ABU DHABI // Pupils from Pakistani schools in the emirate showcased a colourful programme today to celebrate relations between Pakistan and the UAE.
Pakistan comprises diverse cultures and ethnic groups, and the flavours of all were demonstrated at Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Arab Pakistani School in the capital.
Attired in typical, colourful Pakistan dress representing the five major provinces of Pakistan, pupils kept the audience enthralled.
They showcased song and dance performances from Sindh, Punjab, Baluchistan, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. At the end, there was an Emirati wedding demonstration and the recitation of a poem from the prominent scholar Allama Iqbal.
The children chanted slogans, clapped and shouted in support of the performers.
Shifa Saleem, a Grade 6 pupil from a Pakistani school in Musaffah attired in a traditional Emirati dress, performed an Arabic dance.
"This is the first time I have participated in an event outside the school and I enjoyed it very much," she said.
Amna Azam Malik, a Grade 8 pupil from a Musaffah school, said: "I enjoyed the Arabic and Pakistani cultural fusion portrayed nicely in the wedding drama. That was the best."
School officials said there are three Pakistani school in the emirate, with about 4,000 pupils in attendance.
Tabinda Al Ghizala, principal of the Sheikh Khalifa Pakistani School, said: "It took students almost a month to get ready for the show. The school sent a team to Pakistan to bring special traditional dresses and souvenirs."
On behalf of the all students, Sania Jeelani, a Grade 12 student, paid tribute to Malala Yousufzai, the young girl shot in the head by the Taliban.
Jamil Ahmed Khan, the Pakistani ambassador, encouraged students to engage in more extra-curricular activities which brighten their future and shape their personality. The ambassador termed the performances "magnificent".
anwar@thenational.ae
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Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Europe’s rearming plan
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Healthy tips to remember
Here, Dr Mohamed El Abiary, paediatric consultant at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai, shares some advice for parents whose children are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan:
Gradual fasting and golden points - For children under the age of 10, follow a step-by-step approach to fasting and don't push them beyond their limits. Start with a few hours fasting a day and increase it to a half fast and full fast when the child is ready. Every individual's ability varies as per the age and personal readiness. You could introduce a points system that awards the child and offers them encouragement when they make progress with the amount of hours they fast
Why fast? - Explain to your child why they are fasting. By shedding light on the importance of abstaining from food and drink, children may feel more encouraged to give it there all during the observance period. It is also a good opportunity to teach children about controlling urges, doing good for others and instilling healthy food habits
Sleep and suhoor - A child needs adequate sleep every night - at least eight hours. Make sure to set a routine early bedtime so he/she has sufficient time to wake up for suhoor, which is an essential meal at the beginning of the day
Good diet - Nutritious food is crucial to ensuring a healthy Ramadan for children. They must refrain from eating too much junk food as well as canned goods and snacks and drinks high in sugar. Foods that are rich in nutrients, vitamins and proteins, like fruits, fresh meats and vegetables, make for a good balanced diet
