Read Haneeya’s story of her life in Abu Dhabi
As part of Abu Dhabi People and ‘5 Minutes with, we got in touch with longtime Abu Dhabi resident, Haneeya Basheer who is the person behind the successful Instagram account, iWalkEatDream.
Haneeya shares a time when she met an important member of the UAE royal family and how living in the UAE has shaped her life, and much more.
Read on!
Tell us a little bit of yourself
I am Haneeya Basheer, Indian by birth, but I now live in Abu Dhabi with my husband and two adorable boys. My parents and family also live in AL Ain. I have an MBA and currently I am pursuing a Masters in English, purely out of passion – never stop learning is my motto. Currently, I am an Abu Dhabi blogger and run the popular iWalkEatDream is my Instagram handle, on which I share my explorations of the city ,including recommendations on where to travel (Walk), where to dine (Eat), and updates about events and launches (Dream).
How and when did you move here, and what inspired the move?
I believe that I was destined to live in the UAE. My father has been making a living in UAE for more than 45 years. Although I was born in India, I have been living in this beautiful country for a very long time. I moved to Kuwait for a brief period of time after getting married, but then Abu Dhabi called me back and here I am! Again!
How has living in Abu Dhabi shaped your sense of belonging and community?
Without doubt, the UAE is my home away from home. I feel I belong here more than any other place in the world! I have seen the UAE evolve. Abu Dhabi has always been my favourite city in the Emirates, simply because of everything it offers.
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Can you tell us about a particular person in Abu Dhabi who has had a significant impact on your life and why?
I would say that person is definitely my father, who has always shared his experiences and tales of the UAE, its people and the visions of the late leader, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, fondly addressed as Baba Zayed. The UAE has always been welcoming and accepting of people from all around the world, giving love and respect to people of every background, ethnicity and culture. Growing up, studying and living in the UAE with a mixed group of people from different parts of the world has helped to shape me into a very broad-minded, accepting and calm individual.
What is your favourite thing about the emirate and why?
Like I said, the UAE, being the melting pot of the world with people from every country, has played a huge role in moulding me as a broad-minded, non-judgemental person, because you meet, work, socialise and mingle with different kinds of people. I am proud to be a part of the UAE and the values it has taught me.
A myth about Abu Dhabi that you would like to bust
Abu Dhabi sure is out there – lively and happening! We don’t make a noise, but we are very much rich in every aspect of life. Abu Dhabi may appear quiet, but trust me, it has made its mark in every field of life and is developing like a dream! However, that’s not the entire view out there in the world. I say, come, live and experience this wonderful city.
Could you share a memorable moment when you felt the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Abu Dhabi community in your own life?
There have been several memorable moments I have felt and received from the people of the UAE. I will mention two occasions that are very close to my heart.
When I was a child during an outing, I once happened to see the late, His Highness Sheikh Zayed, at a roundabout in Al Ain. His car stopped next to my fathers’, who, like an excited child, screamed: “Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Zayed”. A very excited me, rolled down the car window and had this grandfatherly leader smile and wave at me before he drove away. I’ll never forget his loving smile and the warmth I felt as a child. I was beaming and still beam as I recall this chance meeting.
Another memorable moment is when my sister was locked inside the house, and she was unable to get out as the lock had jammed. One call to the police for help and they were there in an instant. The police arrived with paramedics, in case there were any casualties and to check if my sister was fine. This is the UAE and how it makes me feel – safe, cared for, respected and accepted.
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