分类： society

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has ignited a national debate by proposing that the country’s national health insurance should cover treatments for hereditary hair loss. During a government briefing this week, President Lee challenged the conventional classification of hair loss treatments as merely cosmetic, asserting they should be recognized as “a matter of survival” for many citizens.

This proposition has generated polarized reactions across the nation. While many social media users have praised the initiative, hailing Lee as the “best president in history,” others remain skeptical of its necessity and financial viability. Current policy already covers hair loss resulting from medical conditions, but Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong clarified that hereditary pattern baldness is excluded because it is not life-threatening.

The debate unfolds against the backdrop of South Korea’s renowned beauty standards, where appearance holds significant social and professional weight. Official data reveals that 40% of the 240,000 people who sought medical help for hair loss last year were in their 20s and 30s, highlighting a pressing concern among the youth. Individuals like Lee Won-woo, 33, describe how hair loss severely impacts self-confidence and daily life, though he questions the financial logic of subsidization given the insurance system’s record deficit of 11.4 trillion won ($7.7 billion) last year.

Critics, including the Korean Medical Association, argue that limited public funds should prioritize more severe diseases and vulnerable groups. Many citizens have expressed frustration on social media, comparing the proposal to a “bad joke” when issues like high suicide rates and misogyny demand greater attention. President Lee, who first championed this policy during his unsuccessful 2022 campaign, has also suggested adding obesity drugs to the insurance scheme, emphasizing the need to address youth-specific concerns. Political analysts speculate the move may be a strategic gesture to consolidate support among young male voters ahead of the 2026 local elections, though serious implementation remains uncertain.

Abu Dhabi-based cinematographer Aldana Alhashmi has redefined creative possibility by transforming profound visual impairment into a unique artistic advantage. Diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma—an exceptionally rare eye cancer—at just six months old, Alhashmi now navigates the world with only 25% vision in her left eye after extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Her childhood, marked by lengthy international medical visits, became the foundation for her artistic journey. “My family brought sketchbooks and art supplies to hospital appointments to keep me occupied during endless waits for scans and tests,” Alhashmi recalls. This early exposure evolved into exceptional artistic skill, earning her recognition as the youngest Emirati fashion designer by age eight.

Rather than viewing her condition as a limitation, Alhashmi describes her camera as a technological extension of herself—a “second eye” that captures details she might otherwise miss. “When I look through the viewfinder, I use one side of my eye, much like how vintage cameras operate. It felt tailor-made for me,” she explains. This perspective has fueled her professional success, including assistant director roles on three Netflix series filmed in the UAE and a recently completed master’s degree in cinematography.

Alhashmi’s journey involved significant educational barriers. She recounts how her mother became a daily advocate at her school, fighting for inclusion during the UAE’s early efforts toward educational integration. A particularly impactful challenge came from a school principal who repeatedly denied her opportunities to participate in stage performances. “This rejection forced me to mature quickly and fueled my determination to exceed even able-bodied expectations,” she notes.

Her advocacy recently culminated in the Dome of Inclusion project, a collaborative installation with Canadian University Dubai, Dubai Holding Entertainment, and ImInclusive. Alhashmi contributed tactile elements representing Emirati culture—Sadu-inspired textures and fabrics symbolizing sea, sun, sand, and desert—ensuring blind visitors could experience the art through touch. The project, which also featured 3D tactile artworks and sign language components, received a memorable visit from Sheikha Latifa, whom Alhashmi describes as a role model for arts advocacy.

“I integrate disability into my art not for sympathy, but for empathy,” Alhashmi emphasizes. “My goal is to foster understanding and empowerment, encouraging society to see capability beyond physical limitations.”

A significant low-pressure weather system has prompted comprehensive safety measures across the United Arab Emirates, resulting in the temporary closure of numerous public facilities and attractions. Municipal authorities in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman have proactively shut down public parks, beaches, and open-air markets through Friday, December 19th, prioritizing resident and visitor safety amid deteriorating conditions.

The precautionary measures extend beyond recreational areas, with Dubai Safari Park and Sharjah Safari Park both announcing closures to ensure the welfare of both animals and guests. Global Village, a major entertainment destination, has suspended operations until further notice, while Al Shindagha Museum closed its doors Thursday afternoon, monitoring conditions for potential Friday reopening.

Event cancellations and postponements have also been implemented across the Emirates. The traditional Filipino Simbang Gabi outdoor mass in Dubai was cancelled due to weather conditions, while Ras Al Khaimah’s Department of Economic Development postponed the Lamsat Wataniah 2025 Exhibition indefinitely, promising new dates once conditions stabilize.

Meteorological reports indicate the unstable weather pattern is expected to intensify into thunderstorms Thursday night and Friday morning, bringing heavy rains and strong winds that have already caused waterlogged roads and challenging commute conditions throughout the region. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and urge residents to follow official instructions and weather updates.

A transformative perspective is emerging that redefines motherhood not as a career interruption but as a powerful leadership incubator. Contrary to persistent workplace myths that frame maternity leave as professional stagnation, evidence reveals this life transition actually cultivates exceptional executive capabilities.

The maternal journey represents a profound metamorphosis that sharpens critical leadership competencies. Women returning from maternity breaks demonstrate enhanced decision-making capacities forged through managing complex domestic scenarios. They develop Olympian-level emotional intelligence by interpreting subtle cues and micro-expressions, skills directly transferable to team management and client relations.

Motherhood instills ruthless prioritization abilities, eliminating performative busyness in favor of focused productivity. The constant negotiation required with young children creates master negotiators who understand persuasion dynamics. Perhaps most significantly, mothers develop unwavering boundary-setting skills, recognizing that time represents both economic value and personal sustainability.

Despite these transformative gains, many returning professionals face workplace reintegration challenges. The solution lies in strategic negotiation centered on four pillars: role clarity discussions that eliminate ambiguity, productivity-focused schedule architecture that frames flexibility as a business advantage, resource allocation for reintegration support, and compensation negotiations that reflect expanded capabilities rather than diminished value.

Organizations that recognize maternal acceleration as leadership development stand to gain immensely. The very skills that make effective mothers—decisiveness, emotional intelligence, negotiation mastery, and strategic boundary-setting—represent precisely the competencies that drive organizational success in today’s complex business environment.

DUBAI – The Pakistan Educational and Cultural Board (PECB) has been distinguished with the Gold Category Award during the second phase of the Ethraa Empowerment Programme, an initiative orchestrated by Dubai’s Community Development Authority (CDA). The accolade was presented during a formal ceremony at Emirates Towers on December 17, 2025, in recognition of PECB’s exemplary performance and distinguished social services within the community.

Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the CDA, conferred the award and emphasized in her keynote address the critical importance of community partnership, civil society enhancement, and the instrumental role non-profit organizations play in advancing social development—core tenets of both Dubai and the wider UAE national vision.

The Gold Category Award specifically honors institutions that exhibit superior service quality, sustainable governance frameworks, and the delivery of comprehensive support services to priority demographic groups. PECB, which oversees the Pakistan Education Academy and English Language Private School, stood out for its alignment with these rigorous criteria.

Chairman Hassan Hokal and Vice-Chairman Rashid Ashraf accepted the award on behalf of PECB. They were accompanied by the principals of both institutions, Shamaela Ahmad and Muhammad Atif.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Hokal expressed profound gratitude to the CDA, noting that initiatives like the Ethraa Programme significantly bolster public confidence in non-profit entities while incentivizing continuous improvement in service quality. He described the recognition as a tangible manifestation of the Dubai Government’s commitment to social development, inclusivity, and sustainable community progress.

Mr. Hokal further attributed this achievement to the concerted efforts of PECB’s leadership, board of governors, management, educators, and staff, acknowledging that support from students, parents, volunteers, and the broader community has been fundamental to their success.

The Ethraa Programme serves as a strategic platform for promoting social welfare, institutional transparency, and community service, resonating with the vision of the Dubai Government and its leadership. PECB’s gold-tier selection underscores the organization’s successful integration into Dubai’s social development strategy and its substantial contributions to education and communal service.

Looking forward, PECB reaffirmed its dedication to expanding its educational and social initiatives in accordance with governmental visions centered on tolerance, harmony, and sustainable development, pledging to maintain the highest professional standards in community service.

A disturbing incident of police brutality has emerged from Jerusalem’s Teddy Stadium, where Qays Haddad, a 21-year-old Palestinian citizen of Israel serving as head security guard, was violently assaulted by approximately 13 police officers during a December 8th football derby between Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Jerusalem.

According to Haddad’s account published by Haaretz, the altercation began when three plainclothes detectives attempted to enter the stadium without properly identifying themselves. When Haddad performed his security duty by extending his hand to slow their entry, one detective reportedly responded with ethnic prejudice, stating “An Arab won’t check me” before revealing his police credentials.

The situation rapidly escalated as the three detectives initiated the physical assault before summoning uniformed officers who joined the beating. Haddad described being handcuffed, punched repeatedly across his body, and subjected to racist epithets including being called an “Arab son of a bitch.” The violence was so severe that officers’ hands became bloodied from the assault, and Haddad lost consciousness for several minutes.

Emergency medical response was deliberately delayed according to Haddad, who waited thirty minutes for an ambulance while vomiting blood and struggling to breathe due to choking injuries that left visible marks on his neck.

When attempting to file an official complaint the following day, Haddad was reportedly told by a policewoman that “There’s no way a brother can file a complaint for another brother.” A formal investigation was eventually opened several days after the incident.

The attack has left Haddad with lasting physical and psychological trauma, including difficulty eating, sleeping disturbances, and anxiety triggered by police sirens. The incident has sparked fear among Palestinian security personnel throughout Israel, with many reportedly hesitant to continue working alongside police forces.

Israeli police issued a statement acknowledging a confrontation occurred but provided no details about the excessive force employed, instead suggesting complaints should be directed to “relevant authorities.”

This case emerges amidst growing concerns about racism and political tensions in Israeli sports, including recent displays of banned extremist symbols at matches, censorship of critical fan expressions, and UEFA sanctions against Israeli teams for discriminatory behavior by supporters.