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The National
05-05-2025
- The National
Children flying solo: How to prepare minors for an unaccompanied flight
With school summer holidays on the horizon, parents' thoughts turn to what to do with the children in July and August. For those working full-time or with commitments that prevent them from travelling for the entire two-month holiday, the choice is usually between putting children in one of the many UAE summer camps or sending them to stay with family and friends in cooler climes. Logistics are a major factor for the second option. Does one parent fly out with the children, drop them off with grandparents, aunts and uncles, then fly back? Do they pay for a relative to fly to the UAE to collect them? Or, do they book an unaccompanied minors service, saving time, holiday days and money? For thousands of UAE mothers and fathers, unaccompanied minors services are the ideal solution. Etihad and Emirates airlines offer comprehensive services for children. 'The first time my girls flew unaccompanied was in 2023 when they were both seven,' says Lydia Halford, a Dubai-based mother of twin girls, Cara and Lucy. 'I was nervous, but my husband was fine because he had flown as an unaccompanied minor when he was a child. 'Cara was excited but Lucy was nervous, so we talked a lot about it beforehand and gave them all the details about what would happen. We also got to the airport super early and talked practically so they understood the process, which made them feel grown-up.' Airlines vary on their rules, regulations and services for unaccompanied minors. Visiting their websites for comprehensive information will help parents choose the best carrier for their children. Once the logistics are taken care of, mothers and fathers should focus on emotional preparation, bearing in mind that younger children may have different concerns from adolescents. 'Preparing a young child to travel alone requires careful planning from parents, whether that's through emotional preparation, age-appropriate information or practical tips,' says Shaikha Alhemeiri, a psychologist and child and adolescent specialist at Sage Clinics. 'Parents can begin by introducing the idea of flying alone well in advance of the trip, if possible. Using a child's imagination through stories and role play is a great way to help your child get comfortable with the idea of travelling solo.' She adds: 'Common concerns children might have include separation anxiety from parents, from missing them too much to feeling unsafe, such as: 'What if I get lost?', 'What if I need to use the bathroom?', or 'Who will take care of me on the plane?' Parents can reassure their children by highlighting the role of airline staff designated to accompany unaccompanied minors, emphasising that there will always be a trusted adult to help them at every stage.' Older children's anxieties may focus on independence, social pressure and 'what if' scenarios. 'Adolescents may worry about not appearing independent or mature enough, even if they don't feel entirely confident,' says Alhemeiri. 'This age group is also more likely to internalise fears, making it harder for parents to spot signs of distress. 'Teens may feel extra pressure to 'handle it well' even when they're struggling internally. Parents can help by opening up a non-judgmental space for conversation, inviting their teens to talk through any fears and role-playing potential challenges in a collaborative, not critical, way.' Etihad's service is for children aged five to 17. The service is free for those aged from five to 11, and they must be booked on an adult fare. Children aged 12 to 17 can travel alone on an adult ticket, with an additional fee of $100-$150 each way to use the service. The Etihad website offers information divided into sections that cover preparing to fly, check-in, being at the airport and on board, connecting flights and arrival. Parents must complete check-in with their child and stay at the airport until the flight has departed. At Air Arabia, children aged over 12 can travel alone. Under-12s must be accompanied by another passenger aged 16 or above. On Emirates, children aged five to 11 must travel on an adult ticket to receive the unaccompanied minors service. Children aged 12 to 15 can fly alone without using the service, but if they wish to, it costs an additional $50 for each leg of the journey. Emirates provides an unaccompanied minors lounge where parents can check in their child. It offers video games, free Wi‑Fi and complimentary drinks and snacks for children while they wait for their flight. As part of the services, children are accompanied at every step of the way through passport and security, boarding and disembarking, and to the arrivals gate where guardians need to show comprehensive documentation to collect the child. 'Emirates' Unaccompanied Minors Service was developed based on industry standards and recommended practices, as well as our customer satisfaction surveys and service feedback,' says Maryam Al Tamimi, Emirates' vice president of passenger services. 'Many of our own staff have children and use the service too, providing a lot of insight.' She said UAE General Civil Aviation Authority regulations require airlines to define procedures for handling children. Lydia Halford, mother to daughters Cara and Lucy, nine 'To prepare the girls for their trip, we took them shopping so they could fill their cabin bags with treats, snacks and games. They were seven when they flew unaccompanied with Emirates and when we booked over the phone, we gave details of who was dropping them off who was authorised to meet them at the other end, along with any allergies or special requirements. 'The whole process was scary for me as mummy, but the handover to the crew was easy. We walked them to the last stop and only one of the girls looked backwards. They had their iPads so they could message us and send pictures. When they flew again last year, it was so simple, there were no nerves because we all knew what to expect. They flew the day after they turned nine, and Emirates threw them a birthday party on board! 'One thing to note is that we didn't realise the children would be the last ones off the flight at the other end, so the waiting time for the grandparents was a bit nerve-racking. My advice to other parents is to be aware that they will come out a bit late and not to worry. This year, there are no nerves; the girls know the drill so it's much easier.' Domitille Gobilliard, mother of daughter, Baya, 11 'Baya was 10 when she first flew unaccompanied. In the past it had always been me taking her to fly to my parents in France and then flying back or having to take holidays, which can be complicated due to work commitments, time and money. 'I'm French, and French kids do a lot of unaccompanied flights and train trips at home, so I wasn't traumatised or completely uncomfortable, but the distance to France was a big thing as we were out of touch for seven to eight hours. 'Baya flew with Emirates to Madrid to visit my brother and the whole process was very reassuring, from the amount of information they take from you and the person picking them up, to getting their own lounge area and being escorted every step of the way. 'When Baya and I talked about the trip, I asked if she knew what it meant to travel without me so she was fully aware of the process. There were other children in the lounge, so she made friends before the flight, and also met kids she knew from school. They all got to sit together near the front of the plane where the cabin crew could keep an eye on them. 'I think parents are usually more nervous than the kids and we tend to put our own stress on them. I would advise not making a big emotional deal out of it and treating it the same you would a school trip. The service is a life-changer for parents who work full-time.'
Khaleej Times
23-03-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Suffer from 'Ramadan brain'? Experts explain how to overcome fatigue, less focus
Several people who fast in Ramadan often share experiences of being forgetful or careless. While some people find it difficult to focus on their tasks, others often misplace items or take longer to complete tasks. Experts say the 'Ramadan brain' phenomenon is common and can be attributed to a number of reasons. 'Some of the common cognitive difficulties people experience during Ramadan include forgetfulness, reduced focus, mental fatigue, slower processing speed, and increased irritability or mood changes,' said Sarah Maamari, Psychologist at Sage Clinics. 'The brain relies heavily on glucose for energy, and during fasting, blood glucose levels drop, which can impair cognitive functions like focus, memory, and problem-solving.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. One described it as a 'cloudy' brain. 'It's that feeling where you struggle to concentrate, your brain feels 'cloudy', and even simple tasks take longer to complete,' said Dr Elie Abirached, a Dubai-based expert in biohacking and longevity, Founder of Limitless Human and Restore Fitness. 'For many, this can affect productivity at work, mood, and energy, especially in the afternoon hours when energy levels drop.' Multiple factors There are multiple reasons why people experience the 'Ramadan brain' phenomenon, with diet being a major factor. 'Fasting from sunrise to sunset can result in a lack of fluids, especially if people do not drink enough during the non-fasting hours,' said Carolyn Yaffe, counsellor and cognitive behaviour therapist, Medcare Camali Clinic. "This dehydration can lead to fatigue, confusion, and impaired concentration.' The brain 'relies heavily' on glucose and fasting, causing blood glucose to drop, explained Sarah. "This can make it more challenging to concentrate, particularly during tasks requiring sustained attention, such as long meetings, teaching, or studying,' she said. 'As the day progresses and glucose stores become further depleted, mental clarity may decline, leading to a brain fog.' Dr Elie added that sleep deprivation, electrolyte imbalance and caffeine withdrawal also have roles to play. 'Waking up for suhoor and going to bed late after night prayers reduces deep and REM sleep, leading to poor brain recovery,' he said. 'People who normally consume coffee or tea may experience caffeine withdrawal headaches and fog during fasting hours. Also, without proper salt, magnesium, and potassium intake, your brain and body struggle to maintain energy and focus.' Overcoming 'Ramadan brain' Despite the upheavel in regular schedules, the 'Ramadan brain' effect can be overcome with a few simple steps, according to the expert. 'A well-balanced Suhoor with complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins can provide sustained energy throughout the day,' said Sarah. 'Scheduling mentally demanding tasks like work, studying and decision-making earlier in the day when you're most alert can help maximise productivity, while lighter, routine tasks can be saved for the afternoon.' Carolyn said that drinking enough water between iftar and suhoor and staying hydrated was 'essential to overcoming cognitive challenges' and staying alert throughout the day. Dr Elie added that focusing on sleep and movement could go a long way. 'Even if your sleep is interrupted, maximise the quality by using magnesium before bed, avoiding blue light, and aiming for deep, restful sleep between iftar and suhoor,' he said. 'Incorporate gentle walks, yoga, or breathwork before iftar to improve circulation and reduce stress without exhausting yourself.' Sarah also called on residents to embrace the 'brain fog' for what it is. 'Ramadan offers a unique opportunity to realign our mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing,' she said. 'Instead of viewing brain fog as a setback, we can reframe it as an invitation to slow down, be present, and practice self-compassion. By nourishing our bodies, optimising our routines, and embracing the communal and spiritual aspects of the month, we can navigate Ramadan with clarity, intention, and a renewed sense of purpose.'
Khaleej Times
27-02-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Do you find yourself eating away your feelings?
Food isn't just fuel. It's social. It's cultural. It's emotional. In the Gulf region — especially in Dubai — dining out is more than a habit; it's a lifestyle where indulgence is the norm. Food frames social interactions in the workplace and in our personal lives. Swanky business lunches, brunches, endless new restaurant openings, and viral food trends make food less about hunger and necessity and more about eating for the experience. Food also releases dopamine, the brain's feel-good chemical. It's why eating something we enjoy can instantly lift our mood. 'Everyone emotionally eats sometimes,' says Dr Hollie Shannon, clinical psychologist at Sage Clinics. 'It's normal to enjoy food for comfort or celebration.' What constitutes 'normal' eating is vastly complex. But experts agree that healthy eating habits include flexibility — eating for pleasure, adjusting intake based on activity levels, and sometimes indulging just because you want to. Emotional eating, on the other hand, is when food becomes a coping mechanism rather than a choice. 'When we eat in response to stress, anxiety, loneliness or boredom without actual physical hunger that's emotional eating,' Dr Shannon explained. 'It's a way to soothe emotional or psychological discomfort, rather than engage in social experiences and fuel the body. 'If food becomes the primary way to manage emotions, it can turn into a problematic cycle — momentary relief followed by guilt, shame, or loss of control,' she explained. Like other potentially harmful coping mechanisms, emotional eating can serve as both a distraction and a numbing tool for uncomfortable feelings,' she said. 'It reduces physiological arousal, meaning it literally calms the nervous system. That's why some people might reach for food when they're feeling overwhelmed.' Not everyone who eats emotionally has an eating disorder, but unchecked emotional eating can spiral into something more serious, such as Binge Eating Disorder (BED) or Bulimia Nervosa (BN).'The warning signs are when eating patterns start interfering with daily life,' said Dr Shannon. 'If someone feels out of control, preoccupied with food, or is using it as their only way to manage stress, that's a red flag.' Another key sign? Guilt. 'If someone feels a deep sense of shame after eating, or they try to 'compensate' with restrictive dieting or excessive exercise, it's time to re-evaluate their relationship with food and with themselves,' she said. Dr Shannon, who has recently moved to Dubai, has noticed the paradox being in the city has on people's relationship with stress, food and body image. 'Like many of the world's best cities, Dubai has an amazing food culture,' Dr Shannon noted. 'However, for some people, food can become an obsession. Extravagant menus and viral food trends can create a sense of pressure to 'try the latest' and anxiety about 'missing out.'' In parallel, the city operates at a fast-pace and is obsessed with hustle culture, fitness and aesthetics. 'Everyday life in a busy city undeniably brings a certain level of stress. At the same time, people are bombarded with messages about body ideals — stay fit, look perfect, don't gain weight,' she added. 'I can see how, for many, this push-and-pull leads to guilt, restrictive dieting, and then overeating or bingeing, reinforcing a cycle of emotional eating.' For those struggling, self-awareness is the first step. 'Recognising the pattern is key,' she emphasises. 'Once you do, you can start shifting towards healthier ways to manage emotions without relying on food.' Dr Shannon suggested several practical strategies for breaking the habit of emotional eating. A simple strategy is to pause before eating and ask yourself: Am I actually hungry, or am I feeling stressed, anxious, or emotional? Recognising these cues can help distinguish between physical and emotional hunger. Practising mindful eating is another approach. When you eat, don't do anything other than that: slow down, remove distractions, and pay attention to how food tastes, smells, and feels. This can enhance control over eating habits and make you more attuned to hunger cues. Expanding coping strategies beyond food is crucial, whether through movement, journalling, deep breathing, or social connection. Lastly, she warns against using restrictive dieting as a quick fix, as it often backfires and fails to address the root causes behind emotional eating. Food and emotions are deeply linked, but food shouldn't be the only coping tool. 'Enjoying food is normal,' said Dr Shannon. 'Recognising patterns, developing alternative coping strategies, and fostering balance can help prevent emotional eating from becoming harmful.'
