My UAE: Shamsa Al Marri is dreaming big

A profile of the Emirati media hopeful Shamsa Al Marri.

Shamsa Al Marri at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi, where she works. Pawan Singh / The National

Shamsa Al Marri hopes to become the Emirati version of Oprah Winfrey, but for now she’s content with making other people happy.

“My dream is to become the first Emirati lady who is being a different type of TV presenter,” she says. “It will be a big challenge.”

The 21-year-old, who is studying for a degree in applied communication, is about to begin her second year at Abu Dhabi Men’s College (which accepts women). She’s already hosted an on-campus radio and television show, and been selected as the only female among 25 men to participate in the college’s young media leaders programme.

“I have learnt a lot and am still learning – I can draw, I am also taking an animation class and I took a photography class,” the Abu Dhabi resident says.

She juggles her studies with her work as a business excellence specialist at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. “We focus on the guests,” Al Marri says. “I check all the feedback from the guests, and if someone needs my help, it will be my pleasure.

“The biggest challenge for me is making people happy, if I see someone sitting alone who is not smiling, I will make him smile.”

Al Marri grew up in Dubai, and moved to Abu Dhabi a year ago. “I remember my mum, when I said I will work in Abu Dhabi, she said no. My mum now says: ‘Thank God you didn’t listen to me; I didn’t know you would be successful in your life’.”

Al Marri says she loves pushing boundaries, and believes she has grown a lot as a person.

“I have changed a lot [since moving to Abu Dhabi]. I have the personality, I am not afraid, I can speak and I have good body language. My family didn’t know there was a talent that will come from me.”

When not working or studying, Al Marri enjoys reading books that teach her something and dreaming of the far-off destinations she will visit in the years to come, as she forges her path to Oprah-level stardom.

“I want to travel. I will travel. I can’t wait,” she says.

What five things do you never leave home without?

My phone, my make-up, my camera (Canon [EOS] 5D), my laptop and my headphones.

What song are you playing the most at the moment?

Sam Smith's I'm Not the Only One. I like the way he sings. This type of music is rare to find now.

What's the one travel destination that you would love to visit?

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland, because it looks like a quiet place that is all about nature. And it’s freezing there. I want to try it.

What's your favourite movie?

The Vow with Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum, because it is something different and also really painful. He fights for her to remember him.

Where's your favourite place to hang out in the UAE?

Dubai’s Kite Beach. When I go there, I walk, play music and take the pressures of life away.

If you had a movie made about your life, who would play the lead role?

Either Oprah Winfrey or Angelina Jolie, because they always show their real personality.

What's your motto for life?

Don’t fight for the others, think about yourself; like don’t be sad about someone who doesn’t deserve it. My friend told me that.

What's your favourite food and why?

I like to try everything, but I like Thai and Japanese food the best. I like anything with noodles.

What's the best piece of advice that you can offer to other Emiratis?

Fight for what you want and get your family’s support.

What's your ideal car?

I am going to buy a Mustang this year. I like a car with personality – something different.