标签： Africa

Travel operators in the UAE have reported that airlines and Saudi authorities have implemented stricter regulations for Umrah pilgrims, making a confirmed return ticket mandatory during check-in. This new rule aims to ensure clarity on each pilgrim’s travel dates and prevent overstays in Saudi Arabia. The regulation applies to all travelers, regardless of their visa type or nationality.

The sudden death of 18-year-old Vaishnav Krishnakumar, a student at Middlesex University in Dubai, has left his family and community in shock. Vaishnav, who had no known underlying health conditions, tragically passed away during Diwali celebrations on Tuesday. Dubai Police confirmed that the cause of death was cardiac arrest. His body was repatriated to Kerala on Friday night, accompanied by his grieving family, who completed the final rites.

Vaishnav’s uncle, Nitish, recounted the heartbreaking incident, stating that the young man had been dancing for nearly an hour before feeling tired and collapsing. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The family received official documentation from Dubai Police confirming the cause of death as cardiac arrest.

Described as a ‘gem of a person’ by family and friends, Vaishnav was known for his humility, compassion, and academic excellence. He had been awarded the Golden Visa for his outstanding achievements and served as the Head of the School Council at GEMS Our Own Indian School. His alma mater expressed profound grief, with Principal Lalitha Suresh stating, ‘We have lost not only a wonderful student but a remarkable human being.’

Vaishnav’s mother, Vidhu Krishnakumar, is a teacher at the same school, adding to the personal loss felt by the institution. Tributes poured in from peers and educators, highlighting his positive impact on those around him. A teacher shared on social media, ‘Your departure is a loss beyond measure.’

The unexpected loss of such a promising young individual has left a void in the hearts of many, as the community mourns the passing of a beloved son, friend, and student.

In a transformative shift, schools across the UAE are redefining discipline, moving away from punitive measures to focus on empathy, self-reflection, and emotional intelligence. This approach comes as the Ministry of Education (MoE) introduces a comprehensive Student Behaviour Code for the academic year, outlining 46 types of violations and corresponding interventions. The framework categorizes misconduct into four levels of severity, emphasizing the creation of a values-based learning environment that prioritizes safety and respect. This change gains urgency following the tragic suicide of a 14-year-old UAE expat’s son in Kerala, India, allegedly due to school-related humiliation, which sparked widespread protests and the suspension of two teachers. UAE educators are now leveraging writing and counseling to help students process their emotions. Arogya Reddy, Principal of Ambassador School Sharjah, highlights how disruptive students are encouraged to express their feelings through writing, often leading to emotional release and calmness. The school’s approach involves counselors who guide students in self-awareness and reflection, with no pressure to share their writings publicly. The MoE’s Code of Conduct also addresses online misconduct, involving parents and formal warnings. Pramod Mahajan, Principal of Sharjah Indian School, explains the tiered corrective measures, starting with verbal warnings and escalating to parental involvement if necessary. Schools also monitor social media activity to prevent inappropriate behavior. Veena Nair of Delhi Private School Sharjah emphasizes fostering self-discipline through mutual respect and responsibility, with student-led initiatives like the Praefectorial Board playing a key role in maintaining a respectful and supportive environment. This holistic approach aims to create a safe space where students feel empowered to learn from their experiences.