An Emirati student at King’s College London has set up a society to help improve the credentials of other young Arabs at some of the world’s top universities.
Zaineh Abed Alhameed, 19, from Dubai, is using her connections and skills to provide a space for “well-rounded” students from the region to discuss topical issues, build networks and increase their career prospects.
Arab students studying at top-ranking institutions in the US, Britain and wider Europe are eligible for membership.
'Come home and make a difference'
The Youth Visionaries Association has a particular focus on empowering those looking to work in finance, education, healthcare, technology, and the arts.
Ms Alhameed said her hope is that graduates returning to their native countries in the Gulf and the wider Middle East will have the tools to help propel economies forward.
“We want them to come back and made a difference,” the economics undergrad told The National.
“We want to have a next generation come along and build bridges with other generations. It is Arabs helping Arabs.
“We are only taking students from elite universities. We are trying to keep it quite exclusive.
She added that her organisation was looking for “well-rounded Arabs” who have a “natural curiosity” and are interested in areas such as the arts and history.
“We must be very convinced that they are serious before admitting them”, she added. “We are not lenient, but we are very open.”
Sima Sinno, a YVA co-founder from Lebanon, said that all of those involved share a common vision to return to their home countries where they can make a lasting effect in their respective fields.
Since its creation in 2022, the group has attracted around 100 members studying at places such as Princeton, Colombia and NYU in the US, and King’s, Imperial and London School of Economics in the UK.
Ms Alhameed completed an internship at the Emirati embassy in Belgravia, central London, an experience which gave her an insider’s perspective on the fascinating world of diplomacy.
It planted a seed of a possible future in foreign affairs and highlighted the importance of having a strong network of useful contacts.
“I realised that it’s not just about bilateral relations. We were working on environmental matters and looking at what we could do at Cop28,” she said.
Ms Alhameed wants her fellow Arab students to have the opportunity to interact with figures who are “exceptionally renowned in their fields” and be inspired by their journeys.
Speakers who have addressed members and offered advice include Dr Saeed Aldhaheri, director of the centre for future studies at the University of Dubai, and Haifa Fahoum Al Kaylani, founder and president of the Arab International’s Women’s Forum.
Leading the Arab renaissance
A forward-thinking vision lies at the heart of what YVA is about.
Ms Alhameed does not have to look far for inspiration as her grandfather, who served as a legal consultant to UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, helped to write the Constitution.
“My parents said to me if this is something he could do before the UAE was a country think of what you can do,” she said.
“The Emiratis I am friends with are just as driven as I am. We all want to come back here and make an impact.
“When you look at the UAE you see how many opportunities they are giving their youth and it’s something we want to help with.
“I am lucky to be from a country that is leading the Arab renaissance.
“The UAE is only 50 years old and we are economically competing with countries that have been established for much longer.
“Like other countries in the region, we’re exceeding expectations.”
To apply to become a member of the YVA, a student must be from an Arab country, be enrolled in a course at one of the world’s top 35 universities, and be referred by a current member.
2020 Oscars winners: in numbers
- Parasite – 4
- 1917– 3
- Ford v Ferrari – 2
- Joker – 2
- Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood – 2
- American Factory – 1
- Bombshell – 1
- Hair Love – 1
- Jojo Rabbit – 1
- Judy – 1
- Little Women – 1
- Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You're a Girl) – 1
- Marriage Story – 1
- Rocketman – 1
- The Neighbors' Window – 1
- Toy Story 4 – 1
Fresh faces in UAE side
Khalifa Mubarak (24) An accomplished centre-back, the Al Nasr defender’s progress has been hampered in the past by injury. With not many options in central defence, he would bolster what can be a problem area.
Ali Salmeen (22) Has been superb at the heart of Al Wasl’s midfield these past two seasons, with the Dubai club flourishing under manager Rodolfo Arrubarrena. Would add workrate and composure to the centre of the park.
Mohammed Jamal (23) Enjoyed a stellar 2016/17 Arabian Gulf League campaign, proving integral to Al Jazira as the capital club sealed the championship for only a second time. A tenacious and disciplined central midfielder.
Khalfan Mubarak (22) One of the most exciting players in the UAE, the Al Jazira playmaker has been likened in style to Omar Abdulrahman. Has minimal international experience already, but there should be much more to come.
Jassim Yaqoub (20) Another incredibly exciting prospect, the Al Nasr winger is becoming a regular contributor at club level. Pacey, direct and with an eye for goal, he would provide the team’s attack an extra dimension.
Shooting Ghosts: A U.S. Marine, a Combat Photographer, and Their Journey Back from War by Thomas J. Brennan and Finbarr O’Reilly
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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
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The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe
Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
