Emirati Youth Council member hopes to inspire others with her story

Tasneim Al Dhanhani is a prime example of hard work reaping rewards

Tasneim Al Dhanhani, 24, is a member of the youth council member in Fujairah. Christopher Pike / The National

A member of the Emirati Youth Council in Fujairah hopes to see more young Emirati women seizing opportunities as she did.

Tasneim Al Dhanhani is one of seven Emirati women who comprise the Fujairah Youth Council alongside seven Emirati men.

The council formed in 2016 after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, established the Emirates Youth Council, chaired by Shamma Al Mazroui, Minister of State for Youth.

Seven local councils in each emirate were formed with new members expected to be nominated this year.

The 24-year-old said she was proud to be one of many Emirati women who have had the opportunity to pursue their dreams. She said the support of her mother and the country’s leadership has helped her succeeded in every phase of her life.

“Our generation is very lucky as we have better opportunities to succeed and participate in building the country making it reach high levels and present it to the world,” said Ms Al Dhanhani

“It wasn’t popular back in the day for families to send their daughters to study aboard and they were limited to a number of majors they could study in universities, but things have changed over time and women have become more independent and families respect that.”

Ms Al Dhanhani – who has made it her mission to support young Emiratis - said opportunities are available but they must work hard to seize them.

“Work, study and development opportunities are available in the north and around the country, but it needs extra efforts to find them.

“We came up with an idea to gather all the opportunities under one platform that can be accessible to everyone along with providing transportation to reach such opportunities in other emirate,” she said.

Surveys conducted by the council showed that many young Emiratis in the northern emirates were well educated and women in particular held bachelor’s degrees in rare topics.

“That proves that the road has been paved for them and have the opportunity to shine and prove their selves in many occupations and fields” she said.

Ms Al Dhanhani speaks from experience that perseverance reaps rewards.

“My father died when I was two years old, so I tried to do everything I can to make my mother happy and that triggered me to excel in both my study and life and still do,” she said

She graduated from Secondary school with a 99.8 score and was ranked second in the science stream among UAE graduates in 2010. The accolade saw her honoured by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering with honours from United Arab Emirates University in 2015. Ms Al Dhahani is also a UAE Youth Ambassador in China, a programme sponsored by Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi, and has participated in voluntary work in Morocco, Singapore, the UK, Italy and the US.

"I volunteered in many in many initiatives and attended summits, conferences and exhibitions and that experience helped in building my personality and gave me a push to move forward," she said     
Ms Al Al Dhanhani is now working on earning her Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering at the Petroleum Institute and works as an Instrumentation Engineer at National Petroleum Construction Company.

Her goal is to open the first youth centre in Fujairah where Emiratis can connect and develop their skills.

“I hope that all the youth gets inspired by the ideas of the council and be part of the initiatives available for them.”