Sharjah24: Speakers on the second day of the Sharjah Classic Cars Festival (SCCF) 2024 underscored the important role of cars as a medium for cross-cultural communication and as an expansive realm of excellence and creativity available to Emirati women, during two separate panel discussions.
The first session hosted Emirati adventurer Awad Bin Al Sheikh Mejren, Founder and Head of Emirates Travellers, while the second one titled "Women in the World of Cars," featured Huda Al Matroushi, the UAE's trailblazing first female mechanic, who shared her experiences and inspirational milestones within the automotive industry.
Ambassadors for Emirati values
The first session, titled "Communication between Cultures… A Bridge on Four Wheels”, was moderated by media personality Mohammed Ghanim. During the session, Founder and Head of Emirates Travellers, Awad Bin Al Sheikh Mejren, shared his experiences and adventures amassed over his remarkable 23- year journey, during which he visited along with his team more than 100 countries on five continents.
The session showed a short documentary clip that chronicled the milestones of Sheikh Mejren and his team, highlighting his momentous meeting with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who encouraged them to proceed with their travels around the world, and issued directives for unwavering support and facilities be provided to them by UAE embassies worldwide.
During the session, Mejren unfolded the genesis of the team, recounting the inception of their remarkable journey, which elicited astonishment from many. He spoke about a myriad of challenges they faced, notably navigating a world devoid of the technological advances available today. The hurdles extended to coping with divergent legal frameworks and enduring prolonged treks, some lasting 43 hours continuously, traversing harsh climatic conditions and rugged mountainous terrains.
Emphasizing their role as ambassadors for their nation, Sheikh Mejren underscored their commitment to disseminating the values of peace and tolerance and actively engaged with the diverse cultures encountered during their global sojourn, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of each country's historical and archaeological sites.
A Session for Empowering Female Car Enthusiasts
In the compelling "Women in the World of Cars" session, moderated by journalist Alia Al Mansoori, Huda Al Matroushi shared her story as the first mechanic in the UAE.
Al Matroushi recounted the impactful moment when she received a phone call from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who commended her outstanding contributions and dedicated service to the nation. She described Sheikh Mohamed’s gesture as a powerful source of motivation and positive energy but also instilled in her a profound sense of pride and the sweet taste of success.
Al Matroushi emphasized that her love for cars has been a lifelong passion, tracing back to her childhood. She highlighted that her expertise in mechanics was acquired through hands-on experience and practical learning rather than formal theoretical study.
Al Matroushi reminisced about her fondness for collecting and repairing small cars operated by remote controllers, underscoring her hands-on approach to problem-solving. She further underscored that her professional achievements contribute to the broader narrative of the evolving role of Emirati women in society. Al Matroushi also highlighted her active presence on social media, where she engages with followers by answering their questions and offering valuable advice on addressing car-related issues. Concluding the session, she expressed her ongoing ambition within her field.
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