Latest news with #KhalafAlHabtoor
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
28-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai National Insurance's general assembly raises cash dividends for 2024
Dubai – Dubai National Insurance announced that the general assembly approved a 15% cash dividend to shareholders amounting to AED 17.32 million, according to a press release. Khalaf Al Habtoor, Chairman of Dubai National Insurance, commented: "DNI's insurance revenue rose to AED 469.10 million in 2024, up from AED 448.30 million in 2023, an increase of 5%.' 'DNI reported strong profitability for 2024, achieving a full-year (post tax) net profit of AED 53.50 million, an increase of 13.60% over the previous year,' Al Habtoor mentioned. He noted: 'As a result, we have increased the dividend from AED 11.55 million to AED 17.32 million, reinforcing our commitment to delivering shareholder value. This strong financial performance was a result of prudent underwriting strategies and strong investment income and are particularly commendable given the unprecedented challenges faced by the UAE insurance industry due to the April floods.' Source: Mubasher
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai National Insurance approves a cash dividend of 15% at the Annual General Assembly meeting
Dubai: Dubai National Insurance (DNI), one of the leading insurance companies in UAE, held its Annual General Assembly Meeting today that was led by Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor where the Board announced a 15% cash dividend to shareholders amounting to AED 17.325 million. Khalaf Al Habtoor, Chairman of the Board of Directors at DNI, commented: "We are proud to report strong underwriting performance and excellent profitability for the year 2024, underlined by our net profit figures. DNI's insurance revenue rose to AED 469.1 million in 2024, up from AED 448.3 million in 2023, an increase of 5%. DNI reported strong profitability for 2024, achieving a full-year (post tax) net profit of AED 53.5 million, an increase of 13.6% over the previous year. As a result, we have increased the dividend from AED 11.550mn to AED 17.325mn, reinforcing our commitment to delivering shareholder value. This strong financial performance was a result of prudent underwriting strategies and strong investment income and are particularly commendable given the unprecedented challenges faced by the UAE insurance industry due to the April floods.' Adding to this, A.R. Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer at DNI, said, 'DNI experienced another successful year, characterised by significant underwriting growth across key business lines and strong investment income in our net profit. The devastating floods of 2024 were a pivotal moment for the industry, reinforcing the crucial role we play in protecting businesses and individuals. At DNI, we responded swiftly by accelerating claims settlements, enhancing our digital capabilities, and improving customer service. We remain dedicated to advancing our automation and digitalisation efforts to deliver faster, more efficient service while continuing to maximise shareholder value and contribute meaningfully to the community." To conclude, Al Habtoor said, 'We extend our sincere gratitude to the visionary leadership of the UAE and the esteemed regulatory authorities, whose unwavering support, progressive policies, and commitment to fostering a resilient and thriving economic environment have enabled our growth and success. I would also like to thank our management, business partners, and the dedicated team at DNI for their continued efforts. Together, we will continue creating value for both our policyholders and shareholders. We remain committed to delivering sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value, ensuring DNI is positioned among the regional market leaders by leveraging our innovative capabilities and differentiated offerings." As the UAE's economy evolves, DNI remains committed to building a resilient, future-ready insurance business that delivers sustainable returns and drives meaningful societal impact. About DNI One of the leading Insurance Companies in UAE, Dubai National Insurance (DNI), has been operating since 1991 with a branch in Abu Dhabi. We are a multiline insurer with products spanning Motor, Medical, Travel, Home and other commercial insurances like Group Medical, Group Life, Engineering, Marine, Property and Liability. Our expert team of insurance and reinsurance professionals will provide the best insurance policies at competitive rates compared to industry peers. Our hassle-free claims services will enhance our mutual relationship. DNI puts customer experience, innovation, financial stability, and value creation on our priority list with the approach to design tailored solutions based on a comprehensive understanding of customers and protection needs. DNI has engaged in broadening its distribution platforms and entered strategic partnerships for underwriting growth. Website:
