Abu Dhabi Stories

Wake up, work, home, mall, an annual vacation—was that all life had to offer?

Rawdha Al Meraikhi wasn’t the type of person to wait for the "right moment" to try something new. To her, waiting was time wasted. She craved something more, experiences that broke the routine, challenges that pushed her forward, and communities that made every moment count.
That’s how her journey began.

A Childhood Between the Desert and The Sea

Rawdha grew up in a world that balanced structure and spontaneity. Her days followed a rhythm, breakfast at dawn, evening soup before bed, but in between, she found her escape. The sea, the open desert, and the family visits to Al Ain became her playground, places that made her feel free and unbound by routine.

As a child, she would blissfully race through open fields, playing with sheep as if they were galloping horses, lost in games of movement, wonder, and discovery. Maybe that’s why, even now, she refuses to live by routine alone. Instead, she turns every day into an adventure—just on her own terms.

A Passion for Exploration

Rawdha isn't one to sit on the sidelines. If something catches her interest, she doesn’t hesitate and dives in headfirst.
Scuba diving? She gets her certification. Cooking? She masters an entire cuisine. Travel? She immerses herself in local traditions. Her driving force? A single thought: If not now, then when?

She refuses to put life on hold for “someday.” Every experience, every skill, every challenge is meant to be lived now.

The Birth of Soul & Brain Juice

By the time Rawdha turned thirty, she felt a growing need for something greater. Casual gatherings and light conversations were no longer enough; she wanted a space with purpose, a place where ideas could grow and connections could lead to something meaningful.

That simple idea sparked Soul & Brain Juice (SBJ), a community that began with just two women. Today, it has grown into a thriving network of over 200, each bringing something unique, whether in entrepreneurship, cooking, art, or personal growth.

Just as these initiatives enrich Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape, the Abu Dhabi Art Biennale has transformed public spaces into vibrant canvases of art and life.

A Book Club, a Community, a Way of Life

At first, reading wasn’t part of Rawdha’s hobbies. She never considered herself a reader, but one thing stood out to her: successful people read. She saw it as a habit worth cultivating, not just for herself, but for those around her.

So she turned it into a shared goal by creating a book club.
From there, new ambitions emerged: supporting mothers, organizing activities for children, and encouraging women to start their own businesses. What began as a small initiative became a movement, shaping a community that continues to grow.

More than Just a Group

To Rawdha, SBJ is more than a gathering—it's a mindset. A place where women uplift, inspire, and challenge one another to grow. Every conversation sparks possibility, every shared experience becomes a step toward something greater.

Here, trying something new isn’t just about discovery. It’s about building a life filled with meaning, connection, and purpose.
Because life doesn’t wait. It’s meant to be lived, fully and unapologetically, in the present.

Abu Dhabi is a city of inspiring women. Meet Hamda Al Shkeili, the jiu-jitsu champion who overcame challenges and carved her own path to glory!

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