2ND INNINGS earns MA'AN certification, joins My Dubai Community App to empower seniors across the UAE
2ND INNINGS, a UAE-based startup dedicated to transforming the lives of elderly individuals, has been officially granted Ma'an certification from the Authority of Social Contribution and is listed on the My Dubai Community App.
The Ma'an certification establishes the startup as a trusted, government-recognized social enterprise, enhancing its credibility with families, partners, and the wider community. As the UAE continues to invest in quality-of-life improvements across all age groups, 2ND INNINGS ensures that senior citizens are not left behind. Through an affordable, digital and in-person approach, the platform is making health, movement, and companionship accessible to all — no matter their age, ability, or income level.
Moreover, being listed on the My Dubai Community App enhances visibility and accessibility, enabling more seniors and families across the UAE to benefit from the services offered by 2ND INNINGS. The certification also ensures that the organization operates in full compliance with UAE regulatory standards and aligns its mission with key national priorities, including the 'Year of Community 2025'.
In addition, the mission and work of 2ND INNINGS contribute meaningfully to the UAE's commitment to achieving the 'United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)'. The startup supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through its wellness and fitness programs ; SDG 4: Quality Education through workshops and lifelong learning; SDG 5: Gender Equality by creating inclusive spaces and addressing the needs of senior women; SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by ensuring access for seniors from diverse backgrounds; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by building age-friendly, inclusive communities; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through its collaborative model with public, private, and community partners.
Empowering seniors through Accessible Wellness Programs:
At the core of 2ND INNINGS is the belief that every elderly individual deserves access to health and happiness. The startup has launched an affordable membership model under its 'I Care, We Care' movement, empowering seniors to live with joy and purpose, while giving families a way to actively support their loved ones. For just AED 49/month or AED 19/month (billed yearly), members can enjoy daily digital fitness sessions, regular online or physical meetups with like-minded seniors, and a warm, supportive community, ensuring vibrant lifestyles, meaningful friendships, and better health without financial stress.
Health – Online yoga classes and guided meditation for physical and mental wellbeing, Customized fitness routines are curated to meet seniors where they are—whether they're taking their first steps toward wellness or continuing a lifelong journey.
Online meets – adopting the new reality, virtual meetings are set up to introduce senior citizens to each other. Groups are formed basis ethnicities and languages spoken.
Where Neighbours Become Friends – Nothing can replace the human touch. Meetup's will be organized around neighbourhoods in which members live for a memorable in person experiences. Board games, quizzes and other fun activities will enhance the pleasure of social contact.
'We believe that the second phase of life can be its most joyful and meaningful chapter. Achieving Ma'an certification during the UAE's Year of Community inspires us to further strengthen our mission and contribute to a more inclusive, age-friendly society,' said Sonam Bhayani, Founder and CEO of 2ND INNINGS. Her husband Yash Bhayani, the social venture's co-founder, shares this ethos and has joined Sonam in the effort.
The startup invites seniors, families, corporates, and community partners to engage with its growing platform and help shape a more connected and compassionate future for the UAE's ageing population.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
31 minutes ago
- Zawya
INDEX signs agreement with Egypt's UPA to enhance strategic cooperation
INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions, a member of INDEX Holding and one of the UAE's leading organisers of specialised events, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply, and Technology Management (UPA) during the fourth edition of Africa Health ExCon 2025 at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre. The MoU aims to enhance strategic cooperation between the two parties in organising medical conferences and exhibitions, leveraging advanced medical supply chain management expertise and unifying efforts to foster innovation, localise medical technologies, and broaden regional and international integration within the health sector. The partnership seeks to advance healthcare systems and strengthen regional health security. The MoU was signed by Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) for the GCC Region, Chairman of INDEX Holding, and Dr. Hisham Siteit, Chairman of the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply, and Technology Management (UPA), in the presence of Maj. Gen. Dr. Ahmed Amin, Senior Dentist of the Egyptian Armed Forces; Prof. Karim Mustafa Ibrahim Al-Batouti, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Maj. Gen. Dr. Raafat Riyad, Professor at the Military Medical Academy; Tariq AlMadani, CEO of INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions; and Mrs. Sara AlMadani, CEO of INDEX Media. INDEX's participation reaffirms its commitment to actively shaping the global health events landscape and contributing meaningfully to a more innovative and efficient healthcare future. The conference is rapidly growing in impact and reach, attracting an increasing number of companies and organizations that view the platform as a gateway to expand their presence in Africa's promising market. Educational and awareness programs developed through such partnerships act as catalysts for enhancing health and well-being across the Arab world and the African continent. Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani highlighted the strategic importance of collaborating with UPA, noting that the MoU opens new and impactful partnerships that underscore the UAE's pioneering role in supporting regional and global healthcare and education efforts. He stated, 'At INDEX Holding, we believe that building healthy, sustainable communities begins with strengthening regional and international collaboration, mobilising expertise, and aligning efforts between the public and private sectors. This partnership with the Egyptian UPA is a model of constructive cooperation between our two brotherly nations and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare and scientific knowledge across the region. We view this agreement as a gateway to transformative initiatives that will deliver tangible improvements in health quality, in line with the Year of Community objectives and the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan.' Dr. Hisham Siteit confirmed that the UPA seeks to leverage INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions' extensive experience in managing international events, thereby boosting Egypt's institutional capabilities and advancing frameworks for healthcare communication and collaboration across the Arab and African regions. He stated, 'We believe in the importance of regional and international cooperation in developing the healthcare sector, particularly in medical technologies, continuing education, and knowledge exchange. This partnership will enable us to adopt global best practices in organising medical and scientific conferences.' Following the signing of the agreement, Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani announced a pioneering educational initiative that grants all 40,000 participating doctors and speakers at Africa Health ExCon a one-year membership in the International Congress for Health Specialties (ICHS). This membership gives them access to the Congress's educational programs and the opportunity to attend lectures on the Waterfalls Global Initiative platform, which covers all medical and health specialties. The initiative is valued at approximately US$10 million.
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Starkey MEA outlines its AI backed vision to advance hearing health innovation across the region
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Starkey, a pioneer in hearing technology, today unveiled its regional strategy designed to make hearing care a central pillar of preventive health throughout the Middle East and Africa. The strategy is tightly aligned with national efforts such as UAE Vision 2031 and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Health Sector Transformation Program, underscoring a shared commitment to digital health, preventive care, and well-being. This strategy is anchored by the earlier introduction of Edge AI, Starkey's most advanced hearing aid platform to date, which integrates real-time intelligence, personalized wellness features, and robust connectivity. Giscard Bechara, Regional Director of Starkey MEA, described Edge AI as a catalyst that showcases company's vision, 'Edge AI is not just your typical hearing aid device—it's a health companion. With real-time processing powered by our G2 Neuro Processor and Neuro Sound Technology 2.0, it adapts to every listening environment, embeds fall‑detection, balance tracking, and even seamlessly connects with the My Starkey App and your mobile device,' he said. Built to meet the region's evolving demographics—characterised by rising life expectancy, and increased health consciousness—Edge AI supplies the user with up to 51 hours of rechargeable battery life, keeping a small size package, automated self check feature and tele health making it suitable for day-to-day life and travel. Starkey is working with industry stakeholders, and audiologists in the UAE, Egypt, Turkey, and Jordan among other countries to deliver dedicated training on Edge AI deployment. These sessions are pivotal to ensuring high-quality fittings and ongoing support—consistent with Starkey's broader mission to move hearing care from device distribution to sustainable health ecosystems. 'Upskilling regional audiologists ensures that intelligent hearing aids are not just available, but optimally used for the benefit of our patients' Bechara noted. Later this year, Starkey will work closely with its partners to launch a regional hearing health awareness campaign, prompting early screening and tackling stigma. This campaign follows studies indicating that individuals in the region often delay treatment for up to 7 years after first noticing symptoms—delays linked to social isolation and cognitive decline. 'Our mission extends beyond market leadership,' Bechara added. 'We aim to shift the paradigm: hearing care should be proactive, intelligent, and inclusive—not reactive or marginal.' With a growing regional network, the rollout of cutting-edge Edge AI devices, and strong public health partnerships, Starkey is driving a transformation in hearing care—where innovations meet impact, and better hearing becomes a societal imperative. About Starkey Laboratories Inc. Starkey is a privately owned, global leader in hearing innovation, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. As the only American-owned provider of advanced hearing technologies, Starkey is known for pioneering digital hearing solutions that combine cutting-edge AI, health tracking, and personalized care. With more than 5,000 employees across 29 global facilities, Starkey serves over 100 markets worldwide. The company is dedicated to transforming lives through better hearing, offering a full ecosystem of hearing aids, software, and connected health services. To learn more, visit, and
Zawya
5 hours ago
- Zawya
NYUAD researchers find link between brain growth and mental health disorders
Abu Dhabi, UAE: A team of researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi has uncovered a key mechanism that helps shape how our brains are wired, and what can happen when that process is disrupted. In a new study published in Cell Reports, the RNA-MIND Lab at NYU Abu Dhabi, led by Professor of Biology Dan Ohtan Wang, with Research Associate Belal Shohayeb, reveals how a small molecular mark on messenger RNA, called m6A methylation, regulates the production of essential proteins inside growing neurons. This process plays a critical role in the development of axons, the long extensions that neurons use to connect and communicate with each other. The study shows that this molecular mark controls the production of a protein called Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC), which helps organize the internal structure of nerve cells and is needed to locally produce β-actin, a key building block of cytoskeleton to support axon growth. Importantly, the team also found that genetic mutations linked to autism and schizophrenia can interfere with this process, potentially affecting how the brain develops. 'This research connects a global process, how proteins are made across the cell, with highly local effects in neurons that guide brain development,' said Ohtan Wang. 'We're learning that when these finely tuned systems break down, the impact can be seen in conditions like autism and schizophrenia. Understanding these molecular details could open the door to new ways of thinking about treatment and early intervention.' As the brain forms, neurons must grow, connect, and communicate in precise ways. This research sheds light on the inner workings of that process and deepens our understanding of how even the smallest molecular changes can have far-reaching effects. The paper, "m6A RNA methylation-mediated control of global APC expression is required for local translation of β-actin and axon development," is now available online in Cell Reports. About NYU Abu Dhabi �NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 35 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest globally ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity's shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi's high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.
