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Despite understanding the fear, she believes getting vaccinated is everyone’s responsibility
A proud UAE national, award-winning entrepreneur, public speaker and recognized local celebrity, Sara Al Madani has more influence than most (just don’t call her an ‘influencer’. Later will be introduced in detail). The confidence with which the 35-year-old exudes as she launches various projects we’ve been following for nearly a decade, whether in fashion or more recently tech, is palpable. So when we asked her first question about her decision to get vaccinated against Covid-19, we were more than surprised by the sheer confidence in the response.
“I’m as scared of getting vaccinated as anyone in the world,” replied the humble and thoughtful reply. Aiming at people’s common daily fear of medical procedures and different views on different social circles, the choice of appointment is obviously revealed after careful consideration around two core aspects. First, can she accept that she thinks she has contributed to the ongoing spread of this pandemic? Second, her father has stepped up to help others, why can’t she?
“I guess, it’s not just about me, it’s about the people around me. It’s about responsibility. I want to be a role model, I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem,” Al Madani said. “My dad was a volunteer when the vaccine came out, so it was tested on him. That motivated me too.”
The Sharjah resident is now an advocate for vaccinations and is willing to listen to their concerns and respect the choice of those who are still reluctant to sign up, but it is difficult to understand why.
“Think about it,” she pleaded, “the frontliners are not sleeping, they are risking their lives to protect us, and they have accepted. Why don’t you? Why shouldn’t we join them, towards change and success ?This is an opportunity for everyone to come together and work together to find solutions.”
The free, rapid and widespread rollout of the vaccine to all citizens of the country is a great source of pride for Al Madani. The UAE is now a global leader compared to other countries that have witnessed a more tedious or chaotic approach. Al Madani believes that from the beginning, the experienced social contract enjoyed by UAE residents and their government has given us a head start.
“It’s the cooperation between citizens and government that has made us successful. We support each other on the journey. We follow the rules and do what is required, which makes the government’s job easier. That’s how we control the outbreak. In turn, they took care of us with the vaccine. It shows how strong the government is and their willingness to protect you.”
The conversation then turned to life after the coronavirus. Given the high rate of fire, the light is not only at the end of the tunnel, but seems to be streaming through kissing the faces of those who run towards it. With the long caster nearing completion, Al Madani thinks we’ll take many more valuable lessons from our experience into the future.
“It changed my values and my priorities,” she said of the time. “It changed the way I work. It improved something about all of us. We pay more attention to our health. We value our time with our loved ones more. I think life will never be the same when the pandemic is over. It Changed us. It’s both a blessing and a curse.”
Still, this renewed appreciation for the little things in life doesn’t take away from the fact that Al Madani leads a business empire that has amassed a half-million followers on Instagram alone. As the poster figure and shining example of what the modern-day United Arab Emirates stands for, we gently suggest what the term “influencer” means, knowing full well that her thoughts on a hashtag that usually elicits equal parts admiration and ridicule are likely to veer towards More brains.
“I’m a businesswoman. I’m not an influencer,” comes a humorous, curt retort. “Anyone who has a large following online is now an influencer. This is wrong because with followers and influence comes a lot of responsibility and less freedom. If you abuse it, you are not Influencers. A lot of people are. That’s why I hate that term now.
“If people see me as a source of influence, that’s great. It means I’m following my goals and doing what I have to do. But in that sense, I’m not an influencer.”
Al Madani prefers to spread her views and experiences through professional speaking rather than through social media. In just two and a half years, she participated in 194 events, and the topics she chose to cover ranged from conceptual, such as empowerment and self-growth, to practical, including business practices and finance. Al Madani, who previously headed seven local companies, has recently refocused, despite launching three new businesses in the food and beverage and lifestyle sectors in the coming months. She said her selection of projects was based not on turnover but on job satisfaction.
“I dread going to offices, even if they make money,” Al Madani said of the business she gave up. “I feel like if I put that energy into other things, into things that I love, I’ll be better off financially, my mental health will be better.
“Business is blood, sweat and tears. It better be something you enjoy because you feel accomplished even if you try and fail. If you fail at something you fear, it can take a toll on your spirit Big blow.”
Al Madani had been a major player in the UAE’s fashion scene for almost two decades at the young age of 15, but in the last few months, Al Madani found the high fashion scene had lost its steam and changed direction almost immediately. “It’s okay to change your mind and reevaluate,” she said. “I’m focused on technology. I want to be an ethical tech entrepreneur. I once heard a guy on stage say ‘tech is a male industry’. That killed me. I thought ‘no, we’re all equal , and I want to be a part of it.’”
Her advice to all teens trying to make a difference: “No” shouldn’t be in your vocabulary.
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