Noora and Mariam Al Helali, Emirati sisters in their twos, have garnered significant attention on social media in Dubai. Their proficiency in Malayalam, a language predominantly spoken in Kerala, India, catapulted them to fame earlier this year. This linguistic skill enabled them to voice several characters in the first Emirati-dubbed Malayalam film, Turbo Arabic, which was recently released.
The sisters' immersion in a foreign language piqued our curiosity. They attributed their linguistic abilities to their education at a Catholic school in Sharjah, which exposed them to diverse cultures and facilitated easy adaptation. Their early exposure to Malayalam speakers, including their nannies, made the language a natural part of their lives.
Growing up in a multicultural environment, Noora and Mariam, along with their cousin, launched a YouTube channel to share their perspectives and showcase Emirati lifestyle. Initially a fun endeavor, the channel now serves as a platform to introduce viewers to Emirati culture.
During an interview, the sisters discussed their Emirati identity and future plans. They highlighted moments like Noora's recognition for translation skills during health drives in labor camps as significant milestones. They also noted similarities between Emirati and Kerala cultures, particularly in maternal practices.
As Emirati women, they feel a strong sense of responsibility to represent their country with pride, focusing on values of tolerance and empowerment. They are proud of the support and empowerment provided to Emirati women by their rulers and strive to embody this in their daily lives.
Being an Emirati woman in today's fast-changing world means having the freedom to pursue dreams without barriers. They take pride in representing the UAE and its culture, aiming to show the world the positive aspects of their heritage.
Looking ahead, they envision Emirati women continuing to break new ground both within the UAE and globally. They encourage young Emirati women to embrace their dreams and strive for success, learning from failures and mistakes.
Inspired by their upbringing and school experiences, they are committed to promoting cultural integration and understanding. Their future goals include becoming symbols of tolerance and harmony, fostering a welcoming environment for all in the UAE.
