Latest news with #MaysIbrahim
Al Etihad
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
UAE artists capture quiet poetry of nostalgic neighbourhoods in photos
8 July 2025 00:18 Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)How do we hold onto the places that shaped us when they start to change, fade, or disappear altogether? Emerging artists in the UAE have turned to their camera lenses to freeze and capture fleeting moments – mapping the physical and emotional terrains of homes, neighbourhoods, and in-between Fares Al Kaabi, photography became a personal act of preservation, documenting the quiet poetry of the neighbourhood he grew up in, where children scribbled on walls and families knew each other by name. Al Kaabi is displaying his work for the first time at the 'Cartographies, Revised' group exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat, which runs until September 1. His series features images, tiles and wooden doors, presented in a circular installation. 'Circles bring people together. I wanted people to walk around and feel surrounded by these moments and memories,' he told Aletihad in a recent interview. Al Kaabi chose to document his neighbourhood using a phone, rather than a professional camera.'I'm not a technical photographer. For me, an image is about what you feel, not the camera settings. I just used my phone, but I think that's what makes my work stand out,' he said. 'I prefer to call them images, not photos, because anyone can take a photo; but not everyone can take an image. An image tells a story,' Al Kaabi artist Hessa Alzaabi explored Dubai's fast-changing urban landscape through her photographs, which are also part of the 'Cartographies, Revised' exhibition. 'I interviewed residents and found that many had come to see community as something rooted in people, not places,' she told images layer interior and exterior views of homes in Jumeirah, combining architectural outlines with personal artefacts.'We pass by so much every day without really seeing it. And when it's gone, we think, 'what was there again?' I want people to slow down, to pay attention.'Yousif Albadi, another featured photographer, used his camera to draw attention to overlooked urban corners.'These are the places where memories happen. You may not know their names, but you remember moments there. That's what I wanted to highlight,' he told Aletihad. One image features a delivery man on a bicycle, an echo of the grocery workers he remembers from his childhood in Sharjah. 'Photography, to me, is appreciation,' said the artist who is also a physician. 'You don't photograph something unless you care about it. I want people to stop and see the beauty in the unnoticed, the unpolished, the simple.'
Al Etihad
30-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Yas Island promises new experiences every year as Abu Dhabi tourism boom fuels long-term expansion: Miral
30 June 2025 23:02 Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)With a long-term expansion strategy, Yas Island guarantees new attractions and experiences for its visitors every year, said Miral Group CEO Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi. At a media roundtable on Monday, Dr. Al Zaabi announced the opening of the highly anticipated first phase expansion of Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi's iconic waterpark operated by Miral Experiences. The new development, which starts welcoming visitors on Tuesday, spans over 13,000 square metres and introduces more than 20 new rides, slides, and attractions — including several regional firsts — as well as a new dining expansion is timed to accommodate rising demand during the summer season, Dr. Al Zaabi example, the Warner Bros. Hotel on Yas Island reached 98.8% occupancy during Eid. Due to this high demand, plans are underway to increase the hotel's room capacity by 30-40% over the coming years, Dr. Al Zaabi said. 'Yas Waterworld's expansion is a testament to Miral's commitment to position Yas Island as one of the world's leading family entertainment destinations,' the Miral Group CEO said. 'We have a clear plan to add new experiences every year. The promise to our customers is: Every time you visit Yas Island, at least once a year, you will see something new.'Dr. Al Zaabi pointed out that the growing popularity of summer visits has been driven by increased tourism from regional markets such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and international visitors from India, China, the UK, and Island benefits from its exceptional location, just minutes from Zayed International Airport and home to multiple world-class theme parks within close proximity, he said. 'The success we see now, with July and August as busy as December, reflects the strength of our master plan and close collaboration with partners,' Dr. Al Zaabi added. 'Safety, accessibility, and unique experiences continue to make Yas Island a preferred destination.' 'Lost City' Now Open Yas Waterworld's new phase, themed 'Lost City', continues the park's original narrative inspired by the UAE's pearl diving heritage, enriching the guest experience with immersive storytelling and culturally rooted with inclusivity in mind, the expansion features dual slides tailored to different age groups. The addition also includes an enhanced kids' zone and new indoor food and beverage outlets, all shaped by over a decade of visitor feedback. Long-term Vision Looking ahead, Miral plans to continue its expansion, with new rides, attractions, and hotel capacity, including the upcoming Disney theme park, a landmark development set to become the seventh global Disney destination and the first in the Middle East.'We are proud to have signed the agreement with Disney, which reflects the maturity and capability of the UAE's entertainment sector,' Dr. Al Zaabi said.'Disney Abu Dhabi will blend authentic Emirati heritage with iconic Disney storytelling, creating an unparalleled experience.' He added that Miral's long-term vision is aligned with Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism targets to grow the tourism sector's GDP contribution from Dh62 billion to Dh90 billion by 2030 and create 178,000 jobs in tourism over the next five years.
Al Etihad
22-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Emirati women engineers ‘break barriers, lead with strength' in industrial sector
22 June 2025 22:20 Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)Curiosity, determination, and a willingness to step into uncharted territory have propelled Emirati women engineers to break into roles once thought unconventional. On International Women in Engineering Day, Aletihad spoke to Emirati women who are managing complex industrial operations and driving technological innovation at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA). Lubna Qasem, Senior Supervisor in the Potlines, Reduction team at EGA, began her journey with childhood curiosity and a strong interest in problem solving, which drove her into the field of engineering. 'I have grown both technically and as a leader through hands-on experience in operations and continuous learning. Working in a demanding environment like the potline has helped me develop resilience and confidence, allowing my career to flourish.'Qasem is the first female graduate engineer in the potline section of EGA's operations and the first women to work shifts at EGA Jebel Ali. 'At first, it was a bit intimidating because I knew I was stepping into new territory,' she said. 'But I also felt proud and determined to pave the way for other Emirati women to follow. It motivated me to work harder and show that we belong in every part of the engineering field. Over time, it became an inspiring experience that made me more confident.'She attributed her growth to EGA's supportive environment - which provided her with technical training and leadership development - along with her own confidence and commitment to learning and taking on new challenges. 'My advice to young Emirati women aspiring to become engineers is to have confidence in their abilities and pursue their passion with determination. Engineering is a field that thrives on innovation, critical thinking, and creativity,' Qasem said. 'Women should not be discouraged by challenges or stereotypes. Our unique perspectives are valuable, and our contributions can help shape a better future for our community and the world. It is important to remain curious, continue learning, and know that there is a place for us in engineering.'Setting Standards, Driving Innovation Nawal Alhammadi, Senior Supervisor in Shift, Energy team, would always start her day by ensuring a smooth transition between operational shifts at EGA. Alhammadi never imagined herself working 12-hour shifts in an industrial role, but taking the leap uncovered her true potential.'Each challenge I face is not just a test of skill, but a declaration that Emirati women are breaking barriers, setting standards, and leading with strength,' she said.'I am part of a new era, where we don't just contribute to change, we define it. We are the architects of a future built on courage, driven by purpose, and limitless in possibility.'With more than 17 years of experience at EGA, Nadia Ahli now serves as the Director of Smelting Development Projects in the Technology Development and Transfer after earning a degree in chemical engineering in 2008, Ahli joined EGA's Technology Development and Transfer department as a graduate passion for tackling technological challenges and driving innovation quickly propelled her into she leads three major areas: Reduction, Carbon, and Cell Lining, overseeing a diverse team of 24 professionals from various nationalities and technical backgrounds. Her proudest moment? Leading the deployment of EGA's proprietary DX+ Ultra smelting technology at Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA) in 2018, where she was the only woman among 11 engineers and the only female working in operational smelter areas. 'This milestone not only showcased EGA's technological leadership but also highlighted the UAE's commitment to empowering women in industrial sectors,' she said. Ahli credited EGA's leadership for its unwavering support, trust, and guidance, empowering her to take on leading roles and consistently strive for excellence. 'I hope to inspire future generations by demonstrating that women can lead, manage, and deliver exceptional results on major industrial projects – both within the UAE and internationally,' she said.
Al Etihad
15-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Swedish companies in UAE upbeat about growth prospects
16 June 2025 00:08 Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)Seventy-one percent of Swedish companies operating in the UAE view the business climate as good or very good, according to the 2025 edition of the Business Climate Survey for Swedish Companies in the survey, released by Business Sweden in the UAE, gathered responses from 46 Swedish companies active on the mainland or in one of the UAE's more than 40 economic free revealed that 67% of Swedish companies in the Emirates expect their industry turnover to increase, and half plan to increase their investments slightly or significantly in the next 12 report's findings point to the UAE's role as a critical regional business hub, as many Swedish companies use it as a springboard into neighbouring GCC countries, as well as wider markets across the Middle East, Africa and South sentiment is dominant across businesses of all sizes, especially in the industrial segment with 68% of firms anticipating turnover key factors behind Swedish companies' success in the UAE include partnerships and relationships, sales competence and cost firms also highly appreciated personal safety, physical infrastructure, and access to quality distributors and service providers in the no company reported exposure to corruption, such as fraud or attempts of bribery from public bodies and internal firms have operated in the UAE since the 1960s, with around 200 Swedish companies now present in the to the report, the UAE remains Sweden's largest trading partner in the MENA region. In 2024, Swedish exports to the UAE grew by 33% compared to the year before, reaching $1.6 billion. Swedish direct investment flows to the UAE also saw a sharp rise to $618 million in 2023.
Al Etihad
15-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE's midday break a major relief for outdoor workers
16 June 2025 00:19 Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)The UAE's annual midday work ban came into effect on Sunday - backed by inspections, fines and new rest stations to ensure the safety of outdoor workers - as summer temperatures hit new records. The three-month ban prohibits work under direct sunlight and in open-air spaces between 12:30 pm and 3 pm, until September initiative, now in its 21st year, was introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in aims to safeguard workers' health and safety during the peak summer months. The UAE recently saw its hottest May day in over two decades, with temperatures hitting 51.6°C on May 24. 'Now in its 21st consecutive year, the midday break is rooted in a sustainability-centred approach that the UAE implements in line with its commitment to providing a safe working environment as per international best practices and occupational health and safety standards, protecting workers from injuries and illnesses caused by working in high temperatures during the summer months,' MoHRE said in a statement. To ensure compliance, MoHRE inspectors will conduct regular site visits across the of the public can report violations by calling 600590000, visiting the ministry's website, or via its smart who fail to comply face fines of Dh5,000 per worker, with a maximum penalty of Dh50,000 for multiple to Mohsin Ali Al Nassi, Assistant Undersecretary for Inspection and Compliance at MoHRE, the midday break has achieved a record compliance rate of more than 99% for several years in a year, the ministry uncovered only 51 violations in 134,000 inspections, which is a marked improvement from the 96 violations reported the year before. In addition to inspections, MoHRE conducts awareness raising campaigns through inspectors' field visits to work sites and labour are expected to provide their workers with shaded areas, adequate cooling devices, sufficient drinking water, and first aid supplies. Mohammad, a construction worker who has been in the UAE for three years, said the midday break is a major relief.'Without this break, working in the sun would be unbearable during summer,' he told Aletihad. This year, MoHRE announced that more than 10,000 air-conditioned rest stations equipped with comfort amenities would be set up for delivery service workers across the UAE throughout the midday break period.'It's a great initiative. The rest stations especially make a big difference for us. I can rest, cool off, and drink some water after riding for hours in the sun,' Ali, a delivery rider in Abu Dhabi, told Aletihad. While the midday ban is broadly enforced, the regulations include specific exemptions for critical operations. These include tasks like laying asphalt or pouring concrete that cannot be delayed, as well as emergency repairs to essential services such as water or electricity. Heat Impact on Health Dr. Poornimaraj Chandrasegharan, internal medicine specialist at LLH Medical Centre, Shabiya, said the break is a crucial buffer against serious heat-related illnesses. 'The most severe of these is heat stroke, a life-threatening condition where the body temperature exceeds 40°C (104°F) and requires immediate medical attention,' she told Aletihad. 'Another common issue is heat exhaustion, which occurs due to excessive loss of water and salt through sweating, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and muscle cramps.'Dehydration, sunburn, and electrolyte imbalances are frequent among outdoor workers who don't get adequate rest or hydration, she added. In the UAE, summer temperatures often exceed 45°C (113°F), particularly between 12pm and 3pm. 'Avoiding outdoor work during this period significantly reduces exposure to extreme heat and helps maintain safer core body temperatures,' Dr. Chandrasegharan said.'This break helps reduce the risk of heat stroke, which typically peaks in the early afternoon, by allowing workers to rest in cooler, shaded, or air-conditioned areas. It also plays a crucial role in minimising dehydration, as less time in direct sun reduces fluid and electrolyte loss through sweat, while providing an opportunity to rehydrate,' she explained. Dr. Chandrasegharan added that supervisors and workers should remain alert to early symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. 'The most telling sign of heat stroke is high body temperature, specifically a core temperature above 40°C (104°F), often accompanied by altered mental status or behaviour, such as confusion, irritability, slurred speech, or disorientation,' she said. Other early indicators include hot, dry, and flushed skin, a throbbing headache, dizziness or fainting, nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps, and rapid, shallow breathing. In more advanced cases, symptoms can escalate to seizures or loss of consciousness, according to Dr. Chandrasegharan. 'Recognising these signs early is critical, as timely intervention can prevent the condition from progressing into a life-threatening emergency.'
