Laila Abdullatif is saving the planet

Laila Abdullatif goes to work every day to save the planet – that's what she tells her children, and for the most part it's true.
Abdullatif is the deputy ­director-general of Emirates Wildlife Society. She's a figurehead and ambassador for the non-government organisation, which was set up in 2001.
"I'm involved in the delivery of our strategic and operational plans," says the 29-year-old Dubai resident. "I also play a very active role in fund-raising."
She began working with EWS as an intern seven years ago. "I've always known I wanted to do something impactful and give back, this was my pathway," she says. "I was attracted to this organisation because of its vision and what it stands for – connecting people with nature and making sure that people live in harmony with nature."
Abdullatif spent much of her childhood on a boat at sea, and always felt connected to nature. "As I grew older, I became really interested in biology, in understanding how things worked," she says.
She studied environmental biology at the American University of Sharjah, and spent a year ­studying in Montreal, where her focus was microbiology.
"It's about making an impact in the UAE, but also globally. I go to work every day and feel like I'm having a very positive effect," she says. "The cool aspect of my job is that I get to connect with nature. We get to tag marine turtles in the UAE and the Gulf, and we get to go out in the field in the wadis."
In her leisure time, she loves to travel. "Growing up, I was exposed to travel a lot. My father is Emirati and my mother is from Germany, so I was given an opportunity to be exposed to both cultures and the rest of the world."
She also values education, and spends some of her spare time running children's workshops. Juggling all of that with being a mother has its challenges, but ­Abdullatif says it's all about balance. "It's important that when you're at home and it's family time, you leave work at work," she says.
What’s your favourite book?
The book I’m reading right now is The Power of Now. It’s about mindfulness. In terms of my favorite books, I am a big Harry Potter fan.
What location would you recommend to visitors to the UAE?
The Northern Emirates. Get into the wadis and get your hands dirty. The nature aspect of the country: I am definitely an ocean person, but that would be a clear place.
What’s your favourite travel destination?
Costa Rica. The people are amazing — they have a really strong appreciation for their surroundings and nature. It is very pristine, very untouched — it’s a unique destination. I am a very adventurous person, and there’s lots to do there.
What car do you drive?
Right now our family car is a Tesla. It’s my new favourite car. It’s a very innovative, very smooth and environmentally conscious car, and it’s just a unique car to drive.
Tell us one thing that people don’t know about you.
Apart from my job, one thing that I am very passionate about is educating children, so one of the things I do on a biweekly basis is run workshops for kids, which is a group of friends with kids under the age of 6 where they get exposed to science at a very early age. They’re like a sponge at this age, so their minds soak it up.
Who’s your favourite actor?
I like Emily Blunt. She’s a bit quirky. In terms of movies, I love The Jungle Book.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
I would say if it’s not a problem, don’t make it a problem, because at the end of the day it’s all about your perception. Everyone has their own reality. I had a career coach, Dr Barry Cummings. He gave me that advice.
If you could be any animal, what would you be?
A great white shark. I think they are misunderstood a lot, but they are very powerful, very symbolic. They are beautiful creatures, very calming, at least for me. They’re leaders, they’re unique, they’re survivors.

Source: The National