My UAE: Alia Al Hazami is going by the book

A profile of the young author of Alatash, Aliya Al Hazami.

The author Alia Al Hazami, with her book Alatash, which she completed while at high school. Sarah Dea / The National

It's amazing how random stories can be turned into a book. Alia Al Hazami is the epitome of an aspiring author. At the age of 18, she published her first novel, Alatash. The idea was inspired by a conversation with a relative.

“I used 5 per cent of what the person told me. The rest was my imagination,” says the recent graduate of Al Ma’arifa School, Sharjah.

Alatash means “wherever I go, I want to see you”. The book revolves around the tragic story of an African woman and how her life experiences shaped her into the person she is today. The book covers many angles of life – from struggles to forced marriage and eventually divorce.

Living in the UAE, Al Hazami and many others didn’t have to fight for their rights in such a manner.

“I want to be a member of the United Nations and support women’s rights and equality in the world, but within the limits of Islam,” she says.

The young author completed the first chapter of her book at the age of 14, before taking a break from writing.

“I finished the rest of the chapters within eight months,” she says. Many people found her book enjoyable, although she also received constructive criticism. This feedback, she says, helped her improve.

One of her life goals was to complete the novel before graduating from high school. With determination, patience and hard work, she achieved what people had told her was impossible.

Alongside her novel-writing work, Al Hazami is a columnist for Sail e-magazine and the head of reporters for Hear My Echo. One day, she also aspires to be a New York Times best-selling author. Her book can be found in stockists including ­Borders, Kinokuniya, Kuttab Cafe and Magrudy's.

The second edition of Alatash will be available soon and it will be "free from typos", as she puts it.

If you could make one wish, what would it be?

Definitely world peace.

Do you collect anything?

I used to collect currencies when I was a kid, but as I grew older, I forgot about it. My mother does it up to this day.

What are the best cities you’ve been to?

London and Kuwait City [below].

If you were the Minister of Education, what changes would you bring?

I’d make book-reading compulsory and provide ways for students to find their talents and live up to their full potential.

How many books have you read this year?

I’ve read about 15. The best one was Divergent by Veronica Roth. It was a good read.

What’s the most beautiful architecture that you’ve seen?

In Turkey – they had beautiful artefacts.

What are your future plans?

I’d like to major in international studies and minor in English literature. I’m looking forward to starting my university life at the American University of Sharjah.

How do you meditate?

I find peace in supplicating to Allah.

Who’s your favourite musical artist?

Christina Aguilera.

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