Page 9 - ELITE PLUS MAGAZINE VOL7

THE PUBLISHING PRINCESS OF THE UAESheikha Bodour Al Qasimi on her children’s book imprints and the rapid development and cultural diffusion in the EmiratesAn author and publisher, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi is very active in readership, cultural and motherhood issues in the UAE, especially in her home Emirate of Sharjah. Educated in the UK, she learned the publishing trade in the US and now has three imprints of books for children and young adults, as well as her own series of books for infants. She answered questions candidly and exclusively for Elite+ on matters of publishing and recent changes in the Emirates.What was your childhood like?I was fortunate to have grown up in a normal household where chores and responsibilities were given and where we learned to share what we have with others. This taught me to be humble and grateful for what we have and always remember that there are others who are less fortunate.How significant a role did your parents play in your life?Very significant. I am the person I am today because of them. They opened up my eyes to opportunities and always encouraged my siblings and me to find our own paths in life and do what makes us happy and feel fulfilled. As a mother now, I am grateful for that.People’s w“elfare is a topic that has alwaysWhere did you pursue your university education?I completed both my graduate and postgraduate studies in the UK. I first attended Cambridge, where I did a BA, after which I pursued a master’s in medical anthropology from University College, London. People’s welfare is a topic that has always been close to my heart, and studying medical anthropology gave me a wonderful opportunity to gain some real insight into the health and health care influence and impact on culture and society.I have also completed publishing courses from both Yale and Columbia in New York, which have been invaluable in supporting me through my publishing journey.What kinds of activities do you do for pleasure?I have recently started exploring mountain climbing and it has been a most challenging and rewarding activity. It’s a wonderful way to get away from the pressures of daily life and get some perspective, while still challenging yourself to achieve a goal. I also love to read and travel.+ Elite 7been close to my heart, and studying medical anthropology gave me a wonderful opportunity to gain some real insight into the health and health care influence and impacton culture a”nd society