Mina Porthun is a Dubai-based Products Trader for East Africa with Shell International Trading Middle East Ltd (SITME). She talks to 'Al Mahara' about her background and her career with Shell to date...

"I was born in North London in the UK, where I also grew up and went to school," says Mina.

"I come from a family of three children and I have two younger brothers, one of whom is a solicitor and the other an electronics engineer. My father is an Afghan, who imported local Afghani produce to Europe, and my mother is a German, so my childhood was quite interesting from the cultural point of view, with different religions and cultures in the home. As a result of my family background, I also speak Pushtoo, the language of the Pathans in Afghanistan, and German.

"As a child, we travelled a great deal, to visit relatives in Germany and on family holidays. Today I like to travel extensively and believe that the influence of my childhood is responsible for this side of my nature.

"When the Russians invaded Afghanistan, my father's family moved to the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan and my parents later went to live in Islamabad in Pakistan until just three years ago. So I have spent a lot of time in Pakistan, which I think is a very beautiful country and which I enjoy very much.

"I didn't go to University but started work at 19 and my first job was with Shell, where I have remained ever since. My first position was working in the Marine Finance Department at Shell Centre in London, after which I moved on to the Aviation Finance Department and eventually joined the Trading Department of STASCO [Shell Trading and Shipping Company Ltd] as a Trainee Operator.

"Over the last five years I have worked my way up within STASCO's Trading arm to get my first appointment as a Trader in London, responsible for Products Trading in West Africa. I enjoyed that very much and was fortunate to be able to travel to all the major countries of West Africa which are also very interesting and beautiful.

"About that time, Shell reorganised its Trading operations and opened up the SITME offices in Dubai and I was offered the opportunity to become East Africa Products Trader for SITME, based here in Dubai.

"I have now been here for two years and have enjoyed my time in Dubai very much. Being the Products Trader for East Africa has also meant that I have been able to visit the countries of the region for both business and pleasure, and I have thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the various cultures.

"Life in Dubai is good and a real change from the grey and wet climate of the UK. I expect to remain in Dubai for another year or so, and hope for another overseas posting to increase my experience of international trading and to further my career," she concludes.