Sara Al Boom On The Meaning of Being Emirati & Feeling Empowered

In this exclusive interview series, AboutHer.com sat down with leading women in the UAE to learn about what drives them forward.

Sara Al Boom is a 29 year old Emirati group fitness instructor and personal trainer who started her health and fitness endeavors in 2018 by taking on some freelance work. Once faced by the perils of the COVID19 pandemic and the closure of gyms and classes, Sara made the decision to transition into fitness on a full time basis to provide training to those who were missing it. Al Boom’s passion in a job that takes endurance, determination, commitment and discipline is highly inspiring and she told AboutHer.com about what Emirati Women’s Day means to her…

By Amrita Singh

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What does Emirati Women's Day mean to you?

It shows great strides in how the country views Emirati women as patrons of society. Over the years, many women have become trailblazers across several disciplines- be it in government, medicine, or space. I believe that unprecedented women and their unparalleled achievements are due to the belief our leadership has bestowed on them.

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Have there been any Emirati women that have inspired you in your life and who are they?

I'm grateful to have been surrounded by the women in my family who pushed their limits and proved to themselves that they have so much potential in whatever path they embark on. I have a strong support system that made me realize that I can do what I love, as well as give back to my country.

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What do you hope to see for the future of Emirati women in the health and fitness industry?

Deciding that I wanted to leap into the fitness industry full-time was like finding a needle in a haystack. It was a difficult decision and one that I felt could be quite a challenge because I did not have any female role model to look up to in the field itself. I hope that many women would possibly see it as an opportunity to do something they love - whichever path they choose. Fitness is an evolving industry, and more people will become privy to its importance, so I hope for women to wake up to the fact that it could be more than just a hobby.

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What makes you proud to be an Emirati woman?

Growing up, I was always in a situation where I was the "only" Emirati. Be it in a classroom, university, my close friends came from different nationalities - it was in several aspects of my life that I would "stand out" as the only Emirati. I never saw it as a bad thing, I took pride in representing my nationality when needed. I was very fortunate to carry my country's flag when traveling across the world to spread about the UAE's mission and showcase my country's ambition for the future. I take great honor in doing so, and this is why no matter what chapter I embark on in my lifetime I will always ensure that being an Emirati woman in today's climate has so much more to offer.