Gill, who has taught in a number of different countries, tells us about an amazing experience she had during her time teaching in Abu Dhabi.
It is not very often you get an invitation from H.H. Sheikha Sheikha Saif Mohammed Al Nahyan the wife of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the son of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan President and founding father of the United Arab Emirates.
That is exactly what happened to myself and two colleagues. We were invited to attend an Iftar at the Royal Palace in the centre of Abu Dhabi which was a privilege and a one off experience that only happens once in a lifetime.
We were fortunate that one of our Arabic teaching staff were able to advise us on the protocol and make us aware of ‘what would happen’.
Upon arrival we were greeted with one security guard holding a gun who let us through the big gates. The entrance to the Palace was mind blowing with the most expensive and large flower vases in the entrance. HH Sheikha Sheikha was present in a large room surrounded by family and friends. When HH stands up the whole room stands, so we were greeted with a warm welcome from the whole room which was very nerve racking. The night started with us sitting on sofa seats on the floor in the big guest room. We spent about an hour standing and sitting as every time new guests arrived they were greeted personally by HH and when she stood up we all had to. We sat (and stood) admiring the room from top to bottom.
The call for prayer came and HH went to pray and we all waited for her to lead us into the large area where we would eat.
The array of food was out of this world and HH sat with all her guests at the head of the table. We waited for her to start before we could, following protocol as advised and keeping a close eye on what everyone else was doing. It was amazing how relaxed and friendly everyone was and we couldn’t actually believe we were sat there amongst the richest family in the world.
We were shown around the first floor of the palace which was just out of this world. An experience we will never forget.
When it was time to leave HH was at the door waiting to wish her guests goodbye. We also received a little present!! What an experience. Could only happen in Abu Dhabi and it just puts into perceptive when working abroad many doors are open for new experiences that you could only dream of.
Abu Dhabi is an amazing country to work and understanding the UAE is impossible without understanding the life of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE. His family continue his deep religious faith, vision, determination and hard work; his generosity at home and abroad is recognized today; It was an honour to see his work being continued through his family. “The greatest use that can be made of wealth is to invest it in creating generations of educated and trained people.”