分类： society

In 1967, a 22-year-old Kunhu Mohamed embarked on a life-changing journey from his hometown in Thrissur, India, to the UAE. With no passport, money, or certainty about the future, he boarded a wooden dhow named Khwaja Moideen, relying solely on faith and the wind to guide him. After a grueling 40-day voyage, he arrived near Dibba Al Baya in Oman, where he began his new life. From there, he made his way to Sharjah, a land of opportunity still in its infancy, with unpaved roads and endless possibilities. Mohamed’s early years in the UAE were marked by hard work and perseverance. He took on various jobs, from assisting a plumber to milking cows, always striving to do more than expected. His dedication caught the attention of Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the then Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who employed him as a driver. This marked a turning point in Mohamed’s life. With the Sheikh’s support, he ventured into business, eventually founding Jaleel Holdings, a thriving enterprise in the foodstuff and FMCG distribution sector. Today, at 79, Mohamed continues to inspire with his humility and commitment to his employees. He attributes his success to faith, hard work, and the generosity of the UAE and its people. His story is a testament to the transformative power of determination and the opportunities that the UAE has offered to countless expatriates over the decades.

Generation Z’s relationship with money is markedly different from that of previous generations. While earlier generations often prioritized materialism and immediate financial gains, Gen-Z is navigating a more nuanced and complex financial landscape. This generation spends, saves, and invests, but their approach is shaped by the accessibility of digital tools, the allure of quick financial wins, and a broader awareness of systemic inequalities.

In a significant ceremony held in Al Ain, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, presented the UAE Order for Culture and Creativity to Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the UAE President’s Representative. This prestigious award, part of its second edition, recognizes Al Suwaidi’s exceptional contributions to the nation’s cultural and creative development. Al Suwaidi, a pivotal figure in the UAE’s history, played a crucial role alongside the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in shaping the nation’s foundational institutions and cultural identity. Sheikh Mansour praised Al Suwaidi’s unwavering dedication and loyalty, emphasizing that the award reflects the UAE’s commitment to honoring citizens who have elevated its cultural and civilizational standing. Al Suwaidi expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, attributing it to the legacy of Sheikh Zayed and reaffirming his pride in serving the UAE. The UAE Order for Culture and Creativity, organized by the Ministry of Culture, is the highest honor of its kind, celebrating individuals who have enriched the nation’s cultural heritage and strengthened its global presence.

In the war-torn landscapes of Yemen, education has become a luxury for many children. Crammed under tattered tents or in makeshift classrooms, young learners grapple with the basics of Arabic grammar, often without textbooks or even shoes. Born into a nation fractured by years of conflict, these children are among the fortunate few who still have access to any form of schooling. Yemen’s education system lies in ruins, with nearly 3,000 schools destroyed and those still standing plagued by power outages, water shortages, and a dire lack of trained teachers. At Al Ribat Al Gharbi school near Aden, a typical example, students endure overcrowded conditions, with classes often exceeding 100 pupils. Teacher Suad Saleh, clad in the traditional black niqab, struggles to maintain order in her rudimentary classroom, where many children sit on the tiled floor with exercise books on their laps. ‘It takes me 10 minutes just to quiet them down,’ she laments. The crisis extends beyond infrastructure. Many teachers have abandoned their posts due to meager wages, with some earning as little as $31 a month. The consequences are dire: over 4.5 million children in Yemen are out of school, according to UNICEF, leaving an entire generation at risk of illiteracy. Amid this devastation, Saudi Arabia has stepped in with development programs, focusing on rebuilding schools and training teachers in government-controlled areas. However, the scars of war remain deep. ‘Stopping education has had a terrible impact,’ says Fathiya Al Afifi, a school principal. ‘An entire generation can neither read nor write. This is a disaster.’

South Korea has implemented a series of nationwide measures to ensure a smooth and distraction-free environment for students taking the highly consequential College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), locally known as the ‘Suneung.’ The exam, held on November 13, 2025, is a pivotal event in the lives of South Korean students, as it determines admission to top universities and is widely viewed as a gateway to social mobility, economic stability, and even marital prospects. With so much at stake, the government has taken extraordinary steps to minimize disruptions. A 35-minute flight ban was enforced during the English listening test, affecting 140 flights, including 75 international services. Additionally, banks and public offices delayed their opening hours by an hour to reduce traffic congestion. Parents and students alike were visibly anxious, with many parents visiting shrines, churches, and temples to pray for their children’s success. The exam day is steeped in traditions and superstitions, such as avoiding seaweed soup, believed to cause students to ‘slip’ in their performance. The 2026 admission cycle also introduced a new requirement for universities to consider applicants’ records of school violence, marking a significant shift in policy. Over 550,000 students registered for the exam, with many receiving encouragement from younger peers and community members. The day-long test, held at centers like Yongsan High School in Seoul, saw a heavy media presence and police assistance for latecomers. The CSAT remains a defining moment in South Korea’s education system, reflecting the nation’s intense focus on academic achievement and its broader societal implications.

The UAE’s General Authority for Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat (Awqaf) has finalized the list of 6,228 Emirati citizens selected to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in 2026 (1447 AH). The selection process, conducted through an automated sorting system, evaluated over 72,000 applicants based on specific criteria and eligibility conditions. Priority was given to senior citizens and individuals with medical conditions requiring special care, followed by those who had applied multiple times without success and first-time pilgrims. All approved applicants have been notified via text messages and other communication channels to begin completing the necessary procedures. The authority emphasized its commitment to fairness, transparency, and ensuring a safe and organized Hajj experience. Unsuccessful applicants for 2026 will have their applications automatically transferred to the 2027 Hajj season without requiring resubmission. This initiative aligns with the UAE government’s strategy to provide efficient and civilized services that meet the aspirations of its citizens.