Coronavirus: Feeling overwhelmed by the pandemic? Here's what you can do
In an open letter to today's youth, Shamma Al Mazrui, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, talks about the importance of conditioning the mind in these very difficult times
I write to you with a heart full of love and hope during these trying times. As we shelter in place to protect ourselves and our neighbours, I want to express hope for your families' health and peace of mind.
The Covid-19 crisis has brought the world to a halt and forced us to reflect on what matters most. As we consider the importance of our physical health, the realities of staying at home have also heightened our awareness about the importance of our mental well-being – or inner peace.
As a human family, we need to pay attention to emotional or psychological pain just as we do to physical discomfort. If, for instance, a physical ache does not subside within a few days, we usually take some kind of action. The same should be the case when we go through emotional pain.
Kenyan nurses, midwives and other frontline workers at a sporting event organised with the aim of boosting the frontline health workers mental health. EPA
The acclaimed psychologist Guy Winch once wrote: “If you find yourself hurting emotionally for several days because of a rejection, a failure, a bad mood, or any other reason, it means you’ve sustained a psychological wound and you need to treat it with emotional-first-aid techniques.”
Of all the world’s ailments, depression and anxiety are among the top. We all have moments of feeling overwhelmed, anxious and hopeless; but if those feelings persist, it is time to take a closer look. Emotional or psychological wounds left untreated trap us in vicious cycles that only make the pain worse.
Aggravating matters, we are bombarded with texts, chat, email, social media, video games, pop-up windows and smartphone notifications. Coupled with the growing expectations of having to be available "24/7/365" and immediate responsiveness, our 21st century lifestyle puts a strain on our senses. While we may be more connected than ever, the underlying side-effects of such engagement actually disconnect us from one another – and from ourselves.
As we restrict our many freedoms during the pandemic, our mental challenges can be easily exacerbated. But I want to assure you that you are not alone in your struggles. There is little doubt that maintaining our mental well-being is one of the most important challenges of our time. Why? Because how we think and feel determines everything that we do. The brain’s ability to process thoughts and emotions is at the root of every action taken. And our actions evidently impact other people's lives. Therefore, making the brain a healthy "command centre" is essential to leading productive, purposeful and fulfilling lives.
This is where I have hope in today's youth.
I urge all youngsters to spend less time on social media and more time reading, learning and interacting with those you love. Getty
We are not powerless; indeed, we can do something about the condition of our mind, thoughts and ways we process our emotions. But for that, there are systemic changes we need to make as individuals. Covid-19 presents us with the opportunity to try new things. Just as some of us take vitamins to boost the immune system, are there vitamins – or a set of actions – we can take to bolster our psychological immune system?
At the individual level, I invite youngsters to keenly observe the state of their mental health this season. Being aware of negativity and challenging unhelpful thoughts and emotions are crucial first steps to bringing the mind back to a state of positive thinking.
Moreover, when faced with uncertainty and anxiety, it is important to reconnect with core values. If you look for opportunities in line with your values, you will find a new path and the guiding light of hope – even amid all the fear and uncertainty. You will then discover what is important to you, and hence find fulfilment.
Shamma Al Mazrui, the UAE's Minister of State for Youth Affairs, has written about the importance of reaching out. Office of Minister of State for Youth Affairs
Just as some of us take vitamins to boost the immune system, we can take action to boost our psychological immune system?
The next step is to focus on goals and further learning. It will also help to create a structure around these goals. I urge all youngsters to spend less time on social media and more time reading, learning and interacting with those you love. Try investing in an online course to discover a new passion, develop yourself as a professional, or pick up a new skill. You can start a journal or blog, learn a new language, or learn how the UAE government works by visiting Youth 101. For inspiration, check out our 100 ideas to invest youth energy and time at home.
Finally, it is important to reach out. We want to hear from you, because building a strong mental health platform for youth must be done with the help of youth. To achieve this, it would be useful if you could answer the following questions and email them to mentalhealth@fya.gov.ae:
How do you feel during these unprecedented times?
How did you deal with stressful situations before the onset of Covid-19? And how do you deal with them now?
What brings you peace of mind? And what are the hurdles that come in the way of attaining it?
The UAE leadership teaches us to look at every challenge as an opportunity. And as the government extends unparalleled support to other nations around the world in times of need, I marvel at the determination and the innovative thinking that are required to help people. This is why I assure you that the UAE will continue to prioritise your well-being and peace of mind.
With hope and love,
Shamma
Shamma bint Sohail bin Faris Al Mazrui is the UAE's Minister of State for Youth Affairs
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
The National photo project
Chris Whiteoak, a photographer at The National, spent months taking some of Jacqui Allan's props around the UAE, positioning them perfectly in front of some of the country's most recognisable landmarks. He placed a pirate on Kite Beach, in front of the Burj Al Arab, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland at the Burj Khalifa, and brought one of Allan's snails (Freddie, which represents her grandfather) to the Dubai Frame. In Abu Dhabi, a dinosaur went to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet. And a flamingo was taken all the way to the Hatta Mountains. This special project suitably brings to life the quirky nature of Allan's prop shop (and Allan herself!).
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
FIGHT CARD
1. Featherweight 66kg
Ben Lucas (AUS) v Ibrahim Kendil (EGY)
2. Lightweight 70kg
Mohammed Kareem Aljnan (SYR) v Alphonse Besala (CMR)
3. Welterweight 77kg
Marcos Costa (BRA) v Abdelhakim Wahid (MAR)
4. Lightweight 70kg
Omar Ramadan (EGY) v Abdimitalipov Atabek (KGZ)
5. Featherweight 66kg
Ahmed Al Darmaki (UAE) v Kagimu Kigga (UGA)
6. Catchweight 85kg
Ibrahim El Sawi (EGY) v Iuri Fraga (BRA)
7. Featherweight 66kg
Yousef Al Husani (UAE) v Mohamed Allam (EGY)
8. Catchweight 73kg
Mostafa Radi (PAL) v Abdipatta Abdizhali (KGZ)
9. Featherweight 66kg
Jaures Dea (CMR) v Andre Pinheiro (BRA)
10. Catchweight 90kg
Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Juscelino Ferreira (BRA)
FA Cup fifth round draw
Sheffield Wednesday v Manchester City
Reading/Cardiff City v Sheffield United
Chelsea v Shrewsbury Town/Liverpool
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United/Oxford United
Leicester City v Coventry City/Birmingham City
Northampton Town/Derby County v Manchester United
Southampton/Tottenham Hotspur v Norwich City
Portsmouth v Arsenal
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
if you go
The flights
Fly to Rome with Etihad (www.etihad.ae) or Emirates (www.emirates.com) from Dh2,480 return including taxes. The flight takes six hours. Fly from Rome to Trapani with Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) from Dh420 return including taxes. The flight takes one hour 10 minutes.
The hotels
The author recommends the following hotels for this itinerary. In Trapani, Ai Lumi (www.ailumi.it); in Marsala, Viacolvento (www.viacolventomarsala.it); and in Marsala Del Vallo, the Meliaresort Dimore Storiche (www.meliaresort.it).
Countries offering golden visas
UK Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
PROFILE OF INVYGO
Started: 2018
Founders: Eslam Hussein and Pulkit Ganjoo
Based: Dubai
Sector: Transport
Size: 9 employees
Investment: $1,275,000
Investors: Class 5 Global, Equitrust, Gulf Islamic Investments, Kairos K50 and William Zeqiri
At a glance - Zayed Sustainability Prize 2020
Launched: 2008
Categories: Health, energy, water, food, global high schools
Prize: Dh2.2 million (Dh360,000 for global high schools category)
Winners’ announcement: Monday, January 13
Impact in numbers
335 million people positively impacted by projects
430,000 jobs created
10 million people given access to clean and affordable drinking water
50 million homes powered by renewable energy
6.5 billion litres of water saved
26 million school children given solar lighting
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Ben Stokes (captain), Joe Root, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts
Medicus AI
Started: 2016
Founder(s): Dr Baher Al Hakim, Dr Nadine Nehme and Makram Saleh
Based: Vienna, Austria; started in Dubai
Sector: Health Tech
Staff: 119
Funding: €7.7 million (Dh31m)
Liverpool's all-time goalscorers
Ian Rush 346 Roger Hunt 285 Mohamed Salah 250 Gordon Hodgson 241 Billy Liddell 228
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
Group A: Villarreal, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Astana, Slavia Prague. Group B: Dynamo Kiev, Young Boys, Partizan Belgrade, Skenderbeu. Group C: Sporting Braga, Ludogorets, Hoffenheim, Istanbul Basaksehir. Group D: AC Milan, Austria Vienna , Rijeka, AEK Athens. Group E: Lyon, Everton, Atalanta, Apollon Limassol. Group F: FC Copenhagen, Lokomotiv Moscow, Sheriff Tiraspol, FC Zlin. Group G: Vitoria Plzen, Steaua Bucarest, Hapoel Beer-Sheva, FC Lugano. Group H: Arsenal, BATE Borisov, Cologne, Red Star Belgrade. Group I: Salzburg, Marseille, Vitoria Guimaraes, Konyaspor. Group J: Athletic Bilbao, Hertha Berlin, Zorya Luhansk, Ostersund. Group K: Lazio, Nice, Zulte Waregem, Vitesse Arnhem. Group L: Zenit St Petersburg, Real Sociedad, Rosenborg, Vardar
Need to know
Unlike other mobile wallets and payment apps, a unique feature of eWallet is that there is no need to have a bank account, credit or debit card to do digital payments.
Customers only need a valid Emirates ID and a working UAE mobile number to register for eWallet account.
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
