Looking out for members of one's own community is commendable under any circumstance. Putting your own safety on the line to save the lives of others in extreme circumstance is above and beyond the call of duty.
As we reported yesterday, leading surfers in Dubai are planning to set up a voluntary lifeguard system that will keep a watchful eye on the city's beachgoers. Six prominent surfers have decided to launch the Surfers Save Lives campaign after three people drowned in separate incidents while swimming in rough seas in Dubai last week.
"Surfers are strong swimmers and knowledgeable about currents," said Saeed al Abbar, an Emirati surfer. "We are usually in the waters surfing when conditions are bad, and we should do our bit as a community."
This brave step shows the extent to which many dedicated groups are prepared to improve conditions in their communities. This should encourage others, especially non-surfers, to learn about the currents and proper procedures to carry out in case of emergencies.
While this initiative focuses on Dubai's beaches, implementing the programme effectively can have a positive ripple effect across other communities in the Emirates.
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
The specs
Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder
Power: 220 and 280 horsepower
Torque: 350 and 360Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT
On sale: now
