Adventures teach vital skills: Sultan Bin Ahmed

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council (SMC), stated that embarking on adventures strengthens the will and determination of individuals and introduces them to new cultures.

The challenges overcome during the journey unleash energy and teach important skills.

He pointed out the importance of time management and balancing life and work, by taking on hobbies that contribute to self-discovery and refinement of creative skills.

His comments were made while participating in “A Meeting with an Influencer” organised by Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah on April 29 (Monday).

During the meeting, Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed announced the launch of a competition for youth aged between 13-18 years to encourage them to develop a healthy appetite for adventure. Participants must submit a 5-minute video clip of them undertaking a challenging adventure. Three winners will receive prizes and will be interviewed on Sharjah TV.

The event hosts Emirati inspirational personalities, offering youth an opportunity to meet them and learn lessons from their life experiences and the challenges they have faced.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed stressed that no matter how many trips each person goes on, one must conduct himself in a good manner reflecting a bright image of his country.

He shared with the young attendees from Sajaya glimpses of his life and how he had started his career after receiving a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Arkansas University, USA and a master’s degree in Computer Information Systems, from the University of Detroit Mercy, USA. 

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed said that his first job had been with the Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC) before he moved to work at the Sharjah Commerce and Development Authority (SCTDA). Apart from being the Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, he is also the Chairman of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA) (formerly the Sharjah Media Corporation), in addition to holding other positions.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed also spoke about the adventures he has experienced while discovering the secrets of nature and its beauty around the world with a team of friends which included Mohammed Khalaf, Director General of SBA, Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) and Mohammad Marzooq.

Through an interesting video clip, Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed shared with the young participants the details of four adventures he had undertaken with his team over the last four years.

The first trip had been to Tanzania when they trekked to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa with an altitude of 5.895m, where they had raised the flag of the UAE.

It took them five days to climb the mountain and two days to descend.

The second trip had been to the Philippines, a trek to a remote city which no cars could approach.

The four-member team had walked for three days before climbing to the top of a volcanic mountain.

The third adventure had been a trip to a very cold area located in Finland, where the temperature had been as low as -35°C.

The team used dog sleds to travel over ice and snow.

The fourth adventure had been to a remote and deserted area in Indonesia.

He said: “We had to take care of all our daily requirements, including food, drink and a place to sleep. This experience was different, and we faced many challenges and difficulties. Without water, electricity or communication network, we were completely isolated. Unfortunately, we could not complete the trip.”

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed said that the most important aspect while undertaking adventures was preparation, goals identification, and taking the appropriate decision on time, especially in case of challenges or crisis.

He said that returning before the completion of the last trip had been a collective decision by all team members, as the situation had required them to do so.

Established in 2004 Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah is dedicated to developing the talents of girls aged 13 to 18 years in all creative spheres.