The public is being urged to accept and include children on the autism spectrum as part of a campaign being beamed across Dubai.
Dubai Autism Centre’s message, “Accept me the way I am. I am a child with autism,” appears on thousands of digital signs and billboards.
The inclusivity campaign is featured on 5,300 screens across the Roads and Transport Authority’s metro, tram and bus network, and on billboards in Enoc petrol stations and malls in the emirate.
April is traditionally Autism Awareness Month, which is celebrated around the world.
This month, Dubai landmarks lit up in blue in support of the campaign, and UAE company bosses said they were proud to take part.
Saif Al Falasi, group chief executive of Enoc, said the campaign helps to build greater understanding of the condition.
“Our leadership envisions that everyone has equal access to opportunities, and we are committed to supporting initiatives that help build a happier and inclusive society,” Mr Al Falasi said.
Mohammed Al Emadi, director general and board member of Dubai Autism Centre, said he valued the support offered by businesses for the campaign, which aims to improve “awareness about the needs of individuals with autism and their families”.
Mr Al Emadi said the UAE Cabinet's decision to adopt the National Policy for People with Autism “embodies the commitment of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, to support people with autism”.
He said the government’s efforts “laid the foundations for an inclusive society that empowers and ensures a good life for all people of determination”.
One in 160 children globally are believed to on the autism spectrum, the World Health Organisation says.
The condition is characterised by difficulty in communication and restrictive or repetitive behaviour.
Experts say symptoms can include: repetitive speech or phrases; lack of imitation of other people’s actions and emotions; atypical, repetitive and restricted play; engaging in repetitive movement such as hand flapping or finger flicking; or oversensitivity to sound.
Treatment includes one-on-one behaviour therapy or training for parents to help enhance their children’s social skills.
In pictures: Expo 2020 certified as a sensory accessible
PAST 10 BRITISH GRAND PRIX WINNERS
2016 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2012 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2011 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
2010 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2009 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2008 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2007 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
PSA DUBAI WORLD SERIES FINALS LINE-UP
Men’s:
Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY)
Ali Farag (EGY)
Simon Rosner (GER)
Tarek Momen (EGY)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Nick Matthew (ENG)
Women's:
Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
Raneem El Welily (EGY)
Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
Laura Massaro (ENG)
Joelle King (NZE)
Camille Serme (FRA)
Nouran Gohar (EGY)
Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
My Cat Yugoslavia by Pajtim Statovci
Pushkin Press
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
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.
if you go
The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning.
The trains
Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.
The hotels
Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.
NINE WINLESS GAMES
Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace (Oct 27, PL)
Liverpool 5-5 Arsenal (Oct 30, EFL)
Arsenal 1-1 Wolves (Nov 02, PL)
Vitoria Guimaraes 1-1 Arsenal (Nov 6, Europa)
Leicester 2-0 Arsenal (Nov 9, PL)
Arsenal 2-2 Southampton (Nov 23, PL)
Arsenal 1-2 Eintracht Frankfurt (Nov 28, Europa)
Norwich 2-2 Arsenal (Dec 01, PL)
Arsenal 1-2 Brighton (Dec 05, PL)