Lighting up the torch

PhotograPher: AbdullA Al-SuwAidi Make-uP artist: SetA Al-HumAidi stylist: OrnA bAllOut Clothes: ZAi bOutique, SAlwA rd loCation: tHe tOrcH dOHA
by ORNA BALLOUT

Shaima al-hammadi

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Top: Antik BAtik Jeans: My LoveLy JeAn BooTs: BArBArA Bui (AvAiLABLe At ZAi Boutique)
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WhEn I MEET ShAIMA AL-hAMMAdI for An ExcLuSIvE phoTo ShooT And InTErvIEW AT dohA'S Torch hoTEL, TWo ThInGS TAkE ME by SurprISE rIGhT AWAy.

the tower that housed the 2006 Asian Games cauldron in Aspire Zone has been refashioned into a uber cool hotel. Second, that Shaima is just 26. Her fresh complexion and doll-like features give her a youthful vibe and I wouldn't have guessed she was a day older than 21. That is, until, she starts talking and I quickly learn that her wit and intelligence seem go beyond the birthdays she has clocked! A petite star with a huge personality, she is the Gulf girl who has it all: looks, a hit TV presenting job, and to top it all a down-toearth attitude. The Omani-born presenter burst on to the media scene 20 years ago. "I started presenting when I was just six years old so it has always played a huge role in my life. I love working in the media as you have the ability to inspire and change people's lives," she reveals. In Qatar for the past four years, she currently hosts a popular Ara40 / NOVEMBER 2011

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bic show Al Daar (In the House) on Qatar TV which sees her report on various subjects including education, health, culture and history. "I absolutely love it here; it's safe, the people are friendly and it's not too far from Oman so it's convenient to see my family and friends." Although in love with her job, she finds the pressures that come with it sometimes make it difficult to balance her time. "Working in the spotlight means you have to give it everything and there is a certain lack of privacy. However, it's something I've learned to accept and all the positive aspects certainly outweigh the negatives. This is my life, I wouldn't change it," she honestly shares. Al-Hammadi's show keeps her busy, and travelling around the region for various reports and interviews is commonplace. Despite not seeing her family as often as she would like, they are all hugely supportive of her career choice. "My family is always motivating me and telling me that God has given me something, and that I have a responsibility and

ThE oMAnIborn prESEnTEr burST on To ThE MEdIA ScEnE 20 yEArS AGo.

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Top: Anne vALerie HAsH Leggings: Antik BAtik shoes: CHristiAn LouBoutin sungLasses: LindA FArrow. JeweLLery, sCArF, And designers AvAiLABLe At ZAi Boutique.
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Top: FAirLy Jeans: My LoveLy JeAn scarf: CArLos MieLe JeweLLery And designers AvAiLABLe At ZAi Boutique

"I AbSoLuTELy LovE IT hErE; IT'S SAfE, ThE pEopLE ArE frIEndLy And IT'S noT Too fAr froM oMAn So IT'S convEnIEnT To SEE My fAMILy And frIEndS."
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Top: BArBArA Bui Jeans: viCtoriA BeCkHAM Bag: JeroMe dreyFuss scarf: eLie sAAB (AvAiLABLe At ZAi Boutique)

ability to educate people with information through my work." On camera is where Al-Hammadi feels at home. "It is my world and I'm always anticipating that moment. There's a lot of behind the scenes work involving scripts, books and the internet. But when I'm presenting, especially live, is when I'm in my element." In her 20 years of working in the industry, Al-Hammadi can't pinpoint her favourite moment. "I feel like I have to constantly learn and excel in my career. I'm truly appreciative that I have so much support and am well known in the Gulf and Arab countries, but I still want to keep growing and learning as much as I can." The pretty star looks forward to her free time where she can enjoy her other passions. "Work is hectic, but when I get the chance I enjoy listening to music, singing, reading, catching up with friends and getting massages anything to help me unwind." She is also into fashion, and her fave designer is Lebanese haute couturist Elie Saab. "I admire his work the way he chooses materials, cuts and colours to produce gowns with exceptional attention to detail. I'm actually wearing one of his gowns on the red carpet at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival." Girls who like the idea of a career in television have to be 100 percent certain before they embark on it, according to Al-Hammadi, "It is by no means an easy job as you've to be confident, focused and willing to give it all. You have to remember that there won't always be time for family and friends, or sometimes you might not be able to take a vacation for two years. It's tough, but if you're passionate, it's very rewarding work."
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Top: Antik BAtik scarf: eLie sAAB. (AvAiLABLe At ZAi Boutique)

"Work IS hEcTIc, buT WhEn I GET ThE chAncE I Enjoy LISTEnInG To MuSIc, SInGInG, rEAdInG, cATchInG up WITh frIEndS And GETTInG MASSAGES AnyThInG To hELp ME unWInd."
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