2ND INNINGS earns MA'AN certification, joins My Dubai Community App to empower seniors across the UAE
2ND INNINGS, a UAE-based startup dedicated to transforming the lives of elderly individuals, has been officially granted Ma'an certification from the Authority of Social Contribution and is listed on the My Dubai Community App.
The Ma'an certification establishes the startup as a trusted, government-recognized social enterprise, enhancing its credibility with families, partners, and the wider community. As the UAE continues to invest in quality-of-life improvements across all age groups, 2ND INNINGS ensures that senior citizens are not left behind. Through an affordable, digital and in-person approach, the platform is making health, movement, and companionship accessible to all — no matter their age, ability, or income level.
Moreover, being listed on the My Dubai Community App enhances visibility and accessibility, enabling more seniors and families across the UAE to benefit from the services offered by 2ND INNINGS. The certification also ensures that the organization operates in full compliance with UAE regulatory standards and aligns its mission with key national priorities, including the 'Year of Community 2025'.
In addition, the mission and work of 2ND INNINGS contribute meaningfully to the UAE's commitment to achieving the 'United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)'. The startup supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through its wellness and fitness programs ; SDG 4: Quality Education through workshops and lifelong learning; SDG 5: Gender Equality by creating inclusive spaces and addressing the needs of senior women; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by ensuring access for seniors from diverse backgrounds; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by building age-friendly, inclusive communities; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through its collaborative model with public, private, and community partners.
Empowering seniors through Accessible Wellness Programs:
At the core of 2ND INNINGS is the belief that every elderly individual deserves access to health and happiness. The startup has launched an affordable membership model under its 'I Care, We Care' movement, empowering seniors to live with joy and purpose, while giving families a way to actively support their loved ones. For just AED 49/month or AED 19/month (billed yearly), members can enjoy daily digital fitness sessions, regular online or physical meetups with like-minded seniors, and a warm, supportive community, ensuring vibrant lifestyles, meaningful friendships, and better health without financial stress.
Health – Online yoga classes and guided meditation for physical and mental wellbeing, Customized fitness routines are curated to meet seniors where they are—whether they're taking their first steps toward wellness or continuing a lifelong journey.
Online meets – adopting the new reality, virtual meetings are set up to introduce senior citizens to each other. Groups are formed basis ethnicities and languages spoken.
Where Neighbours Become Friends – Nothing can replace the human touch. Meetup's will be organized around neighbourhoods in which members live for a memorable in person experiences. Board games, quizzes and other fun activities will enhance the pleasure of social contact.
'We believe that the second phase of life can be its most joyful and meaningful chapter. Achieving Ma'an certification during the UAE's Year of Community inspires us to further strengthen our mission and contribute to a more inclusive, age-friendly society,' said Sonam Bhayani, Founder and CEO of 2ND INNINGS. Her husband Yash Bhayani, the social venture's co-founder, shares this ethos and has joined Sonam in the effort.
The startup invites seniors, families, corporates, and community partners to engage with its growing platform and help shape a more connected and compassionate future for the UAE's ageing population.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
'Mental first aid, counselling': How UAE schools support students amid regional conflict
Schools across the UAE are reaching out to parents with reassuring messages as regional tensions escalate, acknowledging the anxiety many families may be experiencing, while acting as compassionate communities. In recent days, several educational institutions have issued circulars affirming that the safety, emotional wellbeing, and sense of belonging of students remain their highest priorities. When Khaleej Times reached out to schools to understand how they are responding, educators spoke of structured support systems and a proactive approach to mental health within the school community. Campbell Douglas, principal and CEO at GEMS Wellington Academy – Al Khail, highlighted the integral role of trained counsellors and responsive frameworks in these uncertain times. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'We have a dedicated and qualified counselling team that is both accessible and responsive, particularly during periods of heightened tension. We ensure that students can easily request support through formal and informal systems, and we prioritise timely follow-up. Additionally, our teaching staff receive ongoing professional development in mental health first aid, trauma-informed practices, and identifying early signs of anxiety, stress, or withdrawal.' According to school leaders, these ongoing professional development programmes empower teachers to act as the first line of emotional support. By working closely with wellbeing and safeguarding teams, they ensure students feel both secure and seen. Douglas further noted how technology and open communication serve as additional pillars of emotional support. 'The use of our wellbeing platform, Upstrive, has been key in order to check in frequently with our pupils both in school and at home. Pupils have been encouraged to check in throughout the day. We also maintain open communication channels with students, encouraging them to express their feelings through structured discussions, wellbeing check-ins, and feedback opportunities. Our aim is to create a safe and supportive environment where every student feels heard and valued.' Staff trained to spot emotional distress Dr Funke Baffour-Awuah, Corporate Head of Wellbeing, GEMS Education, elaborated on how counselling services are woven into the fabric of school life. 'In our classrooms, counselling support is integrated through individual sessions, small group interventions, and the presence of trusted adults. Staff are trained to recognise emotional distress and know how to escalate concerns to ensure no child is overlooked. Ultimately, our priority is to maintain a sense of psychological safety, normalise conversations about emotional wellbeing, and make support easily accessible at every level.' She also emphasised the importance of involving parents as collaborators in the wellbeing of students, especially during periods of uncertainty. 'We see parents as critical partners in supporting student wellbeing. During heightened regional tensions, our schools prioritise communication with families to reassure them of the support available and to offer practical strategies for building emotional resilience at home. This includes outreach through various channels such as email, newsletters, and parent coffee mornings, where mental health professionals provide guidance on how to talk with children about anxiety and help them process what they may be hearing or feeling. Families are encouraged to reach out directly to school counsellors, and our teams are always available to provide tailored support when needed.' Empathy with multicultural staff Schools that follow Indian curricula, are also navigating the emotional complexity of these times with their multicultural staff, while adhering to government directives. Dr Arogya Reddy, Principal of Ambassador School Sharjah, acknowledged the concerns felt within the community and shared how the school is approaching the issue with empathy. 'The rising tension in the Middle East has been a pressing concern. As an Indian curriculum school, the majority of our students are from India, along with a few from Pakistan. We follow clear directives from the authorities, including SPEA and the Ministry of Education, not to engage in discussions around geopolitical or religious matters within the school environment. "However, in light of the current circumstances, and given that our teaching staff comes from various parts of the world, we held a staff meeting focused on expressing sympathy and concern. It was a call for patience, vigilance, and unity. Many of our educators have families affected by the conflict, so this becomes a matter of human empathy. We are simply urging everyone to pray for peace.'
Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
RAK Hospital introduces 'Happy Gas' procedures for dental care
In a move to redefine patient comfort and ease dental anxiety, RAK Hospital has introduced 'Happy Gas' procedures — using nitrous oxide sedation — for the first time in the Northern Emirates. Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is widely used in the Western world and is now available at RAK Hospital to help patients, especially adults with dental phobia, undergo procedures in a relaxed and pain-free state. The service is led by Dr. Anurag Singh, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon. The introduction of Happy Gas is especially beneficial for adult patients with dental phobia, enabling a calm, comfortable, and virtually stress-free experience during dental treatments ranging from fillings to surgical procedures. 'Dental anxiety is a very real and common issue,' said Dr. Anurag Singh. 'With Happy Gas, patients remain fully conscious yet relaxed and dissociated from fear. It makes procedures significantly more comfortable, especially for those who've had negative dental experiences in the past. We've already seen tremendous positive feedback from patients opting for this sedation.' Widely used across Western countries, nitrous oxide sedation is a quick-acting and reversible method that allows patients to undergo treatments without the stress traditionally associated with dental visits. At RAK Hospital, the procedure is available on an outpatient basis. Patients can resume normal activities immediately post-treatment. The Happy Gas session is priced competitively at Dh350. Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, added: 'We are proud to be the first in the Northern Emirates to introduce this globally trusted technique in our dental department. At RAK Hospital, we constantly strive to bring world-class innovations to enhance patient experience. Happy Gas is not just about comfort—it's about making dental care more approachable and fear-free for our diverse community.' Although primarily available for adults currently, there are plans to extend this service to pediatric patients in the due course. The hospital has already successfully treated multiple patients with this method and expects its popularity to grow rapidly.
Khaleej Times
13 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
'No health without mental health': Strict dieting may lead to anxiety, UAE doctors warn
While restricting calories may help with weight loss, it can negatively impact your mental health. A growing body of evidence now links calorie restriction with symptoms of depression, prompting experts to urge caution when adopting extreme eating habits. Clinical experts in the UAE are raising the alarm about the psychological toll of restrictive dieting. Speaking to Khaleej Times, they explained how extreme calorie control can disrupt brain chemistry, induce anxiety and low mood, and even trigger disordered eating in vulnerable individuals. 'Restrictive dieting can lead to several psychological side effects due to physiological changes and behavioural stress,' said Vibha Bajpaiee, clinical dietician at Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai. 'Common effects include increased irritability, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, which are often linked to decreased availability of mood-regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. She explained that blood sugar fluctuations caused by insufficient energy intake may lead to fatigue, poor concentration, and emotional instability. 'Additionally, restricting food intake can elevate cortisol (the stress hormone) and disrupt hunger hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, which play a role in mood stability.' Bajpaiee advised, 'The mind needs nourishment as much as the body. When one starves, so does the other.' Cognitive decline Calorie restriction interferes with brain function by causing hypoglycemia and neurotransmitter depletion, Dr Amir Javaid, consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi, said. 'There is some evidence to suggest that a restrictive diet can result in nutritional deficiencies, accompanied by low levels of serotonin and dopamine, which further contribute to mood disturbances,' he said. He warned that early symptoms such as low energy, irritability, crying spells, and even fleeting suicidal thoughts could indicate a dangerous mental health impact. 'It is essential to be vigilant and seek professional help early.' 'There is no health without mental health,' Dr Javaid added. Strict diets often bring about more than just mood changes — they may lead to obsessive thinking and social isolation. According to Hussn Saleh Alhammami, nutritionist at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi, 'irritability, anxiety, and social withdrawal are common outcomes, especially when people become overly focused on eating rules.' She noted that teenagers, women, and athletes are especially vulnerable due to performance pressures and hormonal sensitivity. 'Constant comparison to unrealistic beauty standards can damage self-esteem and push individuals toward harmful eating behaviors.' 'Supportive environments that value well-being over appearance can foster emotional resilience,' said Alhammami. A state of chronic stress Rawan Muhanna, clinical dietitian at Emirates Hospital Jumeirah, explained that severe calorie restriction triggers the body's stress response. 'The brain perceives this as starvation, increasing cortisol levels and disturbing neurotransmitter balance.' She said this can impair concentration, sleep, and decision-making while also increasing the risk of binge eating. 'The cycle of deprivation and guilt can significantly lower self-worth and life satisfaction,' she added. Muhanna noted that healthy weight loss is possible without harming mental health, 'But it requires rejecting perfectionism and embracing self-compassion.' Beyond the plate Experts recommend including mental health checks in any weight loss or diet programme, urging regular emotional screenings to detect signs of distress before they escalate. Instead of calorie counting, experts recommend intuitive eating, making mindful food choices, and adopting a balanced lifestyle that includes enjoyable physical activity, sufficient sleep, and effective stress management. The role of friends and family is also crucial. All experts agree that loved ones should offer non-judgmental support, encourage professional help, and shift conversations away from body image or weight. As dieting becomes increasingly common among young people influenced by social media trends, experts warn against following extreme regimens without understanding the psychological consequences.
