Theme: The Fabric of Us

TEDxYasminaBritishAcademyYouth invites you to a transformative exploration of Emirati culture and identity under the theme "The Fabric of Us." Scheduled for Wednesday, April 30th April, this event promises an immersive journey into the heart of each individual students lives in the UAE and how they have found themselves in a place different where they are from.

Attendees will engage with esteemed speakers offering unique perspectives on their lives, culture and background. Through captivating talks and performances, participants will delve into the historical roots, traditions, and innovative spirit that define the UAE.

This event celebrates diversity and inclusivity, fostering dialogue and understanding among attendees. Beyond the confines of Yasmina Academy, TEDxYasmina Academy Youth extends its reach to a global audience, amplifying voices and inviting individuals worldwide to join the conversation.

Join us as we celebrate the vibrant tapestry of the national identity at TEDxYasminaBritishAcademyYouth. Experience a day of inspiration, connection, and reflection as we unravel the fabric of us together.

TEDxYasmina British Academy Youth
Al Mireef St - Khalifa City - Al Raha Gardens - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, Abū Z̧aby, 3997
United Arab Emirates

Aniqah Qistina Ibrahim

AYA Student

Hello, my name is Aniqah Qistina. I am a 16-year-old year 12 student who is excited about pursuing a career in engineering. I was born in Singapore but have been residing in Abu Dhabi since 2020. Some of my hobbies include skiing and crocheting. My greatest accomplishments throughout my high school career have been my IGCSE grades and school distinctions for being a top student.

Arjun Sabherwal

Raha International School Student

I’ve chosen the topic “Who am I really? How do we define our true selves amidst societal, familial, and cultural expectations?” because it reflects a deeply personal and globally relevant question, and it connects identity with the pressures of conformity in an increasingly changing and evolving world. As a student of business and behavioral economics, I intend to explore how our decisions about who we become are often shaped by invisible influences, from culture and tradition to society and social norms.. To incorporate the UAE National Identity, I emphasize the importance of family, community, and the value of self-discipline, virtues that are deeply embedded within Emirati culture and resonate with my own experiences living in the UAE for most of my life. On the day of the event, I’ll be bringing my mother, father, and sister, if that would be alright.

Bhavish Arunkumar

YBA Student

Hello, my name is Bhavish Arunkumar and I am from India. I am 13 years old and I am currently in Year 8 studying in Yasmina British Academy. My interests are Music and more specifically singing and piano. I also performed in the ‘Zayed award for Human Fretenity ceremony’ which was an awesome experience. I also like sports such as Swimming and Basketball etc. My most favorites subjects are Science and Music as they are very interesting and you get to learn a lot from them. According to Public Speaking, my biggest accomplishment is presenting a speech at my last school for the ‘National Inter-School Public Speaking competition’ with my two other friends. We got 2nd place for the school and as an overall, I got the ‘Best Speaker’ award. This really increased my confidence in terms of presenting in front of people.

Hadia Irfan

YBA Student

Hello, my name is Hadia, and I’m currently in Year 12. I’m 16 years old, and I’m from Pakistan. I have a strong interest in both mathematics and art, which I find to be fascinating in different ways. In my free time, I enjoy drawing and playing table tennis. One of my proudest achievements so far is my GCSE results, which reflect my dedication to my studies. I am eager to join TEDx because I am passionate about developing my public speaking skills and sharing ideas with a wider audience.

Hrishit Garia

YBA Student

Hi my name is Hrishit Garia. I study in Yasmina British Academy and I am in Year 8. I am from India. I like mathematics, sports, video games such as FIFA. My accomplishments is getting a gold medal in World’s Scholars Cup in 2024 Dubai Event. I have decided to join TEDx because I want to improve my public speaking skills, communication skills for my future as most jobs need to interact with different people and do speeches, also I have the passion to talk about a specific topic which I choose.

Ibrahim Zeidan

YBA Student

I am Kalaichezhiyan, an enthusiastic and dedicated student with a strong passion for Science, Mathematics, and the arts. My hobbies include building with Lego, drawing, origami, engaging with Pokémon, and reading, particularly Greek mythology. Recently, I have come to realize that my life and all its facets are shaped by my creativity and my desire to contribute to the advancement of human scientific knowledge. I am wary of my strong passion for my subjects, particularly Science and Mathematics. This enthusiasm has enabled me to develop a profound understanding and extensive knowledge in these areas. My goal is to push my abilities to their fullest potential, continuously seeking opportunities for growth and mastery. I am committed to striving for excellence and becoming the best version of myself.

kalaichezhiyan kathiresan

YBA Student

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Kriyena Dewani

Student

Being in Year 9, I feel as though people lose track of who they are and what they believe in especially now in such a smartphone-based world. In my TED talk I highlight a unique and meaningful approach to spirituality, showing how it can empower young people to overcome challenges, build confidence, and discover a sense of purpose. By sharing my personal experiences, I demonstrate how connecting with deeper values can create resilience and foster meaningful relationships. My talk offers a fresh perspective that is relatable encouraging audiences to reflect on their own lives and explore the benefits of spirituality in a modern, accessible way.

Reema Darras

Keynote Speaker

Based in Dubai as a U.S. expat, Reema regularly collaborates with high-performing teams from diverse cultural backgrounds, gaining invaluable perspectives that enrich her work. In her role at Cisco’s Cloud and Artificial Intelligence (CAI) infrastructure solutions, she has developed deep expertise in AI technologies and their transformative applications. She advocates for integrating essential human elements—such as emotional intelligence and ethical decision- making to ensure trust, adaptability, and alignment with human-centric principles.