Bazaar Belief: Amna Bani Hashem On Her Passion For Horses, Biggest Achievement, And Life-Defining Moment

The world-renowned horse rider shares her greatest fear, and key lessons…

Amna is a world-renowned horse rider who graduated from the esteemed Masar Godolphin academic and won the UAE championships in show jumping last year. Alongside her passion for riding, Amna’s day job is as a mechanical engineer, working at the Dubai-based global oil and gas company ENOC.

Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

 Amna Bani Hashem (ABH): I enjoy meeting people from diverse backgrounds as well as facing the challenges that come with the job because I know that no matter the outcome, I can learn from it.

HBA: What would you tell your younger self?

ABH: Believe in your potential, set a goal, focus on it and execute.

HBA: I believe in…

ABH: Human potential.

HBA: What key lessons have you learnt and who taught them to you?

ABH: Life is the best teacher. It taught me that survival is not only for the fittest but also for those who are mentally strong and have a positive outlook in life.

HBA: Can we have it all (and what does that mean)?

ABH: Having it all has a different meaning to many people. To me, it means being content and grateful for what you have and just enjoying the journey no matter where you are in life.

HBA: What do you listen to most – your head, heart or gut – and why?

ABH: A combination of all three, depending on the situation. But I’ve learned to trust my gut more over the years.

HBA: What life-defining moment changed the way you think about everything?

ABH: It was not just one moment, it was all the moments throughout my life that came together as one and made me who I am today.

HBA: Biggest sense of achievement?

ABH: My biggest achievement was definitely when I won the UAE championships in show jumping in 2021.

HBA: What are you most passionate about and why?

ABH: My horses, I learn something new about myself every day I spend with them. They make me a better version of myself and keep me on my toes. In that way, I make sure I’m still sharp – physically and mentally.

HBA: Best piece of advice to yourself/ someone launching in your field?

ABH: I would advise them to always keep calm but do the hard work. Results speak louder than words. They need to believe in themself and their vision. That is key to keep going when things get tough. In show jumping and anywhere else, a woman has the ability to reach high levels if she works hard and has the drive and determination.

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

ABH: It was the death of a mentor. He inspired and motivated me to carry out all his wisdom and put them into action which definitely shaped who I am as a person.

HBA: Describe yourself in three words…

ABH: Dedicated, Loyal, Hardworking.

HBA: Proudest achievement?

ABH: My proudest achievement would have to be being recognised and awarded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

HBA: Biggest Regret?

ABH: Not believing in myself sooner.

HBA: My greatest fear is…

HBA: Not progressing.

Compiled by Jessica Michault