When in the midst of turbulent times, browsing social media and news feeds can feel all too much like actual, literal doom scrolling. And whilst it is important to stay informed, dwelling on predominantly negative – deliberately fear-provoking – international headlines is likely to impact your mental health in the long-run. It’s important to give yourself a break, a palate cleanse for your emotional state – that could include watching your favourite comedy show, making affirmations, meditating, exercising or just putting your phone face down and talking to friends and family about topics unrelated to current affairs. It also helps to look at reminders that there is good in this world – acts of kindness, selflessness and pure uncontrived humanity. This is our round-up of all the heart-warming, life-affirming, distraction-providing news out of the UAE so far this week.
Dubai Municipality is feeding stray cats
Dubai Municipality has rolled out a series of Ehsan Stations to help stray animals in the emirate find food. This is a network of smart feeding devices designed specifically for stray animals in Dubai. The stations use AI technology to identify stray cats and other animals before dispensing food (itty, bitty, kitty, biscitties), helping ensure feeding happens in a controlled and responsible way. You can find the location list and more information on the initiative in our full story.
Mi casa es su casa
The National reported on a true act of local selflessness and faith-restoring hospitality this week. Dhiraj Jain, 41, from India, opened his doors to travellers stranded in the country following the airspace shutdown at the beginning of the conflict. The invite was taken up by around 300 people in total, who were given lodging and fed generously at the UAE-based businessman’s Ajman farmhouse. Airbnb but make it free.
Kids go free
With the earlier-than-planned start of the school holidays, please make sure you check in on your parent friends this week. And that’s exactly what some local businesses and activity clubs have been doing. The incredible, always community-focused team at Pirates Surf are offering up free training sessions (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 4.45pm to 5.45pm) for kids staying in the UAE this spring break. This hugely popular beach-top adventure camp teaches kids surf rescue techniques via the medium of immensely enjoyable fun and games. To join the gang, simply drop the Pirate captains a message on tel: (0)55 527 8931.
But wait, there’s more. The world’s largest waterpark, Aquaventure has said that it will be offering ‘a large number of complimentary tickets … every day’ online (only) during the spring break. Head to the website for more details.
Sheikh Mohamed gives a touching testament to the spirit of UAE residents
UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has shared a thoughtful message to UAE residents in the wake of the regional instability. In a post on X shared on March 7, the UAE President shared his “sincere gratitude for the awareness shown by our community of Emiratis and our resident brothers and sisters, partners in this nation, who have expressed their genuine love and loyalty to the UAE through both words and actions.
“In the UAE, everyone is Emirati through their love for this land and their contributions to it,” he added.
The nighttime safety alerts just got a trigger-Nerfing
The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority in the UAE has announced a change to their National Early Warning System Sound alerts. The official post states that from 9am to 10.30pm the alert will be a ‘high tone’ and ‘standard tone for end of alert.’ From 10.30pm to 9am, it will be a standard text message tone for both alert and standard end of alert. Find out more in our story on the updated messaging.
The RTA just opened two traffic-reducing bridges
Two new bridges have just opened as part of the Oud Maitha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, and are expected to “reduce the average journey time from 20 minutes to just 5 minutes.” Find out the full details, here.
There’s a new skatepark and coffee shop in Alserkal Avenue
The long-awaited Gooder (there’s good news, and then there’s Gooder) skate park and Minecraft-aesthetic cafe has just opened at WH 08 in Alserkal Avenue. Serving gnarly grinds off both the bean and board variety. Come down, drop in, and chill out.
ENOC has just given Dhs5 million to help alleviate child hunger
Announced by WAM, the Emirates News Agency, Emirates National Oil Company Group (ENOC) has just made a huge Dhs5 million donation to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai’s Ramadan initiative, the Edge of Life campaign, which aims to “rescue five million children from hunger.”
Cinema Akil launches ‘Here Together’ screenings
The Alserkal location of the nation’s favourite arthouse movie theatre, Cinema Akil has launched a schedule of daytime, community-serving, film screenings to bring people together during the ongoing regional turmoil. The weekday box office will include such family-friendly classics as Spirited Away and Little Amélie. Head to the website for more information.
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