The Sassiest Mama: Abeer Al Tamimi

Abeer is one of our Sassiest Mamas 2016…

Emirati mama Abeer Al Tamimi is founder of Kids HQ –  a space dedicated to enriching the lives of mothers and children through classes and courses as well as offering one of the most popular play areas in Dubai. With 2 children (Saif, aged 12 and Budoor, aged 9), who inspire her with Kids HQ, Abeer considers herself lucky to be able to mix her career with motherhood and is as hands on at home as she is at work. She loves the beach, makes a killer bolognese and occasionally gives into cravings for Doritos!

Tell us about your business and why you started it.

Dubai is a beautiful mix of so many cultures, children who grow up in the UAE have the opportunity to experience and understand most of these cultures around them. Being a mother going to school events and gatherings and play dates opened a whole new world. Mothers from all different back grounds sharing their experience’s; learning from one another. It was amazing. I wanted to build a place where I can nurture this, both for the child and the mother.

What kind of cake would you order for your birthday?

As long as its vanilla – I’m happy!

If we handed you a concert ticket, who would you wish it was for?

Lenny Kravitz, The doors, if they were still alive, or Mr. Hendrix (Jimmy).

What colour do you wear the most?

Light Grey

When did you last cry?

My Grandmothers funeral. 1 year ago.

What’s the best thing you can cook?

I make a killer Bolognese.

Where do you get your hair done?

Always Belle Femme Beauty

What do you feel have been your biggest achievements both in your personal life and career so far?

In my personal life, my children, they keep me together; my best friends. Establishing KIDS HQ and seeing it grow is definitely an achievement for me.

As a child what did you dream of being when you ‘grew up’?!

I always wanted to be a News Anchor! Traveling all over the world and reporting my experiences and reaching people and making their voices heard ! I was such a little tom boy as well.

If you had 3 wishes what would they be?

My wish is that all children around the world are safe, healthy and happy.

Guilty pleasure?

BIG bag of Doritos and BIG bowl of guacamole.

Tell us about a typical day?

Most of the days I do school drop offs and pick ups – in between I will have meetings in KIDS HQ and go through some paper work and just meet clients and talk to them. Once a week I have breakfast with my mum, which has become sort of a tradition to catch up on our week.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given in your personal life and career?

Persistence. Never take no as an answer.

What do you most enjoy doing as a family in Dubai?

The beach!

What is the ‘best-kept’ secret in Dubai, or something fellow mamas should know about?

I just discovered the Toy Discount store! It’s crazy down there.

If you were on an island and could bring only 3 things (family not included) what would they be?

Coffee & my Android Phone!

Describe your style?

I think, I’m a bit of everything really – it depends on my mood.

Tell us something funny that your kids have said or done?

The kids make fun of me when I speak Arabic because they say my voice changes!

How do you juggle work and family?

I consider myself lucky; because i don’t. We are a chain of family owned businesses – KIDS HQ, FITNESS HQ and ALL STAR SPORT. Our children are part of our everyday business – they are our inspiration.

A huge thank you to Monica Chindalia for the beautiful pictures of Abeer.
To book a photoshoot visit facebook/monicachindaliaphotography