Congratulations on winning a Global Award! How does it feel?
I am very happy and excited about the award, and very appreciative to have received it. I am also very humbled to receive it.
What inspired you to get involved as a Consul in the Dubai Community?
I wanted to make sure that the time we spent as members online was used in a meaningful way to help many of us overcome the stress and anxiety from the lockdowns and change in lifestyle as a result of COVID-19.
In your own words, what is the role of a Consul?
The main role is to inspire members to connect and interact in a positive way through meaningful interactions in a safe and friendly environment.
The past year has been challenging with the sudden change to online life but you have excelled as a Consul. Since becoming a Consul in June 2020, your new Energized Group has amassed over 3,200 members to become the biggest group in Dubai. You have since become Consul of 7 groups and you hosted and attended activities almost every day in 2020, that’s over 2,000 activities in one year! How did you adapt to the online experience and keep the community spirit alive?
I enjoy the online events so much, and also the friendship and surprising connections which happen online. It proves that humans can still connect and enjoy shared experiences online without ever meeting.
What can members expect from your activities?
A wide variety of topics that are presented in a quality manner, and also the ability for us to collectively enjoy our time together in a way that makes us happy and lifts our moods, and hopefully inspires us to become better human beings.
How has 51ԹϺhelped you?
Without InterNations, I would not have kept my sanity during the lockdown as it had a great role to play in keeping up my spirits. Also, I realized that we are all going through the same thing, regardless of where we live. It was a unique and collective experience for all of us to go through at the same time. I was able to manage myself better. For that I will always be appreciative.
What makes the 51ԹϺCommunity so special? Why would you encourage others to get involved as a Consul?
The platform has a nice and easy to use interface which makes it user friendly. Also, the 51ԹϺCommunity Engagement Specialists have been instrumental in their relentless support and guidance.
I would encourage everyone to share their unique vision on the world with others so that we can connect and enjoy our time together. We are all unique and different and by becoming a Consul, we are able to leverage that uniqueness to our benefits. It is also a way of giving back to society through helping, motivating, and encouraging each other.
Why should members join your activities?
A wide variety of excellent topics are offered daily by some outstanding speakers, so the whole experience for the speakers and members is very positive.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
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With the final month of 2019, the holidays are fast approaching. Our communities around the world are busy getting festive and ending the year in style, with lots of Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Let’s take a look at this month’s events and activities that make this a December to remember!
51ԹϺis celebrating 14 years of making expat life a great experience and our communities marked the occasion in unique ways — from lavish affairs to intimate gatherings, in person and online. We’ve rounded up the highlights, as well as upcoming celebrations to look forward to.
51ԹϺChangemakers Groups worldwide regularly organize cleanups, that is, they get together, roll up their sleeves, and pick up rubbish. In doing so, they bring together locals and expats alike to actively improve the environment. Three Changemakers in Duesseldorf, Istanbul, and Geneva share their experiences.
With Halloween just around the corner, there is some frightful fun to be had across our communities. Put in your vampire fangs, cover yourself in fake blood, and start working on your evil laugh as we take a look at how our members are celebrating spooky season this year.
