Sara Al Boom can lay claim to helping Dubai win the hosting rights for Expo 2020. She was selected in 2012 as an official bid ambassador to promote community awareness about Dubai’s bid.
Al Boom, 22, impressed organisers with a video piece she spent a month on, capturing the diverse languages spoken by the 200 nationalities living in the UAE.
“I took it as an opportunity to really show people why I think Dubai has earned the right to host one of the world’s most prestigious events.” she says.
For Al Boom, who was born in Dubai and works for Dubai Cares, selling her beloved city is easy.
“Everything here is so accessible. People used to travel to London and Singapore … now everything is here. It is a real blessing,” she says.
Although the big event is five years away, this Emirati is passionate about getting tourists to experience the UAE.
“This is a lifetime event; an opportunity not to be missed,” she says. “When people come to Dubai, we don’t just want them to scan around Expo and leave; we will take them under our wing and show them how Dubai started, what we’ve accomplished and how we’re preparing for the future.”
Al Boom says she is keen to see this year’s Expo host city in the coming months. “I am planning on visiting Milan. I personally have never been to an Expo. I’m very eager to visit our country’s pavilion.”
She’s certain the UAE will learn a lot from Expo 2015, which starts today. “What I noticed from Milan’s vision is that they focus very much on the youth. The UAE shares that vision.”
Al Boom’s family has never held her back, and she believes this is part of the reason she’s achieved so much. “My mother always said: ‘You don’t become who you are overnight.’”
What's your favourite book?
The World Is Flat by Thomas L Friedman.
What is your dream job?
A photojournalist. During university, I took a class called multiplatform storytelling, and we had to explore the art of telling stories via different platforms. I really love the thought of telling stories through images.
Where is your favourite place in Dubai?
Any beach along the coast.
Where is your dream holiday destination?
Iceland is a must-see. I have read a lot about the Northern Lights and volcanoes. It is a different environment and I would love to get a chance to experience it.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I would say I would want to become 10 times more powerful and responsible than I am today.
What achievement are you most proud of?
Getting accepted into a Harvard University programme.
What is your favourite movie?
Miss Congeniality.
Who inspires you?
The Emirati Minister of State and managing director for the Dubai Expo 2020 bid committee, Reem Al Hashemy. Sincerity, hard work and dedication is very important for every person to complete and perfect any task, and I have seen these three qualities in her and she uses it in her daily life.
Where do you go to relax?
The gym, it really helps me blow off steam and focus on my breathing. I love going to the gym straight after work.
What is your favourite pastime?
I usually hang out with my friends in different areas; it could be my friend’s house or at a restaurant in Downtown. Depending on the weather, I would just pick up a friend, drive to the nearest karak place and then head to the desert for a chilled night.
mhealy@thenational.ae
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