Lamia and Leanne pose for a picture with their father Tariq Ali Abdullah Malallah.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

On the occasion of the 50th year of the Spirit of the Union, there are many Emiratis who are dreaming to be the next generation of pride to the country.

Among one of them is 10-year-old little wonder of UAE, Lamia Tariq Malallah.

The young gymnast harbours dreams of winning gold for her country.

Her lesser-known younger eight-year-old sister Leanne Tariq Malallah is following in her famous sister's footsteps.

Leanne is trying her hands in the field of music as a pianist and composer.

Lamia, an accomplished gymnast, is still on her path towards the Youth Olympics, and has already carved a niche in the global arena by being successful in many international competitions.

Though COVID-19 pandemic put brakes on her participation at international events, she continues to train intensively everyday while studying full time. 

Lamia, who is a grade fifth student, says: "It's hard to be an athlete training every day when you have a lot of studying to do, but my aim has always been to represent my country in the Olympics as the first gymnast from the UAE so I can't quit now however hard it is.

“There are times when I am injured or exhausted and I have to go to school, but my family motivates me that I have a responsibility towards my country and to not forget His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, words that if you have to be anything, then be number 1.”

As Lamia continues her journey in sport, her younger sister and biggest supporter Leanne is a growing creative in the music world.

She is training in playing the piano under famous Russian piano maestro Daria Nelipa. Leanne has already composed a few music pieces, and is inclined towards composing music.

These Emirati sisters since a young age have been supported by their family to take up sports or a skill to ensure they create a global awareness that Emiratis can accomplish anything if they put their heart into it.

As part of the next generation of Emiratis, children like these are surely creating history for the next 50 years of the UAE.