DUBAI // The UAE chapter of a charity devoted to improving literacy in Pakistan is celebrating 10 years of hard work.
The Citizens Foundation has established 530 schools in Pakistan to teach the children of fishermen, labourers and farmers. The UAE chapter, based in Dubai, is marking its anniversary by trying to get more attention for the project.
So far the schools established by the foundation employ 3,550 teachers and teach 65,000 students, but the goal is to reach 1,000 schools teaching 350,000 children. All the teachers and principals of the 404 primary and 126 secondary schools are women, which has pleased parents who did not want their daughters studying under male teachers.
"It is a myth that people don't want to send their daughters to school. What they worry about is the distance they have to travel and who is interacting with them," said Ishaque Noor, the director of the UAE branch of the Citizens Foundation. "Typically, first mothers send their daughters even if the father does not agree. Eventually, you'll see both parents show up for meetings."
The UAE chapter has been critical to the foundation's growth. The UAE chapter tries to raise 15 per cent of the annual budget of between US$8 million and US$9 million. It has persuaded people "to go and see the schools for themselves and in turn they have decided to contribute to build their own campus", Mr Noor said.
Some campuses have been named after contributors, such as members of the royal families of Dubai and Sharjah. Others have been named after cities, such as the Abu Dhabi campuses in Karachi and Sindh.
Pakistan has one of the lowest school enrolment rates in south Asia, according to the UN Children's Fund.
The Citizens Foundation, whose volunteers include people from such professions as engineering and banking, are offering mentoring programmes to the first of 570 students who are set to graduate this year. All the schools must build at least two more classrooms in each of the schools.
"Most of the schools were designed to teach till Class 10 but now we are trying to accommodate students for another two years of schooling," Mr Noor said.
"So they can be part of the international system of 12 years of education, in order to qualify for college."
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Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
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.
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
It’ll be summer in the city as car show tries to move with the times
If 2008 was the year that rocked Detroit, 2019 will be when Motor City gives its annual car extravaganza a revamp that aims to move with the times.
A major change is that this week's North American International Auto Show will be the last to be held in January, after which the event will switch to June.
The new date, organisers said, will allow exhibitors to move vehicles and activities outside the Cobo Center's halls and into other city venues, unencumbered by cold January weather, exemplified this week by snow and ice.
In a market in which trends can easily be outpaced beyond one event, the need to do so was probably exacerbated by the decision of Germany's big three carmakers – BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – to skip the auto show this year.
The show has long allowed car enthusiasts to sit behind the wheel of the latest models at the start of the calendar year but a more fluid car market in an online world has made sales less seasonal.
Similarly, everyday technology seems to be catching up on those whose job it is to get behind microphones and try and tempt the visiting public into making a purchase.
Although sparkly announcers clasp iPads and outline the technical gadgetry hidden beneath bonnets, people's obsession with their own smartphones often appeared to offer a more tempting distraction.
“It's maddening,” said one such worker at Nissan's stand.
The absence of some pizzazz, as well as top marques, was also noted by patrons.
“It looks like there are a few less cars this year,” one annual attendee said of this year's exhibitors.
“I can't help but think it's easier to stay at home than to brave the snow and come here.”
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
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Toyota land Cruiser 2020 5.7L VXR
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Rating: 1/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
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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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Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
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Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
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Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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Engine: 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine
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