Latest news with #Hanaa
Zawya
20-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Liva Insurance CEO Hanaa Al Hinai leads conversation on the future of inclusion at OSHRM's 8th Conference
Muscat – Liva Insurance made its mark at the 8th Annual Conference of the Omani Society for Human Resource Management (OSHRM), held from April 14 to 16 at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. On April 16, CEO Hanaa Al Hinai took the spotlight, joining a dynamic panel discussion on 'The Inclusion Revolution: Powered by Technology,' where she brought the Company's bold vision for a more inclusive and tech-driven future. Themed 'Leadership in Open Space,' this year's conference sought to redefine leadership and human capital development in Oman, reflecting OSHRM's vision for the future of work. The event featured a distinguished roster of Omani and international speakers and experts, who offered insights into sustainability economics, psychological safety, organizational culture transformation, HR technology, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development in the private sector. During her panel session, Hanaa Al Hinai addressed how technology can act as a catalyst for inclusion across workplaces, enabling organizations to break down barriers and build more equitable, innovative, and future-ready environments. Speaking on the occasion, she remarked: "Inclusion is something that has to be built into the way we think, the way we work, and the way we lead every single day. Technology has given us incredible tools to help make that possible. Whether it's using AI to uncover hidden talent, or digital platforms that make learning and development accessible to everyone, tech allows us to break down barriers that might have seemed impossible before. 'But at this current conjuncture, we have to accept that it's not just about the tools but rather about the intention behind them. At Liva Insurance, we believe that true inclusion is about making sure every voice is heard and every person has the chance to thrive. Embracing technology is how we stay resilient, how we grow sustainably, and how we build a future that genuinely works for everyone.' Hanaa also highlighted Liva Insurance's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous development, aligning closely with Oman's broader national goals and Vision 2040. OSHRM's 8th Annual Conference provided a critical platform for leaders across industries to explore new models of leadership amidst rapidly evolving labour markets influenced by customer expectations, global economic shifts, and technological disruption. The conference also featured a dynamic international exhibition showcasing the latest in HR technologies, solutions, and services, offering attendees ample opportunities for networking, partnership building, and knowledge exchange. Liva Insurance's participation in this significant event reinforces its role as a forward-thinking organization, championing diversity, inclusion, and technology-driven growth in Oman's evolving corporate landscape. About Liva Insurance: Established in 2023 through the integration of Al Ahlia Insurance and National Life & General Insurance Company (NLGIC), Liva Insurance is the region's leading multi-line insurance company that provides Motor, Home, Travel, Health, Life and various business insurances serving the GCC region for over 80 years. Liva Insurance is redefining insurance for today's realities, combining local knowledge, passion and presence with global expertise to go beyond premiums, products and policies, providing smart, quick and reliable solutions.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'I cried for days': Office raids and arrests shock aid workers in Yemen
When Hanaa arrived at work a few months ago, she found "drawers and doors smashed, and the boss surrounded by security personnel". Computers, phones, cameras and documents were all confiscated, her boss was arrested and the organisation's bank account was eventually frozen. Hanaa works for a US-funded non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Yemen, that supports women's empowerment and trains people to solve problems through negotiation. But the country's civil war, which has lasted more than a decade and created one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, has made life for NGO workers increasingly dangerous. Twenty-four UN employees, along with workers from other local and international NGOs have been detained by Houthi rebels in the past few months. A wave of arrests in January has intensified the climate of fear - one person from the World Food Programme who was detained died in custody. The situation has left humanitarian workers feeling their freedom of movement has been greatly restricted. As a result, many organisations, including the UN, are scaling back operations, threatening to make life for people already devastated by war even worse. Ten years ago, Iranian-backed Houthi militants seized control of much of the west of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, from the internationally-recognised government. Saudi Arabia, has since carried out intensive air raids on its neighbour - with logistical and intelligence support from the US and UK - to try to prevent the Houthi rebels from taking control of the whole country. It was Houthi officials who raided Hanaa's office and detained her boss, and she fears retribution if she speaks out. So, for their safety, we have changed the names of Hanaa and others in Yemen who we interviewed for this article. By cracking down on humanitarian workers, Hanaa believes the Houthis aim to spread fear among the public. But what hurts her deeply is how the public reacted. "When I checked social media, it was appalling to find out that people see us as spies," she says. A day after her boss was detained, Hanaa was glued to her TV, watching a pro-Houthi channel airing what it described as confessions of espionage, made by nine local people who had once worked at the long-closed US embassy in Sanaa. They were arrested in 2021. That was the moment she feared things would get worse for her, as she worked for a US-funded NGO. She decided to leave her home in northern Yemen. By the time she reached the south, she felt traumatised. "For three days I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep. I couldn't stop crying," she says. Now she's worried that US President Donald Trump's decision to re-designate the Houthis as a terrorist organisation could lead them to target everyone who works in US-funded projects. Once someone is arrested, it can be hard for them to get any support, according to Yemeni lawyer Abdulaziz, who represents 14 detainees. They have been behind bars for several months - three are UN staff, while the others are employed by local NGOs. "During the first three months of detention, my clients didn't communicate with anyone," he says. Abdulaziz is getting increasingly worried that their whereabouts is still unknown. More recently, he says that his clients were able to make a few brief phone calls to their families. "Each call was between five to 10 minutes," he explains. The BBC approached the Houthis to ask about their treatment of aid workers, but got no reply. In addition to the detentions, lifesaving assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been paused as a result of President Trump's freeze on the organisation's operations around the world, amid allegations of waste and misuse of funds. Human Rights Watch (HRW) warns that that the impact of President Trump's policies and the Houthis' arbitrary arrests is "nothing short of devastating". It "will have massive and dramatic impact on aid provision in Yemen", says Niku Jafarnia, a Yemen and Bahrain researcher at the organisation. According to HRW, the US was funding about one third of humanitarian aid in Yemen, much of it through USAID. Between 2015 and 2021, it provided more than $3.6 billion, making it the largest single donor of humanitarian assistance in the country, according to the UN. "Cutting aid would be a death sentence to us," warns Amal, a mother of nine. She lives in a camp for internally displaced people in northern Yemen, alongside thousands of other families. Even over the phone, it is clear what a heavy burden this woman is carrying. Her slow speech is laden with emotion. It is nearly 10 years since she lost her home. Amal singlehandedly supports her huge family. Her husband has acute asthma, so he can't work. The family had to flee their hometown further north after the conflict began. Since then, life has been increasingly unkind to them. The camp, on barren desert land, hardly resembles a home. Their only shelter is a worn-out plastic tent, with no chairs or beds. It is hard for her children to find joy in a place which lacks almost everything. "If this supply line provided by NGOs is cut, my children might die. We have no jobs, no income, nothing," Amal adds. About half of the population are in bad need of humanitarian assistance, including nearly 10 million children, according to the UN children's charity Unicef. The UN Human Development Index lists Yemen as one of the 10 least developed countries in the world. Amal tells us she receives a monthly food basket from the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), but it barely lasts two weeks. When they run out of food, she says her only option is to leave the camp and go out begging in the city's streets. She passes restaurants and shops, hoping for a few loaves of bread or a packet of rice. "I am covered in shame, but should I leave my children to starve? I am totally helpless," Amal explains. Helplessness often takes its toll on her. "I cry a lot when I realise that I don't have a penny," she says, her voice both anguished and bitter. A large number of children suffer from diarrhoea and pneumonia due to the poor hygiene, malnutrition and miserable living conditions, but adequate medication is rarely available. At a clinic in northern Yemen, the shelves where medicines should be lie empty. Staff told us the medical stock they have is nothing compared to the people's needs. The BBC contacted the UN seeking comment on the current aid distribution process and recent arrests but received no reply. However, addressing the UN Security Council, Hans Grundberg, the UN Special envoy for Yemen, condemned the detention of its staff as "not only a violation of fundamental human rights, but also a direct threat to the UN's ability to distribute aid to the most needy". He also called for the immediate release of all detainees, whether from the UN or from other local and international NGOs. It is for families like Amal's that Hanaa and her co-workers try to make life better. She proudly remembers how they sent girls to school in one of the conservative northern areas. When parents complained about neighbours being able to see their daughters during break time, "we held discussions between residents, and eventually agreed to cover the playground, so that girls could go back to class", she explains. She fears that the absence of this support, due to fear and lack of funds, could increase rates of illiteracy. "We are the only ones who have survived during the collapse of the state, in order to serve the people," Hanaa says with a sigh.
BBC News
20-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
'I cried for days': Office raids and arrests shock aid workers in Yemen
When Hanaa arrived at work a few months ago, she found "drawers and doors smashed, and the boss surrounded by security personnel".Computers, phones, cameras and documents were all confiscated, her boss was arrested and the organisation's bank account was eventually works for a US-funded non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Yemen, that supports women's empowerment and trains people to solve problems through the country's civil war, which has lasted more than a decade and created one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, has made life for NGO workers increasingly UN employees, along with workers from other local and international NGOs have been detained by Houthi rebels in the past few months.A wave of arrests in January has intensified the climate of fear - one person from the World Food Programme who was detained died in situation has left humanitarian workers feeling their freedom of movement has been greatly restricted. As a result, many organisations, including the UN, are scaling back operations, threatening to make life for people already devastated by war even worse. Ten years ago, Iranian-backed Houthi militants seized control of much of the west of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, from the internationally-recognised government. Saudi Arabia, has since carried out intensive air raids on its neighbour - with logistical and intelligence support from the US and UK - to try to prevent the Houthi rebels from taking control of the whole was Houthi officials who raided Hanaa's office and detained her boss, and she fears retribution if she speaks out. So, for their safety, we have changed the names of Hanaa and others in Yemen who we interviewed for this cracking down on humanitarian workers, Hanaa believes the Houthis aim to spread fear among the public. But what hurts her deeply is how the public reacted."When I checked social media, it was appalling to find out that people see us as spies," she says.A day after her boss was detained, Hanaa was glued to her TV, watching a pro-Houthi channel airing what it described as confessions of espionage, made by nine local people who had once worked at the long-closed US embassy in Sanaa. They were arrested in was the moment she feared things would get worse for her, as she worked for a US-funded NGO. She decided to leave her home in northern the time she reached the south, she felt traumatised. "For three days I couldn't eat, I couldn't sleep. I couldn't stop crying," she says. Now she's worried that US President Donald Trump's decision to re-designate the Houthis as a terrorist organisation could lead them to target everyone who works in US-funded someone is arrested, it can be hard for them to get any support, according to Yemeni lawyer Abdulaziz, who represents 14 detainees. They have been behind bars for several months - three are UN staff, while the others are employed by local NGOs. "During the first three months of detention, my clients didn't communicate with anyone," he is getting increasingly worried that their whereabouts is still unknown. More recently, he says that his clients were able to make a few brief phone calls to their families. "Each call was between five to 10 minutes," he BBC approached the Houthis to ask about their treatment of aid workers, but got no addition to the detentions, lifesaving assistance from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been paused as a result of President Trump's freeze on the organisation's operations around the world, amid allegations of waste and misuse of Rights Watch (HRW) warns that that the impact of President Trump's policies and the Houthis' arbitrary arrests is "nothing short of devastating". It "will have massive and dramatic impact on aid provision in Yemen", says Niku Jafarnia, a Yemen and Bahrain researcher at the organisation. According to HRW, the US was funding about one third of humanitarian aid in Yemen, much of it through USAID. Between 2015 and 2021, it provided more than $3.6 billion, making it the largest single donor of humanitarian assistance in the country, according to the UN."Cutting aid would be a death sentence to us," warns Amal, a mother of nine. She lives in a camp for internally displaced people in northern Yemen, alongside thousands of other over the phone, it is clear what a heavy burden this woman is carrying. Her slow speech is laden with emotion. It is nearly 10 years since she lost her singlehandedly supports her huge family. Her husband has acute asthma, so he can't work. The family had to flee their hometown further north after the conflict then, life has been increasingly unkind to them. The camp, on barren desert land, hardly resembles a home. Their only shelter is a worn-out plastic tent, with no chairs or beds. It is hard for her children to find joy in a place which lacks almost everything."If this supply line provided by NGOs is cut, my children might die. We have no jobs, no income, nothing," Amal adds. About half of the population are in bad need of humanitarian assistance, including nearly 10 million children, according to the UN children's charity Unicef. The UN Human Development Index lists Yemen as one of the 10 least developed countries in the tells us she receives a monthly food basket from the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), but it barely lasts two weeks. When they run out of food, she says her only option is to leave the camp and go out begging in the city's streets. She passes restaurants and shops, hoping for a few loaves of bread or a packet of rice."I am covered in shame, but should I leave my children to starve? I am totally helpless," Amal explains. Helplessness often takes its toll on her. "I cry a lot when I realise that I don't have a penny," she says, her voice both anguished and bitter.A large number of children suffer from diarrhoea and pneumonia due to the poor hygiene, malnutrition and miserable living conditions, but adequate medication is rarely a clinic in northern Yemen, the shelves where medicines should be lie empty. Staff told us the medical stock they have is nothing compared to the people's BBC contacted the UN seeking comment on the current aid distribution process and recent arrests but received no reply. However, addressing the UN Security Council, Hans Grundberg, the UN Special envoy for Yemen, condemned the detention of its staff as "not only a violation of fundamental human rights, but also a direct threat to the UN's ability to distribute aid to the most needy". He also called for the immediate release of all detainees, whether from the UN or from other local and international is for families like Amal's that Hanaa and her co-workers try to make life proudly remembers how they sent girls to school in one of the conservative northern areas. When parents complained about neighbours being able to see their daughters during break time, "we held discussions between residents, and eventually agreed to cover the playground, so that girls could go back to class", she fears that the absence of this support, due to fear and lack of funds, could increase rates of illiteracy. "We are the only ones who have survived during the collapse of the state, in order to serve the people," Hanaa says with a names of Hanaa, Abdulaziz and Amal were changed for this article.
Mid East Info
07-02-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
M42's Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi restores woman's sight after 30 years of blindness - Middle East Business News and Information
Yemeni woman travels to UAE for life-changing treatment, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a global healthcare hub 40-year-old describes her experience at the hospital as 'a magical journey with a fairytale ending' Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi redefines outcomes in complex ophthalmology cases, emphasizing the importance of a second opinion. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, February, 2025: A Yemeni woman, left blind since childhood due to a misdiagnosis, has had her eyesight restored after receiving life-changing surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, part of the M42 group. The 40-year-old described her experience as 'a magical journey with a fairytale ending.' Hanaa Mahdi Saleh Ali could only see blurred lights and struggled with basic daily activities. Her condition had a profound impact on her education, independence and quality of life. Over the years, her father consulted numerous eye specialists in different parts of the world, but, despite their efforts, she was diagnosed with permanent vision loss caused by night blindness and severe cataracts, which obscured an underlying retinal issue. This year (2024), Hanaa's sister, who lives in the UAE, learned about how Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi was using the latest technologies to carry out innovative work and encouraged Hanaa to seek treatment there. In October, Hanaa traveled to the UAE, where Dr. Syed M. Asad Ali, a Consultant Ophthalmologist specializing in cataract surgery at the hospital, diagnosed her with gyrate atrophy, a rare inherited condition, along with advanced cataracts and cystoid macular edema. The hospital's International Patient Services team offers a comprehensive range of eye care assessments, diagnostics and both surgical and non-surgical treatments, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a global healthcare hub. Hanaa said: 'Losing my vision when I was 10 years old was very difficult, especially as a child as I couldn't play outside with my friends or even do my day-to-day activities, such as reading or even eating normally. After hearing about the work conducted at Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, I realized there was still hope that my eyesight may be restored. I was apprehensive, but Dr. Syed and the team's encouragement helped me feel more positive and hopeful for a successful outcome.' A complex case: Gyrate atrophy is a rare genetic condition that causes a buildup of a substance called ornithine. It is diagnosed through medical history, eye examination, genetic testing and retinal imaging. The surgery to remove Hanaa's cataracts using ultrasound required careful planning, precise execution and clear communication of the risks. A ray of hope: In November 2024, Dr. Syed M. Asad Ali performed successful surgeries on both of Hanaa's eyes, restoring her vision after 30 years of blindness. He said: 'At Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, we leverage the legacy and expertise of our London counterpart to offer advanced treatments and services across the UAE. Hanaa was initially diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa and congenital cataract, but we later identified the correct issue as gyrate atrophy with advanced cataracts and cystoid macular edema. Both conditions can present peripheral vision loss or changes in the retina.' A new beginning: Hanaa added: 'Since I got my vision back, I have started appreciating the little things in life more. Being able to see my family's faces is a blessing that I will never be thankful enough for. The joy of reconnecting with the world visually is indescribable. Dr. Syed, Dr. Esmaeil Mohammad Arbabi, Consultant Ophthalmologist, the nurses and the front staff were all very supportive and amazing, and I thank them every day in my prayers for all their efforts. It has been 30 years since I last saw things. Although it has been a very long time, I still remember everything clearly: my family's faces, the sky, the trees and the sea. I advise everyone who suffers from a similar medical condition, or any challenging conditions, to never give up. Belief is the key! And with all the medical advancements we now have, it is a blessing from Allah.' Dr. Ali expressed his pride in the success of the surgery, saying: 'This case highlights the transformative potential of advanced ophthalmological care. We are thrilled with Hanaa's progress, and she is now continuing her aftercare in her home country, where we remain in contact to ensure her long-term well-being.' At Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi, patients like Hanaa find not just treatment but renewed opportunities to embrace life's beauty, proving that miracles can indeed happen when expertise and compassion come together. About Moorfields Eye Hospital Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Moorfields Eye Hospital Center, Abu Dhabi is a partnership between Moorfields Eye Hospital London and M42. M42 is a first-of-its-kind global tech-enabled health powerhouse committed to the sustainable future of health. The Abu Dhabi-headquartered company is transforming lives through innovative clinical solutions that are solving the world's most critical health and diagnostic challenges. By harnessing innovative solutions and unique medical and data-centric technologies, including genomics and AI, M42 is delivering the highest level of personalized, precise, and preventative care to impactfully disrupt the global healthcare ecosystem. M42 has over 20,000 employees and more than 450 facilities in 26 countries. Established in 2022, following the coming together of G42 Healthcare and Mubadala Health, M42 combines unique medical and data-centric technologies with state-of-the-art facilities to deliver world-class care. Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi is a renowned extension of Moorfields Eye Hospital London, the world's oldest and one of the largest centres for ophthalmic treatment, teaching, and research. Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi and Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai unit in their mission to provide the highest standard of eye care, leveraging the legacy and expertise of their London counterpart to offer advanced treatments and services across the United Arab Emirates. About M42: M42 is a global health champion powered by artificial intelligence (AI), technology and genomics to advance innovation in health for people and the planet. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, M42 combines its specialized, state-of-the-art facilities with integrated health solutions like genomics and biobanks, and harnesses advanced technologies to deliver precise, preventive and predictive care, to impactfully disrupt traditional healthcare models and positively impact lives globally. Established in 2022, following the coming together of G42 Healthcare and Mubadala Health, M42 has more than 480 facilities in 26 countries and over 20,000 employees. M42 includes renowned healthcare providers including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Danat Al Emarat, Diaverum, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Hospital, and Moorfields Eye Hospital Abu Dhabi. As well as operating the Emirati Genome Programme, M42 runs Abu Dhabi BioBank and Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS), a global tech-enabled healthcare company operating Malaffi.
