• Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and member of the Dubai Council, at the DIDI graduation ceremony. Dubai Media Office
    Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and member of the Dubai Council, at the DIDI graduation ceremony. Dubai Media Office
  • Decolonising Digital Fashion by Pavwan Ahmad Malik. The interactive garments enhance the wearer’s understanding of culture through digital artefacts and print manipulations.
    Decolonising Digital Fashion by Pavwan Ahmad Malik. The interactive garments enhance the wearer’s understanding of culture through digital artefacts and print manipulations.
  • MiFloof by Ayesha Abdulla Alsuwaidi and Shamma Ibrahim Almulla. The phygital companion assists children in developing emotional regulation skills.
    MiFloof by Ayesha Abdulla Alsuwaidi and Shamma Ibrahim Almulla. The phygital companion assists children in developing emotional regulation skills.
  • The Metaverse: A Bridge Between Realities by Nayef Faisal Albastaki. The project proposes a metaverse space that will aid feelings of comfort with and safety in virtual worlds.
    The Metaverse: A Bridge Between Realities by Nayef Faisal Albastaki. The project proposes a metaverse space that will aid feelings of comfort with and safety in virtual worlds.
  • Theo by Alhaan Ahmed. The light, wearable and interactive paediatric physiotherapy solution makes physiotherapy more accessible, simple and fun for children.
    Theo by Alhaan Ahmed. The light, wearable and interactive paediatric physiotherapy solution makes physiotherapy more accessible, simple and fun for children.
  • Curio by Nikhilesh Mohan. The visual stimulation device assists teachers and therapists to engage better with low vision children in a bid to boost participation.
    Curio by Nikhilesh Mohan. The visual stimulation device assists teachers and therapists to engage better with low vision children in a bid to boost participation.
  • Everlasting by Nour Nasser Maadad and Aisha Mohammed Abdulsalam. A comparison of traditional Emirati and Lebanese fashion for reinterpretation through a contemporary, digital lens.
    Everlasting by Nour Nasser Maadad and Aisha Mohammed Abdulsalam. A comparison of traditional Emirati and Lebanese fashion for reinterpretation through a contemporary, digital lens.
  • MindPlay by Sana Elmardi Mohamed. The headset and monitoring app explore how the gamification of neurofeedback therapy can support the treatment of ADHD.
    MindPlay by Sana Elmardi Mohamed. The headset and monitoring app explore how the gamification of neurofeedback therapy can support the treatment of ADHD.
  • Recollect by Rafif Alhassen. The app provides a way for those with early to mid-stage dementia to perform reminiscence therapy through the use of artificial intelligence and augmented reality.
    Recollect by Rafif Alhassen. The app provides a way for those with early to mid-stage dementia to perform reminiscence therapy through the use of artificial intelligence and augmented reality.
  • Abdulaziz Zamil Alzamil explored the development of a design methodology based on the laws from the 1908 book 'The Kybalion'. Principles such as mentalism, vibration, polarity, rhythm, gender, and cause and effect were then applied to design provocative furniture pieces.
    Abdulaziz Zamil Alzamil explored the development of a design methodology based on the laws from the 1908 book 'The Kybalion'. Principles such as mentalism, vibration, polarity, rhythm, gender, and cause and effect were then applied to design provocative furniture pieces.
  • Connecting 3D Printing in the Automotive Industry by Noor Mohamed Alfahim. The online platform is designed to facilitate communication and connection between the automotive, design and manufacturing industries to provide low-cost 3D-printed components for cars.
    Connecting 3D Printing in the Automotive Industry by Noor Mohamed Alfahim. The online platform is designed to facilitate communication and connection between the automotive, design and manufacturing industries to provide low-cost 3D-printed components for cars.
  • The Customisation of High Heels using 3D Printing Technology by Sara Nael Alnajadawi. The project uses a three-step process that includes pressure identification tests, scanning and 3D printing, to redesign a woman's pre-existing pair of high heels or create new, more comfortable ones.
    The Customisation of High Heels using 3D Printing Technology by Sara Nael Alnajadawi. The project uses a three-step process that includes pressure identification tests, scanning and 3D printing, to redesign a woman's pre-existing pair of high heels or create new, more comfortable ones.
  • Tawahadna by Maha Khalid Baseed and Vaidehi Pal. The outfits are based on the needs of children with sensory disorders.
    Tawahadna by Maha Khalid Baseed and Vaidehi Pal. The outfits are based on the needs of children with sensory disorders.
  • Circular Fashion: From Waste to Value by Maha Ezzat Abdalla. The project maps fabric waste through identifying, testing and applying transitional solutions towards fashion circularity.
    Circular Fashion: From Waste to Value by Maha Ezzat Abdalla. The project maps fabric waste through identifying, testing and applying transitional solutions towards fashion circularity.
  • The DIDI's invitation to its first graduation ceremony. The four eggs represent each of the institute's four disciplines, as well as 'a new generation ready to hatch'.
    The DIDI's invitation to its first graduation ceremony. The four eggs represent each of the institute's four disciplines, as well as 'a new generation ready to hatch'.

Sheikha Latifa honours region’s first batch of design graduates


Panna Munyal
  • English
  • Arabic

In 2018, when the Dubai Institute of Design & Innovation opened its doors, its dean at the time, Sass Brown, told The National: “Design has a much more important role in business, and designers are becoming part of the research and development process.”

This week, DIDI celebrates its first crop of graduates, who received their bachelor of design (also the first degree of its kind in the region) at a ceremony held at the Museum of the Future on Monday. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council, was on hand to confer the certificates and interact with the aspiring designers.

Hailing from all over the Mena region, as well as India, Pakistan and South Africa, the student-designers have dreamt up, worked on and realised some ground-breaking ideas over the past four years.

Ayesha Abdulla Al Suwaidi and Shamma Ibrahim Al Mulla, for instance, created MiFloof, a cheery yellow phygital companion, which assists children in developing emotional regulation skills.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council, views MiFloof, a project created by a DIDI student. Photo: Dubai Media Office
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council, views MiFloof, a project created by a DIDI student. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Improving the quality of children’s lives was also top of mind for Nikhilesh Mohan, Sana Elmardi Mohamed, Maha Khalid Baseed and Vaidehi Pal.

Mohan built a visual stimulation device to assist teachers and therapists to engage better with children who suffer from low vision, in a bid to boost participation, while Mohamed’s MindPlay is a headset and app that explore how the gamification of neurofeedback therapy can support the treatment of ADHD.

Baseed and Pal worked together to explore the behavioural patterns and choices of children with autism when they are exposed to different textures of clothing. The results of the study showed that most experienced fabric sensitivity, embellishment issues and fastening difficulties.

Accordingly, the duo created a collection of garments with Velcro fastening, QR code tags, magnetic buttons and elastic waistbands.

Tawahadna, which translates as 'We are united', by Maha Khalid Baseed and Vaidehi Pal, is a collection of outfits based on the needs of children with sensory disorders. Ruel Pableo for The National
Tawahadna, which translates as 'We are united', by Maha Khalid Baseed and Vaidehi Pal, is a collection of outfits based on the needs of children with sensory disorders. Ruel Pableo for The National

Another fashion-forward idea, called the Customisation of High Heels using 3D Printing Technology, was put forth by Sara Nael Alnajadawi. The project uses a three-step process that includes pressure identification tests, scanning and 3D-printing to redesign a woman’s pre-existing pair of high heels or create new, more comfortable ones.

Finally, with the metaverse on everyone’s mind, DIDI design student Nayef Faisal Albastaki took it a step forward and proposed a metaverse space that will promote feelings of comfort and safety in virtual worlds, for those still not comfortable or savvy with this parallel universe.

“The graduation of the first bachelor's of design class from DIDI represents another milestone in our progress towards a vibrant creative economy [for which] we need to make sure the infrastructure and the right programmes and institutions are in place for creatives to develop, grow and flourish. This is not only for our community in Dubai, but for the region and beyond," Sheikha Latifa said.

'The graduation of the first bachelor's of design class represents another milestone in our progress towards a vibrant creative economy,' said Sheikha Latifa. Photo: Dubai Media Office
'The graduation of the first bachelor's of design class represents another milestone in our progress towards a vibrant creative economy,' said Sheikha Latifa. Photo: Dubai Media Office

The ceremony was also attended by Malek Al Malek, director general of the Dubai Development Authority and chairman of DIDI; Hala Badri, director general of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Mohammad Abdullah, president of DIDI; Rachel Schreiber, executive dean of Parsons School of Design; Hani Asfour, dean of DIDI.

AGL AWARDS

Golden Ball - best Emirati player: Khalfan Mubarak (Al Jazira)
Golden Ball - best foreign player: Igor Coronado (Sharjah)
Golden Glove - best goalkeeper: Adel Al Hosani (Sharjah)
Best Coach - the leader: Abdulaziz Al Anbari (Sharjah)
Fans' Player of the Year: Driss Fetouhi (Dibba)
Golden Boy - best young player: Ali Saleh (Al Wasl)
Best Fans of the Year: Sharjah
Goal of the Year: Michael Ortega (Baniyas)

Four tips to secure IoT networks

Mohammed Abukhater, vice president at FireEye in the Middle East, said:

- Keep device software up-to-date. Most come with basic operating system, so users should ensure that they always have the latest version

- Besides a strong password, use two-step authentication. There should be a second log-in step like adding a code sent to your mobile number

- Usually smart devices come with many unnecessary features. Users should lock those features that are not required or used frequently

- Always create a different guest network for visitors

Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20WallyGPT%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2014%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESaeid%20and%20Sami%20Hejazi%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20raised%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%247.1%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2020%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%20round%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg

Roma 4
Milner (15' OG), Dzeko (52'), Nainggolan (86', 90 4')

Liverpool 2
Mane (9'), Wijnaldum (25')

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm

Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km

Price: from Dh94,900

On sale: now

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

DUBAI%20BLING%3A%20EPISODE%201
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECreator%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENetflix%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKris%20Fade%2C%20Ebraheem%20Al%20Samadi%2C%20Zeina%20Khoury%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE v IRELAND

All matches start at 10am, and will be played in Abu Dhabi

1st ODI, Friday, January 8

2nd ODI, Sunday, January 10

3rd ODI, Tuesday, January 12

4th ODI, Thursday, January 14

The specs: 2018 Ford F-150

Price, base / as tested: Dh173,250 / Dh178,500

Engine: 5.0-litre V8

Power: 395hp @ 5,000rpm

Torque: 555Nm @ 2,750rpm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Fuel consumption, combined: 12.4L / 100km

Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net

Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.

Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.

A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.

Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.

'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Of Madness' 

   

 

Director: Sam Raimi

 

Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rachel McAdams

 

Rating: 3/5

 
'Worse than a prison sentence'

Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.

“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.

“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.

“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.

“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.

“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”

One in four Americans don't plan to retire

Nearly a quarter of Americans say they never plan to retire, according to a poll that suggests a disconnection between individuals' retirement plans and the realities of ageing in the workforce.

Experts say illness, injury, layoffs and caregiving responsibilities often force older workers to leave their jobs sooner than they'd like.

According to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Centre for Public Affairs Research, 23 per cent of workers, including nearly two in 10 of those over 50, don't expect to stop working. Roughly another quarter of Americans say they will continue working beyond their 65th birthday.

According to government data, about one in five people 65 and older was working or actively looking for a job in June. The study surveyed 1,423 adults in February this year.

For many, money has a lot to do with the decision to keep working.

"The average retirement age that we see in the data has gone up a little bit, but it hasn't gone up that much," says Anqi Chen, assistant director of savings research at the Centre for Retirement Research at Boston College. "So people have to live in retirement much longer, and they may not have enough assets to support themselves in retirement."

When asked how financially comfortable they feel about retirement, 14 per cent of Americans under the age of 50 and 29 per cent over 50 say they feel extremely or very prepared, according to the poll. About another four in 10 older adults say they do feel somewhat prepared, while just about one-third feel unprepared. 

"One of the things about thinking about never retiring is that you didn't save a whole lot of money," says Ronni Bennett, 78, who was pushed out of her job as a New York City-based website editor at 63.

She searched for work in the immediate aftermath of her layoff, a process she describes as akin to "banging my head against a wall." Finding Manhattan too expensive without a steady stream of income, she eventually moved to Portland, Maine. A few years later, she moved again, to Lake Oswego, Oregon. "Sometimes I fantasise that if I win the lottery, I'd go back to New York," says Ms Bennett.

 

Why seagrass matters
  • Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
  • Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
  • Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
  • Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
Updated: June 08, 2022, 7:18 AM