Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (DUBAI)
Roaa Hamza is a wheelchair user, carving her own path as a freelance journalist in a landscape where determination oftentimes meets opportunity. She is determined to make waves in the media scene in the UAE, a global leader in accessibility and empowerment for people of determination.
Hamza’s journey into the world of media was ignited early on in childhood, growing up watching and imitating TV correspondents. Hindered academically by a disability that resulted from a medical error at the age of 16, she found other avenues to pursue her dream.
Armed with just a camera and headphones, Hamza launched “The Keys of Determination”, a programme on her personal social media platform. It spotlighted the triumphs and challenges faced by people of determination, showcasing their resilience through a series of interviews. From there, Hamza transitioned to writing for websites and eventually found herself working at a local radio station, refining her skills as a producer and presenter.
Her journey didn’t stop there. With a mission to amplify the voices of people of determination, she ventured into field reporting, covering a myriad of events. Despite the physical demands of her dynamic profession, Hamza’s faith in her abilities and her unwavering determination propelled her forward.
UAE: Where Determination Meets Opportunity
As a holder of the UAE Golden Visa, living in Dubai for over a month, Hamza describes her experience as “exceptional”, citing the unparalleled access to services and infrastructure that facilitate her independence of movement.
“The UAE has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of people of determination. The term ‘people of determination’ is in itself empowering,” she told Aletihad.
“I thank the UAE and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for ensuring that people of determination have access to all services and infrastructure, crucial for a better life quality”.
For Roaa Hamza, media is not just a career - it’s a platform for empowerment and advocacy, ensuring that the stories and struggles of people of determination are heard and seen by the world. From the UAE, Hamza is determined to pave the way for a more inclusive media landscape in the Arab world and beyond.
