Extracurriculars

Being the largest student society at Durham University, the Durham Law Society has given me the privilege of attending numerous workshops and lectures conducted by esteemed professors and professionals actively engaged in the legal field. These sessions provided valuable insights into the practical application of the law, offering a glimpse into the real-life dynamics of the legal profession.

One such workshop focused on the intricacies of legal negotiation and settlement through mediation, led by Richard Coleman (KC), a leading barrister practising at Fountain Court Chambers who specialises in commercial dispute resolution – an area of law I have a substantial passion for and experience with.  

Participating in insight and open days further enriched my understanding of the professional legal landscape. These events provided a platform to delve deeper into the nuances of the legal field and witness first-hand how legal principles are put into practice within professional settings. It was an eye-opening experience to see the intersection of theory and application.

One of the highlights of my involvement was the opportunity to engage with representatives from major law firms, including renowned names such as Slaughter and May and Freshfields. These interactions allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the workings of prominent legal entities and provided a chance to discuss industry trends, challenges, and career prospects.

Overall, my time at the Durham Law Society has been instrumental in broadening my perspective on the legal profession. The exposure to diverse workshops, lectures, and interactions with legal professionals has not only deepened my knowledge but has also equipped me with valuable insights that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavours in the field of law.

My time with the Durham Bar Society has been an immersive and enlightening experience that provided me with valuable insights into the world of legal advocacy in England, particularly the path to becoming a Barrister under the jurisdiction of England and Wales. The society organized numerous open days, featuring legal Chambers' representatives and guest speakers, who delved into the complexity of the profession.

What set the Durham Bar Society apart was its emphasis on the serious and professional nature of mock trials and debates. These activities offered a unique and engaging platform to apply the theoretical knowledge gained through academic studies. Witnessing these mock trials, presided over by professors, and involving teams of students passionately advocating for fictionalized cases, provided a realistic glimpse into the legal profession's day-to-day proceedings.

The meticulous preparation and execution of these mock trials, where participants had to construct skeleton arguments and follow procedures akin to those in lower courts, heightened my appreciation for the level of detail and precision required in legal advocacy. The experience not only honed my understanding of the practical aspects of the legal profession but also instilled a sense of discipline and professionalism crucial for success in the field.

The Durham Bar Society played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. It not only broadened my understanding of legal advocacy but also allowed me to witness the dedication and expertise required to navigate the complexities of the legal system. Overall, my involvement with the Durham Bar Society has been instrumental in shaping my aspirations and providing a holistic view of the demanding yet rewarding journey towards becoming a practising lawyer.

My experience with the Durham Arab Society has been enjoyable. I was able to foster connections with individuals who shared similar experiences of studying in the unique setting of a small English town like Durham. Being part of this society not only provided a sense of community but also allowed us to navigate the challenges and joys of our academic journeys together.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Durham Arab Society was the platform it offered to celebrate and share our similar cultures and traditions. The events organized were structured in a way that not only promoted understanding among members but also served as a means to showcase the richness of our heritages. It was heartening to witness the familiar exchange of traditions, customs, and stories, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that transcended geographical boundaries.

The connections forged within the society went beyond the academic realm, offering a support system for navigating the nuances of life in a small English town. From sharing insights on local life to discussing the challenges of adjusting to a new cultural environment, these interactions became a source of comfort and camaraderie.

This year, I hold the position of Sponsorship and Communications Officer for the Society, where my primary responsibility as the Sponsorship Officer is to secure new sponsorships to support our events and initiatives. I am pleased to report that several law firms have already committed to funding our society, specifically requesting our assistance in promoting their Training Contract Programs in the Middle East to Durham Arab students interested in pursuing a career in commercial law.

In my role as Communications Officer, I also ensure that all relevant information and announcements are effectively communicated to our members, keeping everyone informed and engaged. Given that we are a relatively new society, I have prioritised the promotion and advertising of our events to maximize participation. As a result of these efforts, we have successfully doubled our average attendance over the past year, with our most popular events attracting over 100 attendees.

Since the age of 8, my passion for self-defence and martial arts has been unwavering. I've admired iconic figures in combat, from Mike Tyson to Floyd Mayweather and Royce Gracie, viewing them as true Olympians. In 2014, I joined the UAE Judo Wrestling and Kickboxing Federation with a singular focus on enhancing my physical strength and overall health. Little did I know that the true benefits of my journey would only begin to unfold from that point onward.

Over the years, I've actively participated and triumphed in various tournaments organized by the federation and other independent sporting entities. My inaugural tournament in the summer of 2015 saw me clinch the silver medal for the Abu Dhabi JWK Federation, and later that same season, I secured gold in Muay Thai under the federation’s banner. After four years of dedicated practice in these disciplines, I transitioned to Wrestling and Judo. Within a few months, I found myself training with the UAE’s national team, contributing to their preparations for regional tournaments. Craving a continued sense of competition, I eventually departed from the federation to join Al Jazira’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu had always been a sport I yearned to master. Recognizing early on in my combat sports journey that many confrontations find their way to the ground, mastering the art of grappling became paramount. The seamless integration into the club's recruitment and training process attested to my foundation in other martial arts. However, just as I was set to compete for the club in London, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement or cancellation of all BJJ-related activities. Unwilling to remain inactive, I joined a boxing academy, discovering a newfound admiration for the sport. The steep learning curve felt almost like a renaissance, as if everything I had previously absorbed needed to be revisited. Now, with over four years of boxing experience, I recently participated in a tournament organized by my university for a ‘Movember’ charity event.

Beyond the medals and trophies, it's the discipline and mental fortitude cultivated through these sports that have left an indelible mark on me. Whether in Kickboxing, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or Boxing, the consistent elements in my personal development have been discipline and self-growth. Crafting strategies and adapting in the heat of the moment has been second nature since my initial steps onto the mats—a skill set honed through an abundance of invaluable experiences.

The ocean has always held a profound place in my life, shaping my experiences and fostering a unique connection to nature. Swimming, a skill my family prioritized as much as my formal education during my adolescence, became a fundamental aspect of my identity. Submerged in the deep blue, I encounter a paradoxical state of vulnerability and vitality that has sculpted not only my physical capabilities but also my mental resilience.

Controlling one's emotions and mind amidst the vastness of the ocean demands tremendous effort and practice. It is an arena where one's fears and uncertainties are laid bare, requiring a profound self-awareness to confront and navigate the depths. My time in the water has proven to be a potent teacher, above all instilling in me the ability to confront challenges with courage and composure.

These lessons have been particularly pronounced during my global experiences in diving and spearfishing. Whether navigating the Arabian Gulf, exploring the vibrant coral reefs of the Maldives, or venturing into the expansive waters of Zanzibar, each encounter with the ocean has become a canvas for self-realization and deductive reasoning. The moments of submersion into seemingly insurmountable pressure have become transformative, differentiating me from many.

In the face of life-threatening situations, where others might succumb to panic, I have discovered an innate capacity to process and think phenomenally. These experiences have not only deepened my connection to the ocean but have also heightened my awareness of the strength derived from understanding and respecting the natural world. The ocean, in all its majesty, continues to be my crucible for personal growth, offering lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the profound beauty of facing the unknown.

Actively engaging in the King's College University of London's UAE society was a dynamic and enriching experience that allowed me to play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community among Emirati students studying in London. Collaborating closely with the society's president and vice president, we worked diligently to plan and execute a series of events and gatherings tailored to the interests of our fellow Emirati students.

Having established connections with some society members even before joining King's, I took the initiative to coordinate two impactful gatherings specifically for Emirati students. These events served as platforms for sharing our collective experiences of studying abroad, creating an open space for insightful discussions and fostering valuable social networks among the students.

Throughout the second and third terms, a consistent line of communication was maintained, spanning a period of 12 weeks. Ensuring that all society members were well-informed about upcoming events and facilitating an open channel for addressing any concerns or issues within the community became a key aspect of my role. This not only promoted transparency but also strengthened the sense of unity within the society.

Collaboration was a central theme in our approach, and we actively sought partnerships with other cultural societies to enhance the diversity of our events. Noteworthy collaborations included joint initiatives with the Saudi Arabian Society and the Qatari Society from the Universities of Queen Mary and Bristol. These partnerships not only expanded the scope of our activities but also facilitated cultural exchange and understanding among students from similar but different backgrounds.

In essence, my involvement in the King's College University of London's UAE society was more than just a commitment—it was an opportunity to contribute to the well-being and cohesion of the Emirati student community in London. The experience enriched my leadership and organizational skills, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for students studying far from home.