Latest news with #KhalifaCity
Arabian Business
4 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE burger brand Pickl announces new Abu Dhabi branch
UAE burger brand Pickl has opened its third location in Abu Dhabi. The new branch will feature a dine-in venue at Gardens Plaza in Khalifa City, marking the brand's growing and successful presence in the country. The opening further reflects Pickl's mission to bring quality-driven, locally rooted fast food to every major UAE neighbourhood. New Pickl location opens The 1,200 sq ft outpost seats up to 44 guests and reflects the burger joint's fast-food concept and bold personality, creating a vibrant setting to enjoy burgers, chicken sandos, sides, and desserts daily from 10 AM to 1 AM. The burger joint has grown rapidly across the region in a short span of time, with over 16 locations across the UAE and other international branches. The brand's expansion into Khalifa City also fuels its national presence, leading the way for continued growth across the region, the company said in an emailed statement. Launched in Dubai in 2019, Pickl has grown to be one of the region's most recognised fast-food names, with its focus on quality and consistency standing out in a competitive dining environment. Steve Flawith, Founder and CEO of parent company Yolk Brands, said: 'We're proud to open our third location in Abu Dhabi and to deepen our connection with the capital. While residents have enjoyed Pickl through delivery in this neighbourhood, Gardens Plaza now offers them the chance to experience our full menu in person. This vibrant community aligns perfectly with the Pickl brand, and we're excited to serve more legends at our new venue. This launch reflects an important step in our growth journey as we continue bringing Pickl to more communities across the UAE and beyond.' To mark the occasion, the burger joint will be giving away 100 free Ice Cream Sandos during its opening week, until Wednesday, June 4 th.
The National
22-05-2025
- Health
- The National
Inside Abu Dhabi's child abuse centre offering sanctuary to those in need
In a quiet corner of Abu Dhabi, a 24-hour centre is working to ensure that no child at risk 'slips through the cracks'. Known simply as the Child Centre, the unit operates under the Family Care Authority and brings together experts from across the child protection spectrum from social workers, case managers, psychologists, police, prosecutors and doctors to intervene when a child is in danger. 'The Child Centre is a specialised entity that focuses on ensuring the well-being and protection of children of all ages, nationalities, and ethnicities in Abu Dhabi,' Naema Al Shehhi, case manager at the centre told The National. 'There is a multidisciplinary approach. It brings together several entities: social workers, case managers, psychologists, law enforcement including both police and prosecution, and medical professionals. We also work with schools, hospitals, and any entity that interacts directly with children.' How are incidents reported? Based in Khalifa City, all of these services are housed under one roof, allowing staff to respond quickly and efficiently. 'We often receive reports from schools or hospitals and co-ordinate with them when creating intervention plans,' Ms Al Shehhi said. The range of cases the centre sees is wide, from physical, emotional and sexual abuse, to neglect and exploitation such as forced labour or trafficking. 'We receive various types of cases: psychological, sexual, or physical abuse; exploitation including child labour or trafficking; and cases of neglect where children lack proper care,' she said. While some reports come from hospitals or schools, others are submitted directly by the public. 'We receive reports through various channels: the hotline (800 444), our online portal, hospitals, police, prosecution, and sometimes directly from the public,' she said. How are cases assessed? Once a report is filed, the team begins with a risk assessment to identify where the danger is coming from. 'Each case is assessed individually. The first step is a risk assessment. We identify the source of risk – whether it's a parent, another child, a stranger -and tailor the next steps accordingly,' Ms Al Shehhi said. 'If a parent is the source of risk, we may interview the child at school to avoid influence or pressure. Only after understanding the risk do we involve the parents.' In cases of serious and immediate danger, action is swift. 'We assess whether the child can safely return to their environment. If not, alternative care is arranged – ideally within the extended family. If that's not possible, we place the child in a shelter. Our services run 24/7. When a child is at immediate risk, action is taken within hours.' That kind of fast response is not common in the UAE, and that is exactly the point. 'Compared to police or prosecution processes, our intervention is more immediate and especially in child abuse cases. We act quickly and prioritise high-risk cases,' she said. She said most of the abuse cases she sees are not malicious but happen because of a lack of education. 'While child abuse is common, many cases stem from a lack of education or awareness. In such cases, we focus on educating and empowering parents.' Still, the more serious cases leave a mark. 'Most of the abuse we see is unintentional, due to lack of awareness. But intentional abuse cases do occur and those are the ones that stay with you the most. Children don't always have the awareness or means to report what's happening to them.' Who is supported? In terms of age, the centre can help everyone from newborns to teenagers. 'We receive cases from children as young as a few months old up to 18 years.' And while their work touches many aspects of child welfare, adoption cases are handled elsewhere. 'We don't handle adoption cases. There's a separate centre that specialises in that,' she said. Often, a case may begin with a school, a hospital, or a family member reaching out but it can also come from a parent walking into the centre in distress. Once the team determines how serious the risk is, they build a response plan. 'We conduct a comprehensive evaluation, implement an intervention plan, and follow up before closing any case.' Even then, follow-ups continue. 'Our case management process continues after the initial intervention,' Ms Al Shehhi said. 'We conduct a comprehensive evaluation, implement an intervention plan, and follow up before closing any case.' Children with special needs are considered high-risk, and their cases are treated with even greater caution. Ms Al Shehhi said that while it is natural for parents or schools to report to police, they are always welcome to come directly to the centre. 'We encourage families and schools to report directly to us, unless there's immediate danger then they should go to the police, who will refer the case to us.' In the end, she said, if a child is unsafe and nobody acts, the consequences can be devastating. 'Children cannot protect themselves, and the adult they're living with determines the quality of their life. If there's danger and our entity doesn't intervene, there may be no way the child can be removed from that environment.'
