ABU DHABI // The head of a nursery that was closed for failing to meet standards simply found a different sponsor and opened another early-learning centre.
But now the loophole in the sponsor system that the director was exploiting has been closed.
Anyone applying to open a nursery must now supply the director's CV, said Moza Al Shoomi, the head of the children's department at the Ministry of Social Affairs.
The system will also allow the ministry to check if directors are qualified.
"The problem is the licence of the nursery is under the name of a local sponsor," Ms Al Shoomi said.
After the new nursery opened, a ministry check revealed it was the same director. "In a new building, new tools, new staff - same director," she said.
"When we saw who was the director, when our colleagues checked, they said, 'Moza, this is the same director for that nursery you closed last year'."
A decision to change policy was made.
"[Now] we do not give approval, the first approval, if we don't know who will direct this nursery."
Nursery directors must have proper qualifications, ideally in education, early childhood or business administration, making them more dedicated to their work, Ms Al Shoomi said.
vnereim@thenational.ae
Monster
Directed by: Anthony Mandler
Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., John David Washington
3/5
Innotech Profile
Date started: 2013
Founder/CEO: Othman Al Mandhari
Based: Muscat, Oman
Sector: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies
Size: 15 full-time employees
Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing
Investors: Oman Technology Fund from 2017 to 2019, exited through an agreement with a new investor to secure new funding that it under negotiation right now.
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
