ABU DHABI // Ninety-six women staying at a labour camp in Mussaffah will be treated to a special iftar dinner every Friday during the Holy Month.
The women, who are from India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, work long hours at the capital's shopping malls and institutions, keeping toilets and facilities in order.
"We do not view them as under-privileged," said Suparna Mathur, a co-founder of Abu Dhabi Cause Connect, a non-profit organisation which helps companies and community groups work with charitable causes. "They live in comfortable conditions but are away from their homes and their families."
The majority of the women are married and do not get to see their husbands and children in their home countries for two to four years at a time, she said.
"This project is not about 'charity' but rather to find ways to improve and uplift the quality of their lives," Ms Mathur said. "Giving is not about the donation or handout - it is about the spirit, love and care that goes into the process."
The iftar dinner at the labour camp will begin this Friday. The other iftar dates are on August 3, 10 and 17.
Those who wish to contribute can email AbuDhabiCauseConnect@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/AbuDhabiCauseConnect.
rruiz@thenational.ae
How has net migration to UK changed?
The figure was broadly flat immediately before the Covid-19 pandemic, standing at 216,000 in the year to June 2018 and 224,000 in the year to June 2019.
It then dropped to an estimated 111,000 in the year to June 2020 when restrictions introduced during the pandemic limited travel and movement.
The total rose to 254,000 in the year to June 2021, followed by steep jumps to 634,000 in the year to June 2022 and 906,000 in the year to June 2023.
The latest available figure of 728,000 for the 12 months to June 2024 suggests levels are starting to decrease.
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The five pillars of Islam
Killing of Qassem Suleimani