Meet Mohsen Al Alawi, a Yemini national who was born and raised right here in the capital.
A penchant for human behaviour, the mechanical engineer by profession loves to analyse human behaviour, noting the changes as the wonderful city of Abu Dhabi morphs throughout the years.
Now it’s your turn to analyse Mohsen as we spend five minutes getting to know him.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m Mohsen, the son of Abdullah. Born in 1992 in the famous Corniche Hospital, I’ve lived in various neighbourhoods in Abu Dhabi – from the bustling Al Murror area to the serene Al Mushrif district, and then for over 13 years in the vibrant Al Zafraana area.
I’m a Mechanical Engineer by profession, but my true passion lies in leveraging the media sector to impact humanity positively. Understanding different cultures and analysing social behaviour fascinates me. I believe this understanding helps us recognize the human bonds that unite us.
How has growing up in Abu Dhabi shaped your identity today?
Growing up in different Abu Dhabi neighbourhoods has exposed me to diverse cultures. As a kid, Ioften accompanied my mother on shopping trips to markets like The Old Souqs and Madinat Zayed. This upbringing taught me to focus on understanding people, which shapes my identity today. The diverse fabric of Abu Dhabi, from its neighbourhoods to its cultural tapestry, has enriched my perspective on life.
Can you share a pivotal moment or tradition that symbolises the essence of being born in the Emirates for you?
My first trip to Yemen in 2007 was eye-opening. While I appreciated Yemen’s beauty, it was a cultural shock. Returning to Abu Dhabi, specifically to the Al Zafraana area, I felt a strong sense of belonging. This experience highlights the essence of being born in the Emirates for me. It underscores the importance of cultural understanding in fostering unity and connection.
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What is the biggest change in Abu Dhabi as you’ve grown up vs what it is today?
The distribution of people has changed significantly. Previously, there was a mix of cultures, especially among locals. Now, suburban development is reducing the central city’s cultural diversity. Despite these changes, the essence of Abu Dhabi’s culture remains strong among people when connected to cultural and event spaces.
How do you see the modernisation of Abu Dhabi impacting traditional values and lifestyles?
I personally feel that modernisation has brought about suburban development, dispersing the population across various areas. This has resulted in the growth of individual community groups, each developing its own identity and character. While this decentralisation has its advantages in providing localised services, it has also reduced the cultural diversity once found in the central city.
However, I am a firm believer in the importance of preserving our cultural heritage amid this modernisation. By doing so, we can ensure that our traditional values and lifestyles remain intact, thus maintaining a strong sense of identity within our community.
What is your favourite thing about the emirate and why?
I admire the value of respect in Abu Dhabi. Here, everyone is respected regardless of their background, which fosters a harmonious community. It’s this respect for diversity that makes Abu Dhabi truly special.
A myth about Abu Dhabi you would like to bust
I’d like to dispel the myth that “Abu Dhabi is boring.” There are hidden gems waiting to be discovered once you understand the vibe of the city.
To meet more Abu Dhabi People, visit Yalla Abu Dhabi