DUBAI // The clothes lines, abandoned furniture, sealed-up homes, graffiti-spattered walls and gaping holes in place of air conditioners are almost all that is left of a once-thriving community of families and single men in cosy, two-bedroom flats.
The Sheikh Rashid Colony in Karama now wears an abandoned look after many of its residents packed up and left.
A few are still stuffing nearly three decades of memories into cardboard boxes as they reluctantly prepare to move.
Many, such as Vineesh Vasu, take with them fond thoughts of a spirited community, helpful neighbours and a carefree childhood.
"I grew up here. All the neighbours knew each other. The kids used to play around," said Mr Vasu, who lives with his pregnant wife, brother, sister-in-law and niece.
"We are moving into a bigger space but the community has gone.
"People have passed around telephone numbers hoping to keep in touch.
"This place was much better. It has been lucky for us. We have grown up here and we have saved a lot of money. Now half our salaries will go on rent.
"My parents started their lives here but I will be starting my new family in Satwa."
Some apartments accommodated three generations of the same family. "They have grown up there, got married and had children," said Deepa Rijith, whose husband grew up in the complex.
"It was very difficult for my husband to leave.
"Though the flats were small, we would have preferred to stay here. Even though they were two-bedroom flats, the number of people living in each house was huge."
Mrs Rijith and her family moved to another building in the same area in March.
"We didn't want to leave the locality," she said. "If we live in Karama, we can keep our memories alive."
pkannan@thenational.ae
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Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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