Noura Saab is the brains behind some of the notable community events held in Sharjah in recent times.
The Dubai-born Emirati has worked as an events coordinator in Sharjah for the past five years, with a hand in events like the Traditional Handicraft Forum and the first UAE National Day event held at the Heart of Sharjah, the city’s heritage district.
“Working in events gives me a chance to set every single detail – I can create new concepts and themes for different occasions,” she says. “I enjoy planning for an event. I love coming up with all the ideas and brainstorming with my team. I enjoy working with my team to organise a great event for the public.”
The 27-year-old has worked at the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority for almost three years. She previously worked for the Sharjah Center for Cultural Communications, where she was one of the first Emirati tour guides at Al Noor Mosque, which is open to non-Muslims.
“That gave me a chance to meet a lot of people from all over the world,” she says.
Saab studied IT at Sharjah Women’s College before completing a degree in e-business. She’s currently studying a master’s in innovation and change management at Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University.
“Studying innovation will open my mind more to think and work in an innovative way. I hope I can be in position to create and come up with different ideas,” she says.
While Saab has loved her time growing up and working in Sharjah, her goal is to start her own business and perhaps move to Abu Dhabi.
“I usually spend my [spare] time in Abu Dhabi; it’s always my favourite place to spend my summer and winter breaks.”
When she’s not working on her next event, Saab loves travelling and going to the beach.
“I love the UAE, because the government treats us as one family. It’s the best place to live. I like the diversity.”
What book are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading The Rules of Life. I think we should learn about life and those rules will help us to live a better life.
What are your favourite pastimes?
That’s easy – definitely writing, reading and photography.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Turkey, because I love the natural surroundings and the food.
What's your favourite place in the UAE?
Abu Dhabi. There are a lot of entertainment places, malls and restaurants.
Who inspires you?
Sheikh Zayed – he had wisdom and humility, and loved us as if we were his children; Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, because they have great vision and teach us great lessons in loving our country and being humble.
What's your advice to young Emiratis?
Do everything with passion.
If you could meet anyone in the world you haven’t met, who would it be and why?
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, because he is my second father and my role model.
What's your favourite food/meal?
Breakfast is always my favourite.
Describe yourself in five words.
Independent, optimistic, helpful, ambitious, practical.
What's you favourite movie?
Gravity, because I like the way that we should believe in hope and how it will lead us in the end to survive.
mhealy@thenational.ae