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Volunteering as a young individual is a life-altering experience that shapes character and contributes to the betterment of society. It’s a pivotal period when passions are ignited, values are formed, and the desire to make a positive impact takes root. Volunteering not only nurtures empathy and social responsibility but also fosters personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world.
In today’s world, Saima Khan stands as a distinguished humanitarian and former Co-Founder of Step Up Dubai, a semi-governmental social club sanctioned by the Community Development Authority of Dubai. She is also a United Arab Emirates resident with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a top-ranking scholarship-earned Diploma in Education. Saima’s impressive career spans nine years of humanitarian work, complemented by two years in the corporate sector and an additional two years in semi-government and government roles. In her role as a United Nations Delegate, she consistently contributes to various sustainable initiatives, earning her 25 national and international awards for her credible contributions and over 100 certificates for her voluntary efforts.
While many consider youth as a barrier to effecting change, Saima Khan’s journey defies this notion by a considerable margin. Her story began with reluctant steps into volunteering at the tender age of 13, driven initially by a desire to please her mother and prove her productivity. Little did she know that this hesitant start would evolve into a lifelong passion for making a positive impact.
At the age of 16, Saima’s exceptional commitment to social entrepreneurship and the NGO sector propelled her onto the global stage. She became a youth delegate at the United Nations and swiftly rose to the position of Global Poverty Ambassador. Saima’s volunteer efforts have taken her to diverse corners of the world, with over 10,000 hours spent on site visits in Africa, India, Turkey, and other poverty-stricken regions.
Volunteering was a challenging endeavor for Saima, who faced rejection due to her young age of just 13 when she first embarked on this journey. Many organizations had a minimum age requirement of 16, a hurdle she was determined to overcome. Saima firmly believed that age should not be a barrier to making a positive impact. This conviction led her to establish a youth organization, Step Up Dubai, which secured a social club license from the Community Development Authority of Dubai—a pioneering achievement. With the support of Ahmaad Al Zaabi, Director of Dubai Economic Department, she formed a board of directors. tep Up Dubai boasts 4,000+ youth members, partnerships with 30+ schools, 11 universities, 10 corporate and multinational companies. The club focuses on engaging youth in various volunteering opportunities, from tree planting to youth empowerment camps and mentoring people of determination.
Saima’s impact extends far beyond the UAE; her TEDx talk at Amity University Dubai inspired countless young individuals to take the “coolest road to social entrepreneurship.” She has advocated for critical initiatives, such as the “Catch a Heart” labor center, which raised a startup capital of AED7,000. Her innovative thinking also includes sustainable energy with her creation of Piezo Electric Tyres.
Saima’s altruism knows no bounds; she has volunteered with over 50 charities and nonprofit organizations across the UAE, contributing over 3,000 hours to causes like Dubai Autism Centre, Feline Friends, Dubai Cares, the Safe and Sound breast cancer charity, and other humanitarian bodies.
Her dedication and hard work have earned her numerous awards, including the Diana Award for the Champion of Change category and the prestigious Queen’s Young Leader Award. Saima is the first Dubai-based Indian student to receive this honor. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Sustainable Humanitarian Action on a fully funded scholarship by Catholic University of Murcia in partnership with DIHAD Humanitarian College.
Recognized for her unwavering goodwill and dedication, Saima Khan continues to inspire change and transform lives. She has received numerous other awards, including the Middle East’s Woman Leader in the World Women Leadership Congress and GCC Leadership Awards 2022, the Being She Excellence Award in the Humanitarian Activist Category, and the Women Top 50 Awards by the Sri Lankan & Maldivian Government in the Young Leader Category. Saima’s impact has even extended to Forbes India, where she has been featured twice in the Women Power and 30 under 30 editions.
From receiving the Atmanirbhar Bharat – Women of Excellence Award to being named Emirates Woman of the Year in the Young Talent Category, Saima’s journey is an inspiration for those who believe that age is no barrier to creating a better world.
In every sense, Saima Khan is a humanitarian pioneer, a relentless advocate for change, and a living embodiment of the adage that one person can truly make a difference. Her work and unwavering dedication continue to inspire, reminding us all that it’s never too early to start making the world a better place to live in.
