'I want to be a UAE minister': Meet 17-year-old honoured by Ajman Ruler
Sara, Ajman's top Elite Track graduate who is 17 years old, dreams to become a UAE minister and believes that with hard work and perseverance, this ambition is not out of reach.
On meeting Sheikh Humaid, who is also Supreme Council Member, Sara expressed her joy for the royal recognition.
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"When I shook His Highness's (Ajman Ruler) hand, I felt that all the years of effort and dedication were worth it for that very moment," Sara tells Khaleej Times in an interview. "My eyes were filled with pride, and how I wish I could freeze that moment in my memory forever."
On receiving the news of her top-notch academic achievement, Sara said: "I took it in and said 'Alhamdullilah' Thank god, as I believe everything that happened was because of God."
Her parents' reaction also reflected what her achievement meant for them. "Tears rolled down–pure tears of joy," she recalled. "In that moment, I felt I hadn't just achieved this for myself, but for my family and everyone who supported me along the way."
'Strider'
The journey of the Sheikha Bint Saeed Secondary School student to receiving royal recognition highlighted the significance of her accomplishment.
Sara is a researcher and the founder of several youth-led platforms. Her main project is 'Strider,' an AI-powered marine conservation project that predicts coral bleaching and marine biodiversity risks.
She presented her project during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, where it gained the attention of several senior government officials as well as prominent members of the capital's ruling family.
Future dream
For Sara, however, this recognition alongside her achievements serve a greater goal: becoming a UAE Minister.
"This moment strengthened my belief that the dream is possible," she highlighted. 'I hope that one day I can lead the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment or the Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure as they are focused on the projects I am working on'.
As she begins her higher education journey, Sara will be enrolling at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi to major in chemical engineering, with hopes of one day working at Masdar, Adnoc, or Abu Dhabi's Environment Agency.
'Becoming a minister is not a far-fetched dream, in 10-15 years with the right skills, knowledge and experience, I believe it is quite realistic,' Sara said.
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