Emirati Woman: For Amal Ahmad, giving up is never an option. Despite her disability, Amal embraces life’s challenges with an unwavering spirit, engaging in marathons, exploring the depths of the UAE waters, and more. Living in Dubai, Amal exemplifies determination and resilience.
“I feel that no one is physically disabled, it’s the mental disability that stops you from living your life,” she asserts.
Emirati Woman Amal’s accomplishments extend beyond athletics and diving. She is also a voice-over artist, social media personality, teacher, model, motivational speaker, driver, padel player, and tennis player. Her journey, however, has not been without hardships. In 2007, shortly after graduating in media studies from Sharjah University, an accident left her paralyzed below the abdomen due to nerve damage during surgery. Amal spent over a year in the hospital undergoing treatment.
For nearly nine years, Amal grappled with her new reality. “I was breathing, but I was not alive. Life was not interesting at all. I went to the office and returned home to rest – that was the routine. I was not motivated nor ambitious,” she reminisces.
Having endured 18 surgeries and with numerous metal plates in her body, Amal has come to terms with her condition. “I have realised that I have to live like this, and miracles are in the hands of Allah almighty,” she says.
Working in the aviation sector of the government, Amal aspired to become a TV personality but found that the industry sought individuals without disabilities. Instead, she flourished as a social media influencer, although her TV dream remains unachieved.
A pivotal moment came in 2017 when a friend encouraged her to visit countries facing severe hardships. “My friend told me to go talk to them, see them. He kept asking me how would you accept your life, love yourself, and be grateful if you don’t compare your life with the less privileged?” Amal recalls.
Her journey to Zanzibar in 2017 marked a transformative shift. Using a wheelchair and crutches, she engaged in community service. “I was shocked to see how people are alive in extreme poverty. Soon after serving in African countries, I went to Sri Lanka to help poor children,” she says. These experiences rekindled her ambition and motivation.
Emirati Woman Amal’s social media journey began by sharing her humanitarian efforts, showcasing images of building schools in Zanzibar and beyond. Her work attracted a significant following, leading to collaborations with prestigious brands. “I collaborated with many reputed brands worldwide, from Dubai tourism, retail outlets and malls, automobiles, and jewellery,” she shares.
Overcoming mental barriers was crucial for Amal. “One cannot move on if you cannot accept your disability,” she notes, crediting her family as her ultimate support system.
Despite experiencing numbness in half her body, Amal undergoes physiotherapy and exercises daily. She also drives sports cars and models for car brands. “I drive within and between different cities. I have also driven across Tokyo to explore,” she says, always pushing her limits. “For me, each day is a new challenge and an opportunity to accomplish something.”
Amal enjoys cycling 3km three times a week, staying fit and motivated. She is an active member of the Ladies Club for People Determination in Dubai, empowering others and participating in Olympic shooting events, demonstrating her diverse talents.
Amal’s journey continues to inspire, encouraging others to persevere. Her message is clear: “Don’t let anything hold you back. Believe in yourself, keep pushing forward, and you will achieve greatness.”
“I always remind myself and others that every day is a new opportunity to conquer our fears, pursue our passions, and make a difference in the world,” she adds.