New Airport Counters for People with Special Needs Thursday, May 15 2008 

Dubai International Airport will soon have seventeen new counters meant for people with special needs. This inclusive step comes as a bid to provide hassle-free travel to one and all.

This year alone, Dubai International Airport has handled over 200,000 special needs passengers. And the number is expected to multiply phenomenally over the coming years.

At present, there are two check-in counters for passengers with special needs at the airport. But as per the new plan, there will be help counters in addition to special check-in counters. The airport has already come up with Riyaya - a team of professionals to take care of and support passengers with special needs.

The step is seen not only as a social responsibility but also as something that will encourage tourism in the Arab World wherein 30 million people are physically challenged and need special care.

UAE Women Take the World by Storm! Monday, May 5 2008 

In recent times, women from the United Arab Emirates have made their mark in socio-political and economic sectors both on the national and international levels. The country known for its conservative roots has developed itself to the point where there is no discrimination based on gender. In fact, women are held vital in their contribution towards the progress of the nation as they extend their roles in various fields.

Recently, there have been events in Dubai that marked outstanding women leaders in the country. Women have been projected as role models for the generations to come.

Bait Al Khair Society Children Heave a Sigh of Relief Friday, Oct 26 2007 

Bait Al Khair Society – a charitable organization in the UAE - have recently received donations worth 6 million AED from one of the largest real estate developers in the world Nakheel Properties. Bait Al Khair Society works for the welfare of the disadvantaged nationals of the United Arab Emirates. The generous gesture closely follows and is part of the ‘Ramadan Kareem Make a Wish’ charity initiative from the real estate developers.

Nakheel’s Ramadan charity campaign drew in 400,000 AED worth of donations from around the world. The company have pitched in more to make a total contribution of 6 million AED to Bait Al Khair Society as pledged during Ramadan. The occasion saw a boat trip to the Palm Jumeirah for 70 children from the Society courtesy Nakheel.

A word about Bait Al Khair Society

Established in 1989, Bait Al Khair Society raises funds and organizes programs for uplifting the disadvantaged sections of UAE society. Widows, divorcees, low-income nationals, patients, disabled nationals, families of prisoners, nationals with special needs, orphans and students from poor families come into the ambit of the organization. In order to carry out its charitable initiatives, Bait Al Khair Society works in collaboration with public welfare institutions in the Emirates.

Do Ramadan Charity at Wafi and Light your own Fanoos Thursday, Sep 13 2007 

One of the traditional symbols of Ramadan is the Fanoos or lantern. This Ramadan, anyone making even a nominal donation to the UAE Red Crescent Authority at the Wafi Mall will get the chance to light their own fanoos. Moreover, an oasis pool has been set up in the Mall where people can set their fanoos adrift. The money will go to the proceedings of an orphanage project in Dubai.

The practice of lighting the pool with fanoos in a peaceful aura will continue throughout the month of Ramadan. In addition to the fanoos campaign, there will also be a range of merchandise available during Ramadan. Stunning images of camels and falcons by renowned animal photographer Tim Flach will be up for sale, with all profits going to charity.

Ramadan is a special occasion for more than one billion people worldwide. This year with Ramadan fanoos awareness campaign in place, Wafi’s main motto is to inspire you for offering a ‘light of hope’ to charity. The occasion indeed symbolizes the true spirit of Ramadan.

Inclusive Practice in Sharjah Firms Thursday, Aug 23 2007 

Public and private sector firms in Sharjah have about 155 people with special needs as employees. The most accommodating has been the banking sector which has recruited an increasing number of persons with special needs.

At present, more than 50 trained and qualified people with special needs in Sharjah are looking for employment. With a competence in English language, computers and other prerequisites for the job market, these people hope to make it big in line with the mainstream society.

Organizations working for people with special needs in Sharjah:

o Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services
o Handicapped Guardian Association
o Manzil

In addition, there are a number of institutions working for people with special needs across the United Arab Emirates. Some of them are given below:

o Al Noor Centre, Dubai
o Dubai Centre for Special Needs
o Dubai Community Health Centre