Shamsa and Shamma, adds: “It’s up to us to create opportunities for our young people to shine.”

Quick chat with Maytha Al Habsi

What’s your favourite book?

The Quran. My faith is very strong and I love to connect with it by reading the Quran.

What do you do to relax?

I spend time in the garden playing with my twin girls.

Where’s your favourite holiday destination?

I love islands – the Maldives is beautiful and a place I like to go to every year.

What’s your advice for young Emiratis?

Follow your passion.

What’s your favourite pastime?

Shopping. I follow what’s happening in the fashion world. And I also like visiting art galleries.

If you could invite any three people to dinner, who would they be?

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Oprah Winfrey and my father.

What’s your favourite genre of movies?

Family comedy. I like something nice and light that chills you out.

If you could do any one thing in your life, what would it be?

I would love to learn how to ski on a very high mountain.

What’s your favourite season?

Winter. I enjoy the cold weather.

What’s your favourite movie?

Sense and Sensibility – it's the best.