There is no single teenage experience that defines the life of young people in the UAE - they have come from many countries and their trajectories in the Emirates vary widely; some are just passing through, a year or two in a new school with new friends; others, even those whose family are expatriates, have called this country home since birth.
We asked teenagers to tell us their perspectives on life as a young person in the UAE.
Do adolescents pass their time in Dubai just as they do in other places? When asked about their social lives, the majority of the teenagers cited the mall and the cinema as their favourite places to go with friends. Agata Augulevich told us that she enjoyed the fact that her social life in Dubai was cosmopolitan. Natasha Khan too, wrote that she enjoyed mixing with people from different backgrounds. On the downside, Ahmed Sakr from Dubai, who likes to spend his spare time rapping, complained that fights in the mall are a blight on his social life, while Zerrin D Erdogan wrote that "movies and bumper cars just don't do it for teenagers anymore" and pointed out that pocket money can't keep pace with price rises.
Agata Augulevich
17 years old
Dubai
I love the social aspect of Dubai because it is so cosmopolitan. With most of the inhabitants being expats, the diversity and open-mindedness of the Dubai population is amazing.
Personally, each one of my friends is from a different continent. People are friendly and tolerate all backgrounds and races with minimum discrimination. Wherever teenagers go, they are always treated equally to adults and are not blown off or thought to be inferior to elders. The services, from coffee shops to boutiques to cinemas, are welcoming and are nice places to chill after a day of hard work. There are so many options for outings that are appropriate for us and we take advantage of them wisely.
I think that Dubai is a great place to grow up and spend the adolescent years because it's safe and fun with the appropriate restrictions that still allow teenagers to enjoy this city. It's nice to know that you can have fun without having to be paranoid about your safety. Dubai is like a worldly bubble that protects and spoils its inhabitants with hundreds of activities and places to visit and offers an awesome social life to all students.
Zerrin D Erdogan
Abu Dhabi
As a student who has lived in Abu Dhabi for two years now, I have often been faced with a question that has led to many weekend debates, "Is it possible to have a good time in Abu Dhabi without going broke?" The reality is that movies and bumper cars just don't do it for most teenagers anymore. Unless you have one of those fake IDs that are increasing in number, you won't be partying or clubbing anytime soon.
How are we, as young adults, expected to maintain acceptable and healthy social lives with average allowances and no job opportunities? I do not mean to sound spoiled and I am not trying to say that allowances should be raised. Clearly, not having enough money is not the issue here in Abu Dhabi but prices around the city are continually increasing and students cannot keep up. Sure, we will soon have our own indoor ski facility, but it isn't opening for business soon. The very popular Hilton Beach Club (Hiltonia) is sometimes the only choice people have when it comes to going to the beach, since being ogled at by obvious onlookers at the public beaches isn't anyone's idea of a good time.
Even though I love this city to pieces, I believe that it is ridiculous for adults to criticise those teenagers out there that graffiti and go to shisha cafes from time to time. Don't expect a 17-year-old to willingly go to summer camp or a 15-year-old to appreciate art at the cultural foundation. Be realistic and try to put yourself in our shoes.
Natasha Khan
16 years old
Dubai
Having lived in Dubai for 10 years, I have a rough idea of the social life here. My social life has its own personal ups and downs. Firstly, one of the best things about Dubai is the diverse culture. Dubai is multicultural, so as a young person you learn so much about other cultures, nationalities and religions because you have the chance to mix socially with different kinds of people.
Another thing I like is that Dubai has such a small community, so you know everyone and are constantly bumping into people in public places.
Moving onto the negative things about my social life in Dubai, I think I speak for all teenagers when I say we don't have enough places to "chill". The options are limited and we usually end up at the mall on weekends.
The worst part of my social life is never being able to get to a meeting place because of transport. Walking is a great option if you want to get fried in the heat and our parents aren't always present to drop us by car. Even taxis are now being dubbed as "unsafe".
To sum it all up, those who are fortunate enough to have a social life in Dubai will find it rewarding with advantages and disadvantages.
Shegufta Reina Alam 16 years old Dubai
"Regret for yesterday and fear for tomorrow are the two main tragedies of life" - a quote which sums up the main issue with today's youth.
What we don't understand, we fear. And what we fear, we hate. This leads to a dreadfulness for the future and depression when the desired result is not achieved. So the time wasted on grievance of the past and dreadfulness of the future does not give us the opportunity to appreciate reality.
Furthermore, the constant need of getting accepted by peers in the society only adds more to the stress. My biggest fear in this situation is that someday there might be lack of originality. Given the chance, we usually tend to follow the herd. But everyone has the right of expression and that right should be appreciated because when we are afraid, we say we are cautious, but when others are, we call them cowards.
Regardless of the pessimism, the one very important factor that enthrals me the most is that every youngster now has the ability and urge to strive and struggle and accept criticism as it comes by. There is always scope for improvement and youngsters today have a lot of sportsmanship that enables them to understand mistakes and rectify them.
To conclude, I will say nothing more than quote, which I hope should make a difference in people's lives.
"The art of living is knowing how far to go - then to go a little further."
Ahmed Sakr
14 years old
Dubai
What I love is that I am a rapper. I like what I do and I like who I am. I really like all my friends, and specially the close ones. I love where I live, because there are a lot of people my age over there.
I only have two problems in my life as a teenager, fights and school. Let me tell you what I mean by fights. Every time I head to the mall, there is always a fight over there, and it always has more than two of my friends involved in it. So what do you expect me to do, stand and watch, or get there back and stand with them? There are a lot of haters in Dubai. The fact that I am a rapper, yes, I get a lot of haters because of that. Sometimes they call me or my friends and tell us when they want to fight. A lot of teenagers in the mall fight for fun. They just pick on you and get you when they find you, even if you did not do anything. That is why I have a lot of my teenage friends carrying pocket knives and brace knuckles with them wherever they go.
Now about school. School just sucks for me. I have never met a teenager saying he likes school. All my friends hate school more than anything in the world, just like me. I hate it because of the teachers. Sometimes they just put so much pressure on you with work, and in my school if you get caught doing anything, no matter what it is, you're suspended, even expelled. My friends once got caught play fighting. They got suspended. In a real fight, people get expelled. How could that be? Fights happen every day no matter where you are.
One more thing I do not like about my school is that it is really hard. I don't like going to a hard school like that. I've never been to a school that serious in my entire life.
That's my teenage life.
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
RESULTS
Light Flyweight (48kg): Alua Balkibekova (KAZ) beat Gulasal Sultonalieva (UZB) by points 4-1.
Flyweight (51kg): Nazym Kyzaibay (KAZ) beat Mary Kom (IND) 3-2.
Bantamweight (54kg): Dina Zholaman (KAZ) beat Sitora Shogdarova (UZB) 3-2.
Featherweight (57kg): Sitora Turdibekova (UZB) beat Vladislava Kukhta (KAZ) 5-0.
Lightweight (60kg): Rimma Volossenko (KAZ) beat Huswatun Hasanah (INA) KO round-1.
Light Welterweight (64kg): Milana Safronova (KAZ) beat Lalbuatsaihi (IND) 3-2.
Welterweight (69kg): Valentina Khalzova (KAZ) beat Navbakhor Khamidova (UZB) 5-0
Middleweight (75kg): Pooja Rani (IND) beat Mavluda Movlonova (UZB) 5-0.
Light Heavyweight (81kg): Farida Sholtay (KAZ) beat Ruzmetova Sokhiba (UZB) 5-0.
Heavyweight (81 kg): Lazzat Kungeibayeva (KAZ) beat Anupama (IND) 3-2.
if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers Henderson, Johnstone, Pickford, Ramsdale
Defenders Alexander-Arnold, Chilwell, Coady, Godfrey, James, Maguire, Mings, Shaw, Stones, Trippier, Walker, White
Midfielders Bellingham, Henderson, Lingard, Mount, Phillips, Rice, Ward-Prowse
Forwards Calvert-Lewin, Foden, Grealish, Greenwood, Kane, Rashford, Saka, Sancho, Sterling, Watkins
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
Friday’s fixture
6.15pm: Al Wahda v Hatta
6.15pm: Al Dhafra v Ajman
9pm: Al Wasl v Baniyas
9pm: Fujairah v Sharjah
.
Conservative MPs who have publicly revealed sending letters of no confidence
- Steve Baker
- Peter Bone
- Ben Bradley
- Andrew Bridgen
- Maria Caulfield
- Simon Clarke
- Philip Davies
- Nadine Dorries
- James Duddridge
- Mark Francois
- Chris Green
- Adam Holloway
- Andrea Jenkyns
- Anne-Marie Morris
- Sheryll Murray
- Jacob Rees-Mogg
- Laurence Robertson
- Lee Rowley
- Henry Smith
- Martin Vickers
- John Whittingdale
Brief scoreline:
Wolves 3
Neves 28', Doherty 37', Jota 45' 2
Arsenal 1
Papastathopoulos 80'
UAE tour of the Netherlands
UAE squad: Rohan Mustafa (captain), Shaiman Anwar, Ghulam Shabber, Mohammed Qasim, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Chirag Suri, Ahmed Raza, Imran Haider, Mohammed Naveed, Amjad Javed, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Fixtures:
Monday, 1st 50-over match
Wednesday, 2nd 50-over match
Thursday, 3rd 50-over match
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
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WORLD CUP SQUAD
Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Angelo Mathews, Avishka Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Jeevan Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
Neil Thomson – THE BIO
Family: I am happily married to my wife Liz and we have two children together.
Favourite music: Rock music. I started at a young age due to my father’s influence. He played in an Indian rock band The Flintstones who were once asked by Apple Records to fly over to England to perform there.
Favourite book: I constantly find myself reading The Bible.
Favourite film: The Greatest Showman.
Favourite holiday destination: I love visiting Melbourne as I have family there and it’s a wonderful place. New York at Christmas is also magical.
Favourite food: I went to boarding school so I like any cuisine really.
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
Sanju
Produced: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Rajkumar Hirani
Director: Rajkumar Hirani
Cast: Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Paresh Rawal, Anushka Sharma, Manish’s Koirala, Dia Mirza, Sonam Kapoor, Jim Sarbh, Boman Irani
Rating: 3.5 stars
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
LAST 16 DRAW
Borussia Dortmund v PSG
Real Madrid v Manchester City
Atalanta v Valencia
Atletico Madrid v Liverpool
Chelsea v Bayern Munich
Lyon v Juventus
Tottenham v Leipzig
Napoli v Barcelona
NBA Finals results
Game 1: Warriors 124, Cavaliers 114
Game 2: Warriors 122, Cavaliers 103
Game 3: Cavaliers 102, Warriors 110
Game 4: In Cleveland, Sunday (Monday morning UAE)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Uefa Awards winners
Uefa Men's Player of the Year: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Uefa Women's Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze (Lyon)
Best players of the 2018/19 Uefa Champions League
Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)
Defender: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Ajax)
Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
Uefa President's Award: Eric Cantona
Brief scores:
Toss: Sindhis, elected to field first
Kerala Knights 103-7 (10 ov)
Parnell 59 not out; Tambe 5-15
Sindhis 104-1 (7.4 ov)
Watson 50 not out, Devcich 49
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
MATCH INFO
Champions League last 16, first leg
Tottenham v RB Leipzig, Wednesday, midnight (UAE)
MATCH INFO
What: 2006 World Cup quarter-final
When: July 1
Where: Gelsenkirchen Stadium, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Result:
England 0 Portugal 0
(Portugal win 3-1 on penalties)
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
Liverpool v Manchester United - 3.30pm
Burnley v West Ham United - 6pm
Crystal Palace v Chelsea - 6pm
Manchester City v Stoke City - 6pm
Swansea City v Huddersfield Town - 6pm
Tottenham Hotspur v Bournemouth - 6pm
Watford v Arsenal - 8.30pm
Sunday
Brighton and Hove Albion v Everton - 4.30pm
Southampton v Newcastle United - 7pm
Monday
Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion - 11pm
