Having recently helped facilitate an exhibition of two paintings by Botticelli and Rembrandt – the most expensive works of art ever to be displayed in the Middle East —she shares her proudest moments, what keeps her motivated and the key to balance work with family time

The mother-of-two has worked for the 275-year-old auction house for 12 years. In Bazaar Beliefs, she reveals her key life lessons, what happiness means to her and, of course, her passion for food

Defining Career Moment?

In 2018 we brought a rare and beautiful work by Rembrandt over to Dubai, its first venture to the Middle East since it was painted in the 17th century. The work was acquired by the Louvre Abu Dhabi – an extraordinary setting for an exceptional work. It was a very proud moment for me to know that I played a crucial role in bringing this painting to the UAE.

I believe in…

Asking for help when you need it.

What part of your work are you most proud of?

Being able to bring art from all over the world and from different periods across the breadth of art history to the doorstep of collectors and the general public in the UAE. It is a wonderful feeling to be able to bring a piece of history to Dubai, whether this is Marie Antoinette’s pearl pendant, a pink diamond, or a rare Old Master painting.

What do you still want to learn and why?

I would love to learn more about contemporary African-American artists, such as Henry Taylor, Kehinde Wiley, Kerry James Marshall and Amy Sherald, to name a few. Not only do their works appeal to my aesthetic, but also it is such a huge moment in their market right now – and it is exciting to see their careers take off.

Which experience in life taught you most about yourself and why?

Having children back to back, with only a year between them, taught me to multi-task: balancing work and family life. The key is to sleep early and wake up early!

Favourite Motto?

“In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love” – Mother Teresa.

Describe yourself in three words…

Empathetic, impatient and fun!

The values you most admire in yourself?

Nurturing, dynamic and easy-going.

What do you most frequently dream about?

I often have nightmares about being at university and realising I am about to sit through an exam on a novel that I had forgotten to read. Clearly there is still some trauma left from my days spent studying French literature!

What motivates you?

Knowing that I am a role model for my daughter, to prove to her that women can work, raise a family and run a household – and still have fun doing it! I am the only woman in my family that has worked and knowing this made my father very proud is what is feeding my drive to continue.

If you wrote a book, what would it be about?

It would be all the recipes I love to cook. I have amassed over 100 recipes from all over the world, which I’ll put together in a book for my children.

Happiness is…

Eating well, being with your loved ones and enjoying all the simple pleasures in life.

What would you tell your younger self?

The best is yet to come.

What key lessons have you learnt and from whom?

My husband taught me to go after what you want and not to just wait for it to fall into your lap. My mother taught me to surround myself with kind people who are not envious and who will always be there for you. My father taught me to be kind, tolerant and to be forgiving.

When you were younger, what did you want to be?

A food critic.

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From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s February 2021 Issue