ABU DHABI // At just 21, Ebrahim Al Harbi manages to combine running his family-owned travel agency with studying for a degree in international relations at Zayed University.
Growing up as an only child, the Emirati strived to live up to the expectations of his parents, who wanted him to get the best education possible.
But with handling the day-to-day affairs of the company, meeting clients, closing deals and attending his classes at the university, he has a busy life.
“It’s a lot of work, so you can just imagine the immense pressure on me as the only child,” Mr Al Harbi said.
When his 58-year-old father handed over the reins of Golden Links Travel to him in November last year, the son did not hesitate.
“In fact, I asked for it,” he said. “The travel agency was set up in 2010 and it was not doing well. When I took over the business, I was able to close an important deal with a training centre which booked flights and accommodation from us.”
His father Haiel, who is a legal consultant the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, also owns a law firm, a Haj and Umrah agency, a real estate firm and a laundry shop.
“He’s my role model,” Mr Al Harbi said. “He inspired me to give importance to education. He wants me to finish my bachelor’s degree and then take my masters. He told me not to stop until I got my PhD.”
Mr Al Harbi studied at the American International School in Abu Dhabi for 14 years, and graduated in 2011.
Despite gaining acceptance at Kent State University’s medicine programme, he decided to stay in the UAE and attend Paris Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi, where he took a 10-month intensive course to learn French before taking up a law course for 18 months.
In 2013, he decided to shift to international relations at Zayed University. He expects to graduate in January next year.
He completed the Abu Dhabi Ambassador Programme offered by the Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism Authority in May last year, and is now working on obtaining a tour guide licence.
Launched in 2008, the programme was created to give nationals the skills to promote the emirate both to tourists at home and to other nations while overseas.
“I had just turned 20 when I joined and was the youngest in our batch,” he said. “I am proud to say that I can speak four languages – Arabic, English, Farsi and French.”
His cousin Saeed Abdulsalam, 47, believes Mr Al Harbi is destined for success.
“I saw him grow up and graduate from high school,” said Mr Abdulsalam, who has worked for the family’s law firm for that past 13 years as an accountant and public relations officer.
“I strongly believe he would become a good diplomat because of his knowledge of foreign languages and natural talent for diplomacy.”
When he graduates next year, Mr Al Harbi expects to work at a national airline, then take his master’s degree in international law at Paris Sorbonne in October.
“I also plan to learn a fifth language, most probably Spanish,” he said.
He plans to put to good use his knowledge in diplomacy, law and international relations as well as his experience in tourism and business.
“I’ve travelled to 20 different countries and everywhere I go, I always speak well of my country and leaders,” he said.
“I will promote my country as a tourist destination, and the significant role that religion plays in our culture. I think that is the best contribution I can do as a proud representative of my country.”
When he turns 24, he plans to sign up for military service to give back to his country.
“I know it will be very tough and rigorous,” Mr Al Harbi said. “But it’s not only about setting up new national defence and reserve forces. It’s also toughening up Emiratis to reduce the incidence of diabetes, and solve the Arab youth unemployment.”
rruiz@thenational.ae
