Latest news with #AYSHASHAAYA
Al Etihad
05-06-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
From candies to cash: Eidiya a centuries-old tradition evolving with the times
6 June 2025 01:19 AYSHA SHAAYA (ABU DHABI)In the days leading up to Eid, banks across the UAE bustle with residents queuing to withdraw crisp new bills - all in preparation for Eidiya, the cherished tradition of gifting money to the young, it's often the most eagerly awaited part of the celebration, with many already making plans with friends on how to spend their treasures. Seven-year-old Shama has kept her cash gifts from the last Eid as she is saving up for a big purchase. 'This Eid, I want to give part of my Eidiya to people in need, and I will use the rest to buy a bicycle,' she told Aletihad . Ten-year-old Ghala said her favourite person every Eid is her mum because she gives her the most Eidiya. 'This time, I will use my Eidiya to buy video games.'Alya, aged 7, always carries a bag throughout the celebration. 'Without my bag, I cannot collect my Eidiya,' she said. Origins and Evolution of Eidiya The tradition is known by various names in different regions, but Eidiya is the most common - a word that comes from the Arabic word 'Eid', which means giving and custom is believed to date back centuries, originating during the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt, according to historians. At the time, the caliph established a tradition of celebrating Eid by distributing sweets, hosting lavish feasts, and offering money, gifts, and festive clothing to the Eidiya has evolved over time. Fifty-three-year-old Adel remembered receiving Dh1 and candies from neighbours as Eid gifts when he was a child.'In the early days, we would go around the neighbourhood collecting our Eidiya. This culture has become extreme nowadays, with some children demanding a higher sum of money. It also has to be given in an extravagant way, with envelopes or crafted cards,' he said. While Eidiya can come in the form of toys, candy, and clothes, the most common gift remains cash, often given in fancy envelopes. Unique Eidiyas have also emerged, with some giving away cryptocurrency, introducing the youth to the idea of long-term investments.
Al Etihad
01-06-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
Outstanding students from around the world showcase innovative ideas, research at URIC
2 June 2025 00:00 AYSHA SHAAYA (ABU DHABI)Under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, the 12th Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition (URIC) was recently held at Abu Dhabi University (ADU), bringing together outstanding students from the UAE and around the showcased exceptional research and innovative ideas across 27 academic disciplines — ranging from artificial intelligence and machine learning to biomedical engineering, clinical sciences, cybersecurity, fintech, e-commerce, and renewable year, URIC gathered 650 research entries from about 1,300 students, representing 105 universities across 14 countries, reinforcing the competition's status as the largest undergraduate research platform in the region. URIC is more than just a competition; it serves as a catalyst where ideas can become reality, said Prof. Montasir Qasymeh, Associate Provost for Research, Innovation, and Academic Development at ADU.'In this kind of gathering, we are ... making bridges between industry and academia,' he said. '[It's about showcasing] these ideas that all students have and … transforming them into a product rather than just an idea,' Qasymeh said. Making a Difference Mahmood Khalid Abbas, a student from the University of Kurdistan Hewler in Iraq, came up with an idea of a 'self-adjusting sky crane,' hoping to help save in Erbil, a construction worker fell from a crane. This sparked the idea in my mind. Why should we put human life in danger?' said Mahmood. 'I see the UAE's very beautiful skylines, and I really appreciate the Rulers' vision for the country. I believe my idea can help make these projects more efficient and, most importantly, safer,' Abbas said. Najla Alharthi, a computer and information sciences student from King Saud University (KSA), and her team shared their concept of advanced automatic traffic lights that can significantly cut waiting time for drivers. 'We have implemented our idea in four areas, and have seen massive success, as it has reduced waiting time at traffic lights from 45 minutes to 5 minutes. We are positive that our idea will solve a problem, as time is a valuable resource for the public,' Alharthi said. Shahad and her team from University of Sharjah wanted to improve the lives of diabetic patients; so, they suggested an early diagnostic tool that can distinguish types of diabetes. 'There is an uncommon type of diabetes in diagnosis. This can have a serious impact on the treatment of patients. Our project aims to improve the quality of life for the patients as diabetes is very common in the UAE,' Shahad said.
Al Etihad
28-05-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
UAE's dugong ambassador participates in vital marine research at SeaWorld
28 May 2025 23:42 AYSHA SHAAYA (ABU DHABI)On May 28, World Dugong Day, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi shone the spotlight on Malquot, a gentle but curious male dugong and an ambassador of his alone and in poor health in the Marawah Marine Biosphere Reserve in 2019 when he was just a week old and with no mother in sight, he was rescued and brought into the care of specialists; he was given the name Malquot, meaning "one who was lost and then found."Six years later, the marine mammal is in a healthy condition, thriving under the expert supervision and support received at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi."One of the main drivers for us to do the Abu Dhabi Ocean Realm here at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi was to highlight him and build a habitat that represented his natural environment so he could thrive," explained Rob Yordi, General Curator at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue now resides in the Abu Dhabi Ocean Realm at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, a habitat designed to mirror the warm, shallow waters of Abu Dhabi, which is home to the second largest concentration of dugongs in the world, with around 3000 dugongs in the enjoys the companionship of other sea creatures and is delighted by the many faces of visitors who come to greet him and share the unique experience of feeding one of a few dugongs in human care globally, Malquot has "volunteered" to be part of a groundbreaking research in partnership with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD)."All of our animals in SeaWorld, we consider that they have choice and control. So, we always ask him if he would like to participate in his own research to study him. He's smart and intuitive. He loves his training sessions and always challenges his trainers," added contribution to the research could help ensure the future of his species, as dugongs face threats in the wild, from degradation and marine traffic to entanglement in the nets of the fishers. James Cook University of Australia is participating in a research programme, in collaboration with SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, in a bid to understand the creature's behaviour, habits and needs, and Malquot is only too ready and willing to join the team for this new study.
Al Etihad
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Al Etihad
Over 1.4 million motorists in Abu Dhabi benefit from traffic fine discounts in 2024
27 May 2025 00:30 YOUSUF SAIFUDDIN KAPADIA, AYSHA SHAAYA (ABU DHABI)Traffic fine discount schemes have provided much respite to millions of motorists across the UAE over the years, including Abu Dhabi's ongoing 'Pay Early, Gain Surely' to a recent report by Abu Dhabi Police, around 1.4 million motorists benefitted from the emirate's campaign in 2024 alone - a 20.77% rise compared to schemes are part of the UAE leadership's broader approach aimed at easing financial pressures faced by citizens and residents through practical, humanitarian measures. While most emirates announce fine discounts - up to 50% - around major national occasions and for limited periods, Abu Dhabi's campaign has been consistently active for several years. How the Scheme WorksThe 'Pay Early, Gain Surely' initiative offers motorists a 35% discount on traffic fines if they are paid within 60 days of the violation date. If the payment is made after 60 days but within one year, a 25% discount applies. However, the discount does not extend to severe violations, Abu Dhabi Police said. In addition to the discount, the campaign enables traffic fines to be paid in interest-free instalments over a 12-month period through participating banks. The scheme applies to both vehicle and driver Dhabi Police regularly issues reminders to motorists to take advantage of the scheme, reminding the public of its benefits and deadlines through a series of General Mahmoud Yousef Al Balushi, Director of the Traffic and Security Patrols Directorate in the Central Operations Sector, said that the campaign seeks to promote happiness and positivity among users. He added that the Directorate has made sustained efforts to deliver services via channels equipped with advanced features that streamline user experience and enhance customer campaign also includes a broad awareness component. In collaboration with the Community Police Department, the Directorate hosts workshops and community councils, alongside awareness films that are shared via social pages, print, and broadcast media. Officers also regularly distribute informative booklets among Musallam Mohammed Al Junaibi, Director of the Traffic Violations Collection and Follow-up Department, explained that the awareness campaigns seek to encourage vehicle owners to pay traffic fines by informing them of the benefits of early payment and the potential consequences of delays. Easy Payment ServiceIn January 2024, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, launched an 'easy payment' instalment option for settling fines issued by the ITC. Currently, the service is available to credit card holders from First Abu Dhabi Bank, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), and Mashreq Bank, provided they contact the bank within two weeks of payment to request an instalment plan. Fines can be paid via Abu Dhabi Government's digital platforms, including Tamm Smart App, or through in-person transactions at customer service and happiness counters. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
16-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Charm of diversity, cultural exchange shines at Sorbonne University's International Day
17 Apr 2025 00:47 AYSHA SHAAYA (ABU DHABI)Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) on Monday marked International Day, an annual event that celebrates the rich diversity and cultures of its students, faculty, and staff. With colourful displays of cultural performances, traditional attire, music, authentic cuisine and interactive activities, the event brought the community together and showcased the charm of cultural exchange. "Our university is a symbol of cultural diversity. We have more than 1,400 students representing more than 60 nationalities. Today is an occasion to reinforce the mutual understanding between the people and to work together despite the differences," said Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, in her opening in 2006, the university attracts students from all over the world, and its motto "A bridge between civilisations", reflects its emphasis on connecting cultures."What I enjoy the most about International Day at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is how it brings everyone together to celebrate different cultures," said Maryam Alblooshi, a Record Management and Archival Science student at from celebrating its diversity, the university provided a space for students with private businesses to participate in the event. From handmade crafts to food products, many students sought the opportunity to present their unique ideas and share their passion with their peers."Participating in the event helped me promote my business. People get to see how an Emirati woman can promote her business through authentic work. I believe many people here appreciate this aspect," said Alya Alzaabi, an Applied Foreign Languages student at Raghad Almazroei, a Record Management and Archival Science student at SUAD, the event offered a platform to promote her chocolate business."It helped me gain exposure among my colleagues in the university. The fact that they see the name means it will stay at the back of their heads, even if they don't buy it now," Almazroei Marieme SOW, a Senegalese student studying Applied Foreign Languages at Sorbonne University, said studying in the UAE broadens her horizons. "It helped me have a very open mindset. It showed me that being in a multicultural setting can help someone grow and learn from others. It also showed me that coming from different backgrounds, what unites us is learning from each other's differences."
