Latest news with #2025YearofCommunity
Al Etihad
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Zayed Higher Organisation launches Al-Wathiqa for Children podcast by people of determination
5 Aug 2025 13:17 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination has announced a new expansion of its flagship national initiative - the Al-Wathiqa Programmme - to include children and youth of determination as both authors and launch falls under the UAE's 2025 Year of Community initiatives, themed 'Hand in Hand". It reflects the UAE's commitment to placing people of determination at the heart of the nation's cultural and intellectual life, and reaffirms the Zayed Higher Organisation's leadership in truly sustainable empowerment for the Al Wathiqa Programme aims to document history while presenting a platform for nurturing a new generation of national storytellers with determination—individuals who can articulate the national identity and craft collective memory in a contemporary enhanced Al-Wathiqa for Children builds on the success of its first season, which featured 25 short episodes professionally delivered by five presenters of determination, creating a unique national model for leveraging media to empower the community and chronicle shining moments from UAE this new edition, episode scripts are penned by Abdullah Ahmed Rashid Al-Dhahnani—winner of the 2025 Arab Reading Challenge for People of Determination—who transitions from avid reader to historian-author, alongside Sultan Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Bloushi, winner of the 'As I See Myself' competition, whose work combines literary sensitivity with a sustainable social voice-over is led by three inspiring young talents of determination from media, arts, and sports:Shamma Ali Saif Al-Mansouri, the promising media voice with Williams SyndromeMaryam Sumaid'a Al-Wahoba, a theatrical talent who has overcome challenges with a moving artistic voiceThani Saeed Al-Dhaheri, a sports champion proving that empowerment begins on the field and extends to the media stage Beyond recounting historical events, this project reimagines the national identity through heritage stories told in child-friendly language—and presented by children themselves. This approach deepens national belonging and solidifies the principle of active participation by people of determination in shaping the Emirati narrative. It reflects the Organization's vision of moving beyond care and rehabilitation to creating genuine leadership roles for people of determination across culture, media, and knowledge sectors. Year of Community Continue full coverage Abdulla Abdulalee Al-Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organisation, said: 'We believe that true empowerment is only achieved when we provide future generations of people of determination with the tools of expression, the spaces of influence, and platforms for authentic presence. Al-Wathiqa is not just a podcast; it is a strategic project to sketch a future narrated in their voices and written by their hands.'He added: 'Engaging children and youth in writing and presentation is an investment in the future, and an affirmation that every different voice is part of the nation's voice. This transformation reflects our belief that people of determination are not merely a target audience—they are the message-makers and its conveyors to society and to generations to come.'The Al-Wathiqa podcast continues the knowledge partnership between the Zayed Higher Organisation and Trends Research & Advisory Center to ensure content accuracy, and bolster its educational and historical credibility, making the project a comprehensive model of knowledge, media empowerment, and community acts as a dynamic national-storytelling institution, where the stories of the homeland are told in the authentic voices of children of determination, in a language close to their hearts, strengthening their sense of belonging and opening the door for them to shape the collective consciousness of future generations. Through this initiative, the Zayed Higher Organisation continues its pioneering role in building a more inclusive society, reshaping the concepts of empowerment, history, and identity by those who embody unwavering will, renewed hope, and unbounded creativity. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Arabian Business
17-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai real estate trends revealed: ‘Community-centric living is the future of leasing'
Dubai's residential rental market is evolving at an unprecedented pace, shaped by shifting tenant preferences, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic trends. As affordability and flexibility take center stage, industry leaders are adapting to new consumer demands and a rapidly evolving real estate landscape. 'Over the past few years, we've seen a clear shift toward community-centric living,' Ahmed Al Suwaidi – Managing Director of Residential Communities at Dubai Holding Asset Management said in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business. 'Today, residents seek more than just a home—they desire vibrant, amenity-rich environments that align with their lifestyles,' he added. Dubai real estate shifts to mixed-use developments with 'holistic living experience': Experts The rise of 'community-centric- living This trend has been further reinforced by the UAE's 2025 Year of Community initiative, highlighting the government's commitment to fostering stronger, more integrated neighbourhoods. Dubai Residential has curated over 85 community-driven events in 2024, engaging more than 50,000 residents through cultural celebrations, sustainability initiatives, and family-friendly festivals. From sports courts to retail centers, the focus is on holistic living experiences that offer both convenience and connectivity. 'It's no longer just about location,' Al Suwaidi explained. 'It's about lifestyle, accessibility, and the overall experience of living in a well-planned, vibrant community.' Rental preferences shift in Dubai Flexibility in leasing arrangements has become a top priority for tenants, with demand surging for adaptable payment options and lease terms. 'Renters today seek greater financial convenience,' Al Suwaidi said. 'Many are willing to pay a premium for flexible leasing solutions, whether it's multiple cheque payments, short-term leases, or digital transactions.' Additionally, prime locations near metro stations, business hubs, and schools continue to be a key factor in rental decisions, reinforcing the importance of strategic real estate planning. Recent regulatory shifts have also played a key role in reshaping Dubai's rental market. 'This has increased upfront costs, prompting many prospective buyers to reconsider their homeownership plans and instead opt for renting,' said Al Suwaidi. While it's too early to gauge the full impact of these changes, Al Suwaidi anticipates an uptick in leasing demand as buyers assess their financing options. 'Dubai Residential is well-positioned to meet this shift,' he added. Freehold ownership and market confidence With new freehold ownership regulations opening more areas to foreign investors, market confidence is set to rise. 'These changes will drive large-scale redevelopment and enhance project quality, attracting both local and international investors,' Al Suwaidi said. — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 19, 2025 However, while some tenants may transition into homeownership, the rental market is expected to remain strong, particularly given the city's rising expatriate population and the financial benefits of renting. 'For many, renting offers lower upfront costs, greater mobility, and access to premium locations without long-term commitments,' he explained. The recent updates to the RERA rental index have introduced more precise rent benchmarks by incorporating real-time transaction data. 'This is a game-changer for both landlords and tenants,' Al Suwaidi said. 'It ensures fair and consistent pricing while reinforcing market stability.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Arabian Business (@arabianbusiness) Dubai Residential has welcomed these refinements, leveraging the data-driven approach to maintain rental pricing across its diverse portfolio, which spans both premium and affordable housing. The integration of Nakheel and Meydan One of the most significant transformations has been the integration of Nakheel and Meydan assets under Dubai Holding. 'This has positioned Dubai Residential as one of the largest residential leasing portfolios in Dubai,' Al Suwaidi asserted. 'With over 35,000 units and a growing population of 140,000 residents, we are uniquely positioned to cater to Dubai's dynamic market.' The integration has translated into enhanced services, improved community offerings, and increased investment in infrastructure. 'Our focus is on ensuring seamless property management and introducing new value-added services to enhance the quality of life for our residents,' he said. Looking ahead, Al Suwaidi sees technology playing an even greater role in shaping the leasing experience with AI-driven property recommendations, smart contract integration, and digital payment solutions. The city's population is projected to reach 5.8 million under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, ensuring long-term demand for residential leasing across all price segments,' he said. Sustainability remains a key focus across the Dubai real estate sector, with increasing demand for energy-efficient homes. Earlier this week, Arabian Business reported that the , with more buyers willing to invest in properties still under development. Demand for villa plots has surged, leading to notable price increases as investors grow more confident in designing and constructing bespoke homes tailored to their preferences. 'Community-centric living is the future of leasing,' Al Suwaidi concluded.
