Dr. Linda Nubani is Founder of Mazarii Interiors in Dubai. Linda is a true gamechanger: whilst her professional portfolio includes a wide range of commercial projects and homes, her interest lies in systems which can predict different types of criminal activity.
As a result she analyzed more than ten thousand crime scenes near Detroit area for over 5 years. Her theory on criminology remains one of the most cited references in literature and has appeared in numerous books and publications internationally.
What do you consider the main achievements in your life?
I heard I was one of the youngest to receive a PhD degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. I was only 29. I also became a professor at age 26. Later I founded my own design firm in Dubai at age 30.
While in the U.S., I came up with a theory that linked crime with architecture. I worked on a software that could actually predict criminal’s preference for a location to commit their crime.
This is based on 1000s of real crime data that I personally visited and analyzed in the metro Detroit area over the period of 5 years until I came up with my findings. Today, my work appears in more than 50 articles, studies, and books worldwide in an effort to replicate and extend further knowledge on my theory in the U.S., the U.K., Brasil, the Netherlands, Turkey and many others.
Although many of my clients in Dubai are not aware of what I do, I always analyze their layouts in terms of their impact on one’s own safety!
What drives you to be at the top of your game? What are your success strategies?
You need to meet people who share the same wavelength of thinking to keep you going in life and help you achieve your goals.
Top of your Game is like your supplemental vitamins.
You need them to keep you boosted, keep your enthusiasm up, keep your energy flowing, and most importantly keep you motivated. Moreover, it is a great way to network with select people who share with you the same enthusiasm.
The GCC states, and the UAE within it, are going through major change when it comes to the involvement in business and society. What do you think is driving that?
What is driving positive changes in the business structure within the UAE is the vision of its leaders. First and foremost, they believe in peace!
We are a peaceful country with God’s grace and that is the primary ingredient for prosperity at all levels.
They believe in the empowerment of women. They are open to change. For example, we are moving now towards an e-government platform.
This alone is a big asset for business. The UAE has been the role model for lessons learned in a lot of our neighbouring countries. I was born in Dubai and I lived the many changes that the country went through whether in the education sector, the commercial/investment sector or the lifestyle.
It is important for us to recognise the power of men in supporting women. Is there a man who has played an instrumental role in your personal growth and success?
My father taught me what risk meant and only with taking risks you can begin to achieve your goals. He taught me how to stand up with all the consequences that come with risk.
He taught me that I should be strong, never run from my fears. On the contrary, I have to face my fears to become stronger and stronger!