My UAE: Help is on hand from the author Eiman Al Zaabi

A profile of the Emirati self-help writer Eiman Al Zaabi.

Eiman Al Zaabi holding her self-help book, which is launched tomorrow. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

Eiman Al Zaabi considers herself a “student of life”, and with her debut self-help book being launched tomorrow, she’s determined to share her insights on spirituality and happiness.

The Art of Surrender: A Practical Guide to Enlightened Happiness and Well-Being is, she says, "a warm and encouraging invitation to each of us to start down our own spiritual path".

Al Zaabi, who works as a tertiary career development manager in Abu Dhabi, and writes in her spare time, holds a degree in business information technology and a master’s in business administration. She first took an interest in spirituality and healing after dealing with anxiety, panic attacks and depression.

"I knew there must have been more to life than these perplexing emotional and physical barriers, and I began searching for answers," she says. "Inspired by books such as Louise Hay's You Can Heal Your Life, I have dedicated myself to the journey towards empowerment and healing."

Al Zaabi is also a life-coach, facilitator and spiritual teacher. ­“Drawing on my Muslim heritage, my experience as a life coach and spiritual teacher, and my careful exploration of a variety of traditions, I show readers how to embark on a spiritual quest and achieve the ultimate fulfilment and joy,” she says.

She suggests that her book is the first of its kind to significantly incorporate the Muslim faith. While writing the book, though, her family and friends had a difficult time understanding the project. “No one was able to perceive what I was doing when I would decline social gatherings and interactions as I was writing. However, when the book [was finished], everyone was thrilled and proud.”

The book will be launched tomorrow night at TwoFour54, where she will host a moderated discussion and conduct a meditation exercise.

Is a second book likely to happen? “Possibly,” she says. “My fascination right now lies in discovering the relationship between embracing truth and well-being.”

Who’s your favourite author?

I have two favourites. Mark Nepo, the author of The Exquisite Risk, because I realised that we share the same style of writing. The second is Karen Maezen Miller, the author of Paradise in Plain Sight. I love her gentle and expressive writing.

Who’s your biggest inspiration?

The 89-year-old self-help guru Louise Hay. Her book You Can Heal Your Life was the first self-help book I owned. It completely changed the game for me regarding how I viewed myself and the world around me.

What’s your favourite travel destination?

I love the Mediterranean countries – they exemplify to me the richness of culture and the ultimate collaboration between man and nature. The freshness and authenticity of food; lives that are built around caring for nature and making use of its resources in the most positive way. That’s the way life should be.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Zuma. It’s funny, because I don’t eat seafood, but this restaurant has impressed me with its cooking style and food quality. I order the non-seafood options.

Who was the last person you phoned?

I don’t really like talking on the phone, but right now I’m busy organising my book launch event, so most calls are [based] round that.

Which places do you tell people to visit when they come to the UAE?

The Heritage Village – it’s a nice place to get a sense of Emirati culture and how life used to be. I would also recommend Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

What music do you have playing on repeat at the moment?

I mostly play the Quran to help me stay aligned to myself and my purpose in life.

Who has given you the best grounding in life?

My dad. He taught me to be determined, dedicated to my goals and to take responsibility for my own actions.

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