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Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Meet UAE kids who recite call to prayer in mosques during summer break
While summer holidays are typically associated with fun and leisure, several Emirati children have chosen to dedicate part of their break to learning and performing the adhan (call to prayer) in mosques across the country, reflecting a deep-seated passion and spiritual connection. Khaleej Times spoke to a group of children who raised the adhan (call to prayer) as part of the 'Mu'adhin Al-Farij' programme. The name 'Mu'adhin Al-Farij' literally means "the neighbourhood's caller to prayer of the neighbourhood". It aims to instil Islamic values in the next generation and foster children's connection to mosques. Among the standout participants is nine-year-old Rashid Khalid Alketbi, a student at King's School in Dubai, whose love for the adhan started early. At just eight years old, he approached the imam at his local mosque and asked if he could perform the adhan himself. The imam agreed, and from that day, reciting the adhan became part of Rashid's daily routine. Passion for adhan "When I heard the imam making the adhan, I asked my mother if I could try. She agreed, and then I went to the imam and asked him. He let me call the Asr adhan, and I felt a sense of calm (like never before)," Alketbi said. Rashid's passion only grew. With his soothing voice and a deep sense of dedication, he eventually joined the Mu'adhin Al-Farij programme. He also had the honour of performing the adhan in front of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at Nad Al Sheba Palace. A gifted poet as well, Rashid won first place in a Dubai-wide poetry contest among 1,000 students. His mother, who actively supports his pursuits — from Quran to public speaking to sports — says his enthusiasm for the adhan comes entirely from within. He now trains at Hattrick Football Academy, where Emirati children can bond together in a culturally rooted environment. He hopes to become an official mu'adhin in the mosques of the Emirates one day. He also encourages other children to try it too, saying it brings tranquility and great spiritual reward. Following in his father's footsteps Another young mu'adhin shared his story of how he got started. Inspired by his religious father, Nahyan Abdulla Alfalasi gave his first adhan at home when he was around eight or nine years old. Speaking to Khaleej Times, the 10-year-old said, "The first time I gave the adhan was at home. I used to listen to different mu'adhins and learn from them." He began imitating various mu'adhins and eventually developed his own style, influenced by his favourite reciter, Hamad Al Daghrir, who performs the adhan Makkah's Grand Mosque. "I love his voice. I try to imitate him, but I use my style too," he said. When asked if he feels nervous before making the adhan, he said, "My parents raised me well and instilled confidence in me. What I love most is that my voice is soft and the adhan is accurate." Alfalasi, a student at the Scientific Research School in Dubai, regularly visits a mosque in Al Khawaneej, where his father prays and where he takes Quran and adhan lessons, "I used to go two or three times a week to learn," he said. One of his proudest moments came when he performed the adhan at Zabeel Palace in front of the Dubai Ruler and Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan. "I met Sheikh Mohammed first, then Sheikh Hamdan. After I finished the adhan, Sheikh Mohammed told me: 'Your adhan is number one'." He recalled a lighthearted moment during a trip to City Walk with his friends, where they asked him to call the adhan in one of the mosques there. "It was a beautiful feeling," he said. Nahyan has memorised three parts of the Quran and spends his summer balancing Quranic studies with swimming and football. His advice to other kids? "Learn the adhan now, so that one day you can become mu'adhins like me." His mother encouraged him to participate in the programme so that her children would grow up with a strong religious and cultural foundation. "The programme is amazing. It builds character and instils values," she said. She also enrolled her younger son, Tahnoon, who is nine years old. "The goal isn't to win — it's for children to learn, call the adhan at the mosque, and lead prayer in the future," she added. 'Moment of joy' Although the programme is based in Dubai, that didn't stop cousins Tamim and Hassan, from Khor Fakkan, from joining. Tamim Mahmoud Ali, 12, and Hassan Humaid Aldarmaki, 11, joined the programme despite the long travel to Dubai. They trained under Sheikh Younis, the imam of Al Warqaa Mosque. Their commitment paid off — they were selected for advanced training at Al Maktoum Centre due to their talent and dedication. They also performed the adhan at various mosques in Dubai and Khor Fakkan. Tamim, who once battled nerves, said calling the adhan at Umm Al Sheif majlis was a turning point: 'All my nervousness disappeared in that moment of joy.' Hassan, once a quiet imitator of other mu'adhins, now calls the adhan with confidence. He has memorised nine juz' of the Quran, while Tamim has memorised eleven. Both boys also attend classes in Islamic jurisprudence and Hadith and take part in sports, especially football. When asked about their feelings while making the adhan, both described a sense of awe and a deep spiritual connection. They hope to become official mu'adhins in the future and encourage other children to try it for themselves, calling it a spiritually uplifting experience.
Economic Times
28-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Young investor programme in UAE to teach key financial skills to 75,000 school students
Young investor programme in UAE to teach key financial skills to 75,000 school students. Synopsis In the United Arab Emirates, a new initiative aims to educate young students about finance. The 'Young Investor Programme', by National Bonds and Knowledge Fund Establishment, targets 75,000 students in 50 schools. It intends to teach saving, budgeting, and investing through classroom learning and real-life training. The programme has already started in Dubai schools and is expanding to other cities like Sharjah. In a bid to incorporate essential financial skills such as diligent saving, budgeting and strategic investing into young students from an early age, companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have launched a new initiative. With an aim to reach 50 schools and impact 75,000 students across the Emirates, The 'Young Investor Programme' was launched by National Bonds, a Shari'a-compliant savings and investment company, in collaboration with the Knowledge Fund Establishment. ADVERTISEMENT The programme blends classroom-based learning with immersive, real-life training, offering students a unique and interactive pathway to understanding personal finance. It initially targeted students in Grades 5 and 6. The curriculum under this initiative introduces fundamental financial concepts in a simplified manner to create an impact, according to The Khaleej Times. Meanwhile older students in Grades 11 and 12 also benefitted from hands-on workshops hosted at National Bonds' headquarters. These sessions dive deep into topics of critical importance, including budgeting, investment planning, market research, data analysis, and essential communication skills, providing participants with a crucial behind-the-scenes perspective on the workings of financial services and bridging theoretical knowledge with practical career curriculum has six core modules: Money Management, Payment Systems, Loans and Debts, Savings and Investments, Insurance Protection Plans (with a specific focus on Takaful), and Long-Term Financial programme also integrates real-life application through engaging role-play exercises, interactive case studies, and practical workshop activities, Khaleej Times reported. Moreover, there are new modules being introduced on a regular basis tapping into areas including artificial intelligence, digital currencies, and modern money management practices. ADVERTISEMENT The 'Young Investor Programme' has already been implemented in 11 private schools across Dubai as a part of the pilot phase, which turned out to be successful. The participating institutions include Dubai Schools – Al Barsha; Dubai Schools – Al Khawaneej; Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba; International School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba; American School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba; American School of Creative Science – Maliha; American School of Creative Science – Al Layyah; Buds Public School; Nibras International School Dubai; Springdales School Dubai; and St Mary's Catholic High School. ADVERTISEMENT As of now, the programme is catering to 3,500 students in Dubai. The initiative is now taking giant strides and expanding beyond Dubai, entering cities like Sharjah. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE schools to train 75,000 students on real-world money skills under ‘young investor programme'
The 'Young Investor Programme' will teach 75,000 UAE students across 50 schools essential skills like saving, budgeting, and investing through interactive lessons and real-world workshops/ Image courtesy: Khaleej Times In a landmark move to promote early financial literacy among students, National Bonds, the UAE's leading Shari'a-compliant savings and investment company, in partnership with the Knowledge Fund Establishment, has launched the 'Young Investor Programme'. The programme is designed to teach fundamental financial concepts to students through both classroom-based and hands-on, real-world learning. Reaching 75,000 Students Across the UAE The initiative sets an ambitious goal: to reach 50 schools and impact 75,000 students across the country. It has already completed a successful pilot phase in 11 private schools in Dubai, currently engaging 3,500 students. As part of a recently announced three-year expansion plan, National Bonds aims to scale the programme nationwide through regional activations and flexible delivery models. The schools that participated in the pilot phase include: Dubai Schools – Al Barsha Dubai Schools – Al Khawaneej Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba International School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba American School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba American School of Creative Science – Maliha American School of Creative Science – Al Layyah Buds Public School Nibras International School Dubai Springdales School Dubai St. Mary's Catholic High School With its early success in Dubai, the programme is now expanding to Sharjah, through a collaboration with the Masar initiative, launched by the Sharjah Capability Development Authority. Masar aims to empower Emirati university students and recent graduates with practical training and mentorship, ensuring continuity in financial education from school years into early adulthood, preparing for the workforce through Masar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like India's first integrated Power Backup Solution - Livguard Lithium-X Livguard Buy Now Undo A Curriculum That Combines Theory and Practice The programme initially targets Grades 5 and 6 with simplified lessons on financial basics. It also extends to Grades 11 and 12, where students participate in workshops hosted at National Bonds' headquarters, providing hands-on exposure to the finance industry. Students are introduced to a structured curriculum built around six core modules: Money Management Payment Systems Loans and Debts Savings and Investments Insurance Protection Plans, with a focus on Takaful Long-Term Financial Planning These modules are supported by role-playing exercises, interactive case studies, and practical workshops that bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. To keep pace with evolving economic trends, new topics are continuously added, including: Artificial Intelligence (AI) Digital Currencies Modern Money Management Techniques For older students, the workshops delve deeper into: Budgeting and Financial Planning Investment Strategy Market Research Data Analysis Professional Communication Skills These activities aim to give students an insider perspective into financial services and the skills required in finance careers. Extending Beyond the Classroom More than just academic learning, the programme also encourages students to develop and pitch real-world investment or business projects. Selected proposals may receive feasibility assessments, mentorship, and recognition, preparing students for entrepreneurial or investment-focused futures. In Sharjah, the Masar partnership enhances this vision by targeting university students and fresh graduates through specialised financial literacy workshops. These sessions focus on: Savings Financial Planning Investment Awareness Risk Management A Vision Aligned with the UAE's Knowledge Economy Speaking about the broader impact of the initiative, Rehab Lootah, Group Deputy CEO at National Bonds, said: 'The success of the 'Young Investor Programme' reflects our belief that financial education should start early, and in a way that resonates with young minds. By equipping students with the basics of saving and planning, we are helping them build habits that last a lifetime.' Lootah also stressed how the programme aligns with the UAE's national development goals: 'This initiative is more than just a programme; it's part of a larger movement aligned with the UAE's vision for a knowledge-based economy. As we expand into more emirates, we are proud to be giving the next generation the confidence and tools to navigate their financial future with purpose.'
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Young investor programme in UAE to teach key financial skills to 75,000 school students
In the United Arab Emirates, a new initiative aims to educate young students about finance. The 'Young Investor Programme', by National Bonds and Knowledge Fund Establishment, targets 75,000 students in 50 schools. It intends to teach saving, budgeting, and investing through classroom learning and real-life training. The programme has already started in Dubai schools and is expanding to other cities like Sharjah. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads In a bid to incorporate essential financial skills such as diligent saving, budgeting and strategic investing into young students from an early age, companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have launched a new initiative. With an aim to reach 50 schools and impact 75,000 students across the Emirates, The ' Young Investor Programme ' was launched by National Bonds, a Shari'a-compliant savings and investment company, in collaboration with the Knowledge Fund programme blends classroom-based learning with immersive, real-life training, offering students a unique and interactive pathway to understanding personal finance. It initially targeted students in Grades 5 and curriculum under this initiative introduces fundamental financial concepts in a simplified manner to create an impact, according to The Khaleej Times. Meanwhile older students in Grades 11 and 12 also benefitted from hands-on workshops hosted at National Bonds' sessions dive deep into topics of critical importance, including budgeting, investment planning, market research, data analysis, and essential communication skills, providing participants with a crucial behind-the-scenes perspective on the workings of financial services and bridging theoretical knowledge with practical career curriculum has six core modules: Money Management, Payment Systems, Loans and Debts, Savings and Investments, Insurance Protection Plans (with a specific focus on Takaful), and Long-Term Financial programme also integrates real-life application through engaging role-play exercises, interactive case studies, and practical workshop activities, Khaleej Times reported. Moreover, there are new modules being introduced on a regular basis tapping into areas including artificial intelligence, digital currencies, and modern money management 'Young Investor Programme' has already been implemented in 11 private schools across Dubai as a part of the pilot phase, which turned out to be participating institutions include Dubai Schools – Al Barsha; Dubai Schools – Al Khawaneej; Dubai Schools – Nad Al Sheba; International School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba; American School of Creative Science – Nad Al Sheba; American School of Creative Science – Maliha; American School of Creative Science – Al Layyah; Buds Public School; Nibras International School Dubai; Springdales School Dubai; and St Mary's Catholic High of now, the programme is catering to 3,500 students in Dubai. The initiative is now taking giant strides and expanding beyond Dubai, entering cities like Sharjah.
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Crayons Nursery breaks ground in Nad Al Sheba
The purpose-built centre will welcome children aged 45 days to five years with a bilingual, play-led approach inspired by global best practices. Dubai: A new chapter in early childhood education began in Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai, as Nalapad Investments and MVK Holdings hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for Crayons Nursery. Crayons Nursery will be a progressive learning centre following all the best practices in early years pedagogy primarily focusing on the EYFS curriculum. This purpose-built early years centre will open its doors to young toddlers in May 2026 & the FS1 and FS2 intake from September 2026. The ceremony, held at the nursery site, was attended by government officials, education leaders, investors, media representatives, and families. Chief Guest Mr. Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, Chief Executive Officer of the Knowledge Fund Establishment, graced the event. Crayons Nursery is designed to accommodate 200 children aged between forty-five days and five years. The campus will offer a bilingual programme in English and Arabic, and provide a nurturing space that fosters joyful learning, creativity, and emotional development. Crayons Nursery reflects the founders' continued investment in high-quality education that supports families and communities across Dubai. 'Every child deserves a beginning where their curiosity is honoured and their individuality is nurtured,' said Mr. Abdulla Nalapad Ahmed, Managing Director of Nalapad Investments and Chairman of Credence High School. 'Crayons Nursery is our commitment to families in Dubai. It is a space where children will be encouraged to explore, express, and grow in a caring environment. We are building more than a nursery. We are shaping the early years of tomorrow's innovators, leaders, and change-makers.' 'We are committed to contribute meaningfully to Dubai's long-term plan for a diversified and knowledge-driven economy, in line with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority's (KHDA) Education 33 transformative vision, aimed to position the emirate as a global hub for education and innovation. Crayons Nursery reflects the kind of forward-thinking, learner-centric approach that lays the foundation for academic excellence, cultural empowerment, equitable access, innovative practices and personal development from the very earliest years,' he added. Mr. Sameer K. Mohamed, Managing Director of MVK Holdings and Governor of Credence High School, added, 'Families today seek more than just a preschool. They want a place where their children feel safe, inspired, and celebrated. Crayons Nursery brings together leading pedagogical practices from the EYFS, Montessori, and Finnish models within a thoughtfully designed campus. Our vision is to create a centre where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. This is the beginning of a larger journey to bring Crayons to more communities across the UAE.' 'Crayons Nursery creates a safe and enriching space where children fall in love with learning at their own pace. By celebrating curiosity and emotional well-being, the nursery aims to cultivate confident, kind, resilient learners, and as a process making the children ready for the school,' he added. The educational philosophy at Crayons Nursery is guided by the belief that children learn best through joy and exploration. With the motto 'We Explore, We Imagine, We Bloom', the centre's approach integrates structured development tracking with free play, music, nature-based activities, splash zones, and role play. Educators will work in close partnership with parents to support each child's unique learning journey. The Nad Al Sheba campus is only the beginning. The founders of Crayons Nursery envision a network of centres across the UAE, each designed to provide the same standard of care, creativity, and learning. This is not just an educational development. It is the beginning of a new way to nurture potential from the very first years of life. About Crayons Nursery Crayons Nursery is a purpose-built early childhood education centre developed by Nalapad Investments and MVK Holdings in Nad Al Sheba 1, Dubai. Serving children aged 45 days to 5 years, the nursery integrates EYFS, Montessori, and Finnish education frameworks into a bilingual, play-led programme. Crayons Nursery places strong emphasis on emotional development, creativity, and curiosity-led learning. It is the latest addition to the group's education portfolio and reflects their commitment to inclusive, high-quality education in the UAE.
