UAE Portrait of a Nation: The mother of media

Hessa Al Ossaily was a trailblazer in the media here, beginning her career even before the union and inspiring many people who worked with her.

Hessa Al Ossaily in the early years of her career. Courtesy Dr Aysha Al Albusmait

DUBAI // The woman who paved the way for her Emirati counterparts in the UAE’s media industry says she was driven by love and loyalty for her country and a sense of patriotism.

Hessa Al Ossaily is a woman who always represented both with honour.

While attending school in Sharjah, she was surrounded by teachers and family members who were Emirati pioneers in poetry and literature.

She was the first Emirati woman to become a presenter at Sawt Al Sahil Radio, in 1965, which was launched in Sharjah by the British. At the same time, she pursued further education and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Arabic languages and Islamic Studies from Ain Shams University in Egypt and, in 1969, she joined Kuwaiti TV as a presenter at its base in Dubai.

Al Ossaily witnessed the formation of the union in 1971 and was its first female television presenter after joining Abu Dhabi Television and Radio, where she remained until 1974, when she moved to the Ministry of Culture.

She is known as the “Mother of Media” among those she worked with and those she trained. In 1992, she was assigned general commissioner for the UAE’s involvement in expos and, in 2000, she became the first Arab female member of the country’s steering committee for that year’s expo in Hanover, Germany.

“She received several awards, decorations and letters of appreciation from Sheikha Jawaher and from Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi [the Ruler of Sharjah and his wife],” said Dr Aysha Albusmait, who considers Al Ossaily as her godmother, mentor and guide.

“Mama Hessa, as she likes us to call her, doesn’t talk much about herself, so I took it upon myself to speak about her, because she is a history in herself. I seek her opinion on everything, knowing that in her presence, I am before a river of knowledge and experience.”

Al Ossaily often said that her confidence in embarking on a journalism career was aided by the full support of her family, who had faith in her strength and determination.

She always believed that each person holds within themselves great powers and creative energy that should be invested in serving their country.

“Mama Hessa taught me, and many others, the true meaning of patriotism and how to have a profound love for our country that is conveyed through deeds, not words. She shared with us her diverse expertise, which she gained from visiting Arab and Western countries,” said Dr Al Albusmait, head of communications and marketing at Dubai Sports Council.

During Expo 2000 in Hanover, Al Ossaily stood tall and confident among the guests and participants, talking in clear, perfect English about her country’s participation in the event and about its history.

“That day is engraved in my mind. As we walked along with the members of the Emirati delegation, we noticed heavy blood in one of the corridors, no one knew where it came from, then I noticed it was from Hessa, her foot was severely injured and bleeding heavily but being very much devoted to her role as a representative of the UAE, she did not even feel she was bleeding,” said Dr Al Albusmait.

“In another event in Switzerland, Hessa was an entire team just by herself, following the smallest details like our traditional coffee, which she made herself.”

Dr Al Albusmait described Al Ossaily as a loving woman with many talents and endless energy, who carried the heritage of the Emirati nation wherever she went and spread the true essence of Islam.

“In an event in Italy, a 10-year-old spoke with Hessa, then, encouraged by her tolerance and kindness, he started asking her about Islam, and later we were surprised to know that the boy, along with nine other people, converted to Islam after having a sincere conversation with Mama Hessa,” said Dr Al Albusmait.

An entire generation owes Al Ossaily for training, teaching and preparing them to face the challenges of life, she said.