Taryam Al Subaihi

The importance of cultural awareness

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Hosted by

Hilmarie Hutchison

Co-Host

Shirin Zemmo

About Taryam Al Subaihi

Writer, Journalist, MEPRA Chair, EWEC Director of Corporate

He holds his BA in Print Media – Communications from the American University of Sharjah in the UAE. I also hold a MA in Communications from Zayed University, awarded with High Distinction. He began his career as a journalist, working as a writer and columnist for some of UAE’s top English language newspapers including Gulf News, Emirates Today, Arabian Business, and The National.

He’s now heading the Corporate Communications function at EWEC and also pursuing my Ph.D. degree from Lancaster University in the UK. His last role was Director of Corporate Communications for Abu Dhabi National Energy Companies (TAQA) business in Kurdistan.

Prior to joining TAQA’s team in Iraq, he held the position of Global Head of External Communications for TAQA where he managed all external communications for the company’s businesses in the UAE and worldwide.

He joined TAQA in 2012 from Masdar where he held the role of Head of External Communications. Prior to Masdar, he held the position of Senior Manager – Corporate Communications at Etihad Airways.

About this Episode

In this episode, Hilmarie and Shirin had an enlightening conversation with Taryam about his role as MEPRA Chair and the need for intercultural communication between expatriates and the UAE community.

Taryam also shared valuable tips and insights on how to get to know the Emirati culture for those who are new to the UAE.

Tune in to hear the whole story!

“You can live a fuller life, a life where you accepted as part of the community by taking that initiative, by breaking out of your comfort zone and pushing fear aside and trying to learn from what the culture, the traditions, the customs”
Taryam Al Subaihi

“I started writing about topics that would build the bridge between the expatriate and the UAE National community. I feel that our industry has done great in terms of the awareness angle”

– Taryam Al Subaihi

Show highlights

“It’s not only what PR professionals do but if PR professionals and agencies or communication agencies can bring value and what type of value they can bring to companies.”
Taryam Al Subaihi

“Taking on the MEPRA Chair role was something that I always hoped for, not for myself but for the UAE National to bring in that knowledge, culture, and experience to what is already developed into an excellent initiative that has progressed wonderfully over 20 years.”
Taryam Al Subaihi

I always saw MEPRA as the solution to this obstacle that was present at the time of just a lack of understanding and a lack of awareness Click To Tweet