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Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE billionaire calls for less 'draining' school schedules; parents voice support
An online post by a prominent UAE businessman is garnering attention online, sparking conversations among UAE parents about the current school schedule and the draining effect it has on children. In a tweet, Emirati businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor, Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, wrote, 'Our children are trusted in our care. I see them every morning boarding buses as early as 6am, spending their entire day on the road between school and home. This is too much for students of all ages — especially the little ones. It's too much for a small heart that wants to learn, not suffer.' His post received an overwhelming response from parents, who expressed their frustration and shared how the current school schedule drains their children's energy from the moment they wake up until bedtime. Khaleej Times spoke to several Emirati mothers who shared their personal experiences. Umm Maha, an Emirati mother of an eight-year-old third grader studying at Zayed Al Barsha Complex, said, 'My daughter wakes up at 5.30am. She leaves the house at 6.15am and returns after 2pm. When she gets back, she's exhausted, so I let her nap before she can study again. 'Even with the nap, she wakes up tired and has only about three hours to do her homework and have dinner,' she added. 'Things are slightly better now,' she continued. 'Since September 2024, the school day ends earlier at 1.35pm, so she returns home around 2.30pm instead of 3.30pm.' Al Habtoor has called on Dubai's education authorities and the Federal Ministry of Education to consider this issue seriously. He suggested that every residential area should have a nearby school or nursery. However, even when schools are located within residential areas, students still wake up early and return home late, leaving them with little time for activities or studying. Umm Saif, an Emirati mother living in Al Suyoh, Sharjah, said the school day robs families of quality time together. 'My children are 8, 10, 14, and 15. They all attend the same school — Zayed Al Suyoh Complex — but each returns home at a different time. 'They leave at 6am as boys and girls are separated in different buses. There's no time left to sit as a family as they must review schoolwork. Time passes so quickly. As soon as they finish their homework, it's dinner time, and then they go to bed,' she explained. She added, 'My kids don't attend school on Fridays. I prefer they rest and regain their energy to attend Friday prayers with full focus.' UAE-based families are suggesting that the long school hours are draining children's energy, health, and family life. Parents are calling for real solutions, prioritising children's wellbeing and restoring balance between learning and living. Mona Al Jallaf, an Emirati mother based in Dubai, shared a similar experience. 'My kids wake up at 6am and leave the house by 6.40am to reach school by 7.20am. They finish school at 2.30pm and arrive home around 3.10 pm. By then, they're already exhausted. My youngest daughter, who's in kindergarten, usually falls asleep in the car and doesn't wake up even for lunch. The boys come home tired, with no appetite and no focus to study.'
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: How long school hours, financial strain are disrupting families
As families navigate the fast pace of modern life, Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim has called for a reassessment of school hours, warning that current routines are eroding family bonds and weakening core values at home. Speaking during a session dedicated to the challenges of family stability, he highlighted how shifting societal norms, digital distractions, and economic strains are threatening the foundation of Emirati family life. 'By the time children get home, there's barely enough time left in the day for real family interaction,' said Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai, Chairman of the Association's Board of Directors, in a session focusing on challenges faced by families in family stability. He also warned against over-reliance on schools to raise and discipline children, stressing the foundational role of the home environment. 'Some parents have shifted their entire responsibility to schools, forgetting that values and character are first taught at home. A school can educate, but it cannot replace a parent,' he added. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. On May 16, a prominent UAE businessman also echoed the same thought through his platform on X. Emirati businessman Khalaf Al Habtoor, Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, wrote, 'Our children are trusted in our care. I see them every morning boarding buses as early as 6am, spending their entire day on the road between school and home. This is too much for students of all ages, especially the little ones. It's too much for a small heart that wants to learn, not suffer.' Lt. Gen. Khalfan opened the discussion by stressing that the family is the cornerstone of any civilization. 'The family is where values take root, where identities are shaped, and where society is born,' he said. However, he warned that today's sweeping cultural and digital changes are threatening to unravel this core institution. Among the key concerns raised was the fragmentation of family cohesion due to individual digital preoccupations. 'People live under one roof but in emotional isolation,' he said. 'Family councils used to unite us, now they're practically extinct.' He emphasised that the lack of meaningful communication within families could lead to behavioral issues and a weakened sense of belonging, particularly among children. Lt. Gen. Khalfan also pointed to economic pressures as a serious strain on family life. The high cost of living, unemployment, and financial instability are reducing the time parents spend with their children and contributing to household tensions. 'We can't ignore the impact of financial stress. It disrupts harmony at home and, in extreme cases, leads to violence,' he said. He warned that if families do not adapt, they risk becoming obsolete in shaping future generations. 'We must equip our children for a world that's changing faster than we realise, a world that requires critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and digital literacy,' he said. Lt. Gen. Khalfan called on entities like the Community Development Authority to invest in sociological research and community programmes to address negative social phenomena. He also highlighted the importance of reviving family dialogue and promoting positive role models within the home. Psychological wellbeing was another focus of the discussion. He cited a rise in anxiety, depression, and behavioural disorders affecting both children and parents, noting that many families avoid professional help due to stigma. 'Ignoring mental health does not make the problem disappear. We need to normalise seeking support,' he said.
Gulf Today
12-05-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Arabic Language Initiative winners honoured
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founder and Patron of the Arabic Language Initiative, honoured a distinguished group of students from Emirates International School – Jumeirah and Meadows campuses, who were the winners of the initiative's first edition. The ceremony took place at the Al Habtoor Group head office in the presence of parents, the judging panel, and representatives from both campuses of Emirates International School. This initiative was launched in collaboration between the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre and Emirates International School. It is an extension of the competition introduced by Khalaf Al Habtoor in September 2024 during the annual celebration of the Al Habtoor Research Centre in Cairo. The initiative aims to promote the Arabic language among younger generations, encouraging them to embrace their identity and take pride in their cultural and religious heritage. During his speech at the ceremony, Al Habtoor spoke about the initiative, describing it as a reflection of his deep and ongoing commitment to education and the Arabic language. 'Arabic is the foundation of who we are,' he said. 'It's a precious part of our heritage that we must pass on to our children with pride and respect. Teaching them the Holy Quran, the Sunnah, and the Arabic literature is key to raising a generation that cherishes its roots and holds firmly to its values.' The initiative included three main categories: the Holy Qur'an, the Sunnah, and Arabic Literature. The entries were judged by a panel comprising Sheikh Dr Fares Al Mustafa (Chair), Sheikh Abdulrahman Darwish Al Marzouqi (Member), and Rashid Rafei (Secretary). Abdul Salam Mahmoud Al Marzouqi, General Manager of the Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre, praised Khalaf Al Habtoor's vision in supporting the Arabic language, stating: 'This initiative was born from a renewed vision and Al Habtoor's unwavering commitment to making Arabic a central pillar in shaping the character of our children. What was once an idea has now become a living reality, bearing fruit in the form of promising student talents.' In turn, Sheikh Dr Fares Al Mustafa expressed his deep appreciation for Khalaf Al Habtoor's continuous support for education and values, highlighting the initiative's powerful impact in reinforcing the Arabic language in the hearts of future generations.
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Al Habtoor Group releases final batch of Al Habtoor Tower Apartments as sales surpass 90 per cent
Dubai, UAE – Al Habtoor Group has announced the release of the final batch of apartments at the iconic Al Habtoor Tower, following the successful sale of over 90 per cent of the building's 1,740 residential units. This milestone reflects the strong demand for what is set to become the largest residential building in the world. Strategically located on Sheikh Zayed Road within the prestigious Al Habtoor City, Al Habtoor Tower continues to draw high interest from both local and international buyers seeking world-class living in the heart of Dubai. The Group has confirmed that more than 40 per cent of the tower's apartments are scheduled for handover in Q4 of 2025, with construction progressing rapidly and consistently meeting key milestones ahead of the planned construction schedule. Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founding Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, commented: "The response to Al Habtoor Tower has exceeded all expectations. Selling 90 per cent of the units in a development of this scale speaks volumes about the trust people place in the Al Habtoor name. We are not just delivering homes—we are delivering a lifestyle that defines excellence. This final release is a rare opportunity to become part of one of the most iconic residential destinations in the world." The final release features a limited number of premium units with sweeping panoramic views of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Water Canal, the Arabian Gulf, and Sheikh Zayed Road. These residences are complemented by exceptional amenities including multiple pool decks, the highest terraced gardens, state-of-the-art gyms, luxury spas, and the Al Habtoor Sports Hub. The tower also boasts 24 high-speed lifts, offering the fastest vertical transportation available in a residential building globally. Among the remaining homes available, only a few units remain under negotiation within the exclusive collection of 41 Ultra Residences, a signature offering within the tower. Located on floors 76 and above, these exceptional simplex units feature three bedrooms, private pools, expansive terraces, and superior finishes—all designed to offer residents an unmatched combination of elegance, space, and privacy. Part of Al Habtoor City, the development offers residents seamless access to three five-star hotels, La Perle —the region's only permanent aqua theatre—and a vibrant boulevard lined with world-class dining and lifestyle venues. About Al Habtoor Group: Established by Chairman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor in 1970, Al Habtoor Group is considered one of the most successful and respected conglomerates in the UAE. Operating in the UAE and international markets, it proudly flies the UAE flag in numerous cities around the world, including London, Vienna, Budapest, Beirut, and Springfield in the state of Illinois, USA. The group employs thousands of highly qualified and skilled professionals. Al Habtoor Group has become synonymous with dynamic growth, demonstrating its commitment to developing its businesses in multiple sectors, including hospitality, automotive, real estate, education, insurance, and publishing. @alhabtoorgroup For more information, please contact: Noura Badawi Chief Communications Officer & Information Advisor to the Chairman Al Habtoor Group LLC Email: noura@
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Final batch of Al Habtoor Tower Apartments on sale
Al Habtoor Group, a leading UAE-based business conglomerate, has announced the release of the final batch of apartments at its prime development - Al Habtoor Tower - following the successful sale of over 90% of the building's 1,740 residential units. This milestone reflects the strong demand for what is set to become the largest residential building in the world, said a statement from the Emirati group. Strategically located on Sheikh Zayed Road within its Al Habtoor City, the tower continues to draw high interest from both local and international buyers seeking world-class living in the heart of Dubai, it stated. According to the group, more than 40% of the tower's apartments are scheduled for handover in Q4, with construction progressing rapidly and consistently meeting key milestones ahead of the lanned construction schedule. The final release features a limited number of premium units with sweeping panoramic views of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Water Canal, the Arabian Gulf, and Sheikh Zayed Road. These residences are complemented by exceptional amenities including multiple pool decks, the highest terraced gardens, state-of-the-art gyms, luxury spas, and the Al Habtoor Sports Hub. The tower also boasts 24 high-speed lifts, offering the fastest vertical transportation available in a residential building globally, it stated. Part of Al Habtoor City, the development offers residents seamless access to three five-star hotels, La Perle - the region's only permanent aqua theatre - and a vibrant boulevard lined with world-class dining and lifestyle venues. Founding Chairman Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor said: "The response to Al Habtoor Tower has exceeded all expectations. Selling 90% of the units in a development of this scale speaks volumes about the trust people place in the Al Habtoor name." "We are not just delivering homes—we are delivering a lifestyle that defines excellence. This final release is a rare opportunity to become part of one of the most iconic residential destinations in the world," he stated. "Among the remaining homes available, only a few units remain under negotiation within the exclusive collection of 41 Ultra Residences, a signature offering within the tower. Located on floors 76 and above, these exceptional simplex units feature three bedrooms, private pools, expansive terraces, and superior finishes - all designed to offer residents an unmatched combination of elegance, space, and privacy," he added. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
