My Abu Dhabi: The Emirati woman who built a barbershop empire and helped put the city on the map

Amal Salah AlBarout, founder of Uptown Barbershop in Abu Dhabi, achieved her dreams against the backdrop of the city's transformation. Growing up in Abu Dhabi, she witnessed the city's evolution, from the old souk to the development of Yas Island. After graduating from Abu Dhabi University with a finance degree in 2012, Amal felt called to a different path.

She pursued an international sales role with Etihad Airways, a position that required her to work abroad. Over the next six years, she visited Greece, Melbourne, and New York, all while promoting Abu Dhabi as an attractive travel destination. Despite initial skepticism, she persevered, educating potential customers about the city's vision and its significance as a bridge between East and West.

Amal's efforts paid off when she returned to Abu Dhabi, joining Miral, the company behind Yas Island's theme parks and destinations. Her career has taken her from representing a location few had heard of to being a key player in the development of one of the world's most recognized tourist destinations. Today, her Uptown Barbershop is frequented by footballers, NBA players, and Hollywood stars, and she continues to organize community events and give back to the city that helped her find her path.