In her previous job in the public relations and protocol department of Dubai Chamber, Maryam Shahin rubbed shoulders with the likes of Laura Bush and Bill Clinton.
“For these visits, we checked everything: the venues, the food, the pathways people would walk, every detail,” she says. “It was precision organisation.”
Shahin, 32, was responsible for ensuring correct protocol was followed during any visit or event attended by high-level VIPs.
Her experience gave her a taste for organising events – she’s now the chief executive of her own company, More Than Events.
In 2009, Shahin left Dubai Chamber and began a degree in communication advertising in Australia. After returning three years later, she joined Dubai Police Academy as the head of exhibitions and marketing.
In August 2013, she took the plunge into self-employment, with More Than Events.
Most of her work so far has been conferences and events, but Shahin dreams of taking her company in a more creative direction.
“I don’t want to be a normal event company – I want to be more than that. We plan to create some unique concepts and ideas.”
One of her favourite tasks was organising Eid flash mobs at The Dubai Mall and Mirdif City Centre. “I love to use public space for events,” she says. “In Australia, there is a lot of use of the public space for festivals and things. I’d like to do that here. It’s definitely improving in Dubai ... but we need to do more.”
In December, she won an Emirati Launchpad competition at the Impact Hub Dubai, a social centre for entrepreneurs, securing funding from Dubai SME, a government body that helps small and medium enterprises.
“I think it will help me to take my company to the next level,” she says.
A quick chat with Maryam Shahin
Where do you go to relax?
The Dubai Creek Golf Club. I have to go every week. Sometimes I take my books or my laptop.
Your favourite music?
I listen to house music and if I’m driving I like a bit of country music. I like The Lumineers – I heard them in Australia.
What websites do you look to for inspiration?
I usually check Digital Buzz Blog, The Cool Hunter and Pinterest.
Your favourite places to travel?
The United Kingdom, the United States and Australia are my favourite places. I like the nightlife in London, the restaurants and the culture.
Your inspiration?
On a personal level, one of my brothers, [who is] a pilot – he’s always very optimistic. Professionally, Steve Jobs [pictured] and Mark Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg was only a student when he became a success – he understood his talent and he created something. And Jobs failed many times, but he came back successful. I respect him for this.
I was affected by Lovemarks by the [former] chief executive of Saatchi & Saatchi, Kevin Roberts. It's about the strategy of building awareness of anything you want – brands or events. It tells you to love what you do, then to spread the love to everyone else. I'm so attached to this concept.
Your favourite television shows?
I like watching Jeff Dunham's stand-up comedy shows. I also watch the American show Revenge. I like looking at the places and spaces in it.
Your favourite Instagram accounts?
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. I also like to look at events such as the Toronto Silent Film Festival.
Can you name one item you can’t live without?
My MacBook Pro. I can see what the world is doing. I take it everywhere with me.
munderwood@thenational.ae
