Two gifts changed a young Najat Rashid’s life – a chemistry set and a microscope. “I fell in love with science,” says the senior consultant in clinical biochemistry and molecular biology and director at the Health Ministry’s federal medical laboratories and blood banks department.
Now in her 40s, the Emirati is a leading authority in laboratory design and protocol. Scientists from across the Middle East call Rashid for her insight in setting up research labs. “Whoever wants advice, I will give it to them,” says the scientist.
While her father hoped she would become a medical doctor, she stayed true to her passion for chemical pathology and molecular biology. “It’s not an easy speciality, you need to be strong. But if you really want it, that strength will come from within you,” says Rashid, who has a PhD in clinical chemistry and molecular biology from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom.
Rashid has also published four textbooks – another aspect of her job that gives her great joy – Manual of Laboratory Safety, Electrophoresis and Immunofixation, Review of Laboratory Medicine and HealthCare-associated Infection Control and Biocides. She is working on her fifth, about lab biosecurity. "It's in reaction to the issues that have been coming up about biological warfare."
One of her goals is to improve medical care here by expanding the reach and capacities of the UAE’s labs. She hopes to establish a UAE certificate for laboratory quality control and accreditation. “The lab is not only about testing urine or blood,” says Rashid. “It’s the first line of diagnosis and the backbone of the hospital.”
Rashid was one of the 60 Emiratis featured in Those Who Inspire: UAE, a book that portrays people who, through their actions, words and beliefs, set a positive example for young Emiratis.
My favourite brand
Louis Vuitton handbags.
My dream job
Undersecretary in the Ministry of Health.
My favourite book
The Holy Quran.
My favourite quote/motto
Life isn’t about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself.
My favourite pastime
To spend time with my family. I also love to write and cook.
My favourite movie
Titanic.
My favourite actor
The Kuwaiti actor Abdulhussain Abdulreda.
My favourite actress
The Kuwaiti actress Hayat Al Fahed.
My favourite television show
Friends.
My childhood inspiration
My father, who came from a very educated family where the most important thing was not how much money you make but your personality, values and the impressions you leave on people.
My favourite dish
Fried fish and white rice.
My advice to young Emiratis
Do it yourself and don’t wait for anyone.
My favourite music
The legendary Egyptian singer, Umm Kalthoum.
rghazal@thenational.ae
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Tour de France 2017: Stage 5
Vittel - La Planche de Belles Filles, 160.5km
It is a shorter stage, but one that will lead to a brutal uphill finish. This is the third visit in six editions since it was introduced to the race in 2012. Reigning champion Chris Froome won that race.
The flights: South African Airways flies from Dubai International Airport with a stop in Johannesburg, with prices starting from around Dh4,000 return. Emirates can get you there with a stop in Lusaka from around Dh4,600 return.
The details: Visas are available for 247 Zambian kwacha or US$20 (Dh73) per person on arrival at Livingstone Airport. Single entry into Victoria Falls for international visitors costs 371 kwacha or $30 (Dh110). Microlight flights are available through Batoka Sky, with 15-minute flights costing 2,265 kwacha (Dh680).
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel by Anantara is an ideal place to stay, within walking distance of the falls and right on the Zambezi River. Rooms here start from 6,635 kwacha (Dh2,398) per night, including breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. Water arrivals cost from 587 kwacha (Dh212) per person.
RESULTS FOR STAGE 4
Stage 4 Dubai to Hatta, 197 km, Road race.
Overall leader Primoz Roglic SLO (Team Jumbo - Visma)
Stage winners: 1. Caleb Ewan AUS (Lotto - Soudal) 2. Matteo Moschetti ITA (Trek - Segafredo) 3. Primoz Roglic SLO (Team Jumbo - Visma)
'Young girls thinking of big ideas'
Words come easy for aspiring writer Afra Al Muhairb. The business side of books, on the other hand, is entirely foreign to the 16-year-old Emirati. So, she followed her father’s advice and enroled in the Abu Dhabi Education Council’s summer entrepreneurship course at Abu Dhabi University hoping to pick up a few new skills.
“Most of us have this dream of opening a business,” said Afra, referring to her peers are “young girls thinking of big ideas.”
In the three-week class, pupils are challenged to come up with a business and develop an operational and marketing plan to support their idea. But, the learning goes far beyond sales and branding, said teacher Sonia Elhaj.
“It’s not only about starting up a business, it’s all the meta skills that goes with it -- building self confidence, communication,” said Ms Elhaj. “It’s a way to coach them and to harness ideas and to allow them to be creative. They are really hungry to do this and be heard. They are so happy to be actually doing something, to be engaged in creating something new, not only sitting and listening and getting new information and new knowledge. Now they are applying that knowledge.”
Afra’s team decided to focus their business idea on a restaurant modelled after the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Each level would have a different international cuisine and all the meat would be halal. The pupils thought of this after discussing a common problem they face when travelling abroad.
“Sometimes we find the struggle of finding halal food, so we just eat fish and cheese, so it’s hard for us to spend 20 days with fish and cheese,” said Afra. “So we made this tower so every person who comes – from Africa, from America – they will find the right food to eat.”
rpennington@thenational.ae
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Australia (15-1): Israel Folau; Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; David Pocock, Michael Hooper (capt), Lukhan Tui; Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda; Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson.
Replacements: Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Pete Samu, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Jack Maddocks.
Dunbar
Edward St Aubyn
Hogarth
