My UAE: Mariam Al Badr’s energetic outlook

A profile of the Emirati Mariam Al Badr, who shares her approach to a hectic life.

Mariam Al Badr, 32, who juggles motherhood with her job at Dolphin Energy. Courtesy Dolphin Energy
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Mariam Al Badr is a self-described extrovert who loves life and believes that happiness is “an inside job”.

The 32-year-old Emirati works as the corporate communications director for Dolphin ­Energy, and helps raise her two children under the age of 10, but still manages to find time for herself.

“I made a list of the things I wanted to do [last year], such as go to the gym, go out with friends, visit Art Basel, and I managed to mark them all off,” the Abu Dhabi resident says.

Al Badr spent the first 13 years of her life in the United States, before returning to the UAE with her family. She headed back to the US after high school to study at the University of ­Massachusetts Amherst.

“I have a double major in communications and sociology with a minor in English literature. Once I graduated, I returned to Abu ­Dhabi, where I worked for the Ministry of Presidential ­Affairs.”

Al Badr joined Dolphin 10 years ago, where she was initially employed as a coordinator.

“Dolphin Energy is like a second home for me. I can’t imagine working anywhere else,” she says. “Balancing my role as a wife, mother, boss and colleague has its challenges, but I have come to realise you can’t be everything to everyone. For me, life is about striking a balance between home and work. ­Happiness is definitely an inside job.”

When she isn’t hard at work in Al Maqam Tower in the Abu ­Dhabi Global Market precinct on Al Maryah Island, Al Badr is usually at home with her boys, Khalid, 7, and Saif, 4.

“They love science experiments,” she says, “so on most nights we spend our time on YouTube finding new experiments to do or experimenting with bottles exploding in my kitchen.”

As for what the future holds? Al Badr says: “Who knows, but I am excited and open to what may be around the corner.”

What music do you currently have on repeat?

I'm obsessed by the American R&B singer-songwriter Bryson Tiller's new album Trapsoul – it's so good.

Which five things do you never leave home without?

My iPhone, lip balm, sunglasses, a mini diary (I’m old school, and need to write things down) and my wallet.

What’s your favourite travel destination?

New York. I go at least three or four times a year. I have so many friends there – it really is my second home. No matter how many times I go, there is always something new and exciting. As my kids get older, I’m able to show them more of what NYC has to offer – it’s so much fun.

What’s your all-time favourite movie?

Pretty Woman. It's a classic – I love the line when Edward (Richard Gere) says: "It's just that, uh, very few people surprise me", and Vivian (Julia Roberts) replies: "Most of 'em shock the hell outta me."

What’s your favourite book?

John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, for a thousand and one reasons. There's the story alone, the drama and the pathos of it all, then there are all those levels of meaning about love and friendship – it's mainly about having dreams and hopes.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Early on in my career, the former chief executive of Dolphin Energy, Ibrahim Al Ansari, said: “Whatever is meant for you, will be for you, and no one can take that away.” It’s something that has always stuck with me and helped shape my professional outlook.

If you could invite any three people to your house for dinner, who would they be?

I would invite Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed [Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces], the US President Barack Obama [pictured] and Beyoncé. To me, each one is an icon in the areas I’m most passionate about. I can only imagine what great conversations and fun we would have, and I’d serve my famous homemade lasagne, because who doesn’t like lasagne, right?

What are your favourite restaurants in the UAE?

LPM [La Petite Maison, pictured] in Dubai, for its good food and ambience; and Bagatelle Dubai at the Fairmont. It’s lovely.

mhealy@thenational.ae

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