Latest news with #Hala
Middle East Eye
8 hours ago
- General
- Middle East Eye
Gaza: A young girl tries to live with devastating injuries
Twelve-year-old Hala Shukri Dehliz was playing with her friends on a swing in Gaza one evening during Ramadan, even as the constant sounds of war raged in the background. Suddenly, an Israeli air strike detonated near the swing. Its force twisted the metal chains around her head, tearing off parts of her scalp along with her hair. 'My hair got stuck with the swing,' she recalls. 'The skin of my head was removed. I was rushed to the hospital. I stayed there for two months, but they couldn't treat me. The inflammations and ulcers only got worse.' The first day they did surgery, they used 175 stitches to close her scalp. 'I woke up and saw myself without hair. I had a breakdown and fainted. My parents tried to reassure me. They said, 'Don't be afraid. You'll travel and get treatment. Your hair will grow again.' But I kept crying.' New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Before the bombing, Hala had prepared for Eid with excitement. 'I had bought ties for my hair and Eid clothes,' she says, her voice breaking. 'But I spent Eid in a hospital bed. I didn't feel the joy. I didn't wear the clothes. I was just... there.' 'We have been displaced six times' Hala's father, Shukri Omar Eid Dehliz, speaks with the fatigue of a man shouldering the unbearable. 'We are originally from Rafah. We have been displaced six times. Our home was bombed and demolished. Each place we went, we could only stay for 20 days, a month, sometimes two. Now, we're in Khan Younis, al-Mawasi, living in a tent near the sea.' Their tent stands on rented land they can 'barely afford'. Hala Shukri Dehliz in Gaza with her siblings (Eman Alhaj Ali/MEE) 'Winter brings floods inside the tent. Summer is unbearable. There's no electricity, no solar panels. Even basic food is missing,' he said. There is no bread. No medicine. No safety. 'Hala can't even take painkillers,' he says. 'She needs to eat before taking them, but there's no food. We survive on aid - mostly lentil soup. Every child gets one small plate per day. That's it. 'We are a family of seven. Some days we have only two pieces of bread. We divide them among us. The children cry for food. I have nothing to give them. It's a cruelty no parent should face. My child begs for bread, and I can't provide it. Sometimes, we just want to die instead of continuing this life in Gaza.' A mirror without reflection Hala's daily routine is now confined to the interior of a suffocating tent. She isolates herself from other children who react to her scarred head with confusion and fear. 'When I try to go outside, the children ask why I don't have hair. They get scared. So I stay inside. I play alone. I try to write and draw myself,' she says softly. 'When I try to go outside, the children ask why I don't have hair. They get scared. So I stay inside. I play alone' - Hala Shukri Dehliz 'Every day, I stand in front of the mirror trying to comb my hair. But there is no hair to comb.' Hala was a top student, dreaming of becoming a doctor - dreams now paused by trauma and the physical pain of untreated wounds. 'I was always the first in my class,' she remembers. 'I used to wake up early, comb my hair, go to school, then play with my friends. Now, I don't go to school. I look in the mirror and I just see loss.' She still keeps a lock of her long brown hair, holding it as a reminder of who she was, and who she hopes to become again. 'I want to travel abroad and get treatment. I want to have my hair again. I want to play with my friends. I want to feel pretty again.' 'Gaza is starving to death' Hala's father speaks in anguish about the daily torment and mounting famine which has in recent weeks led to a growing number of deaths from malnutrition and dehydration. 'There's no flour, no rice, no milk or vegetables. Even when there's food in the market, the prices are too high for us. My four-year-old cries for bread. I can't bear it.' He recounts how their lives have shrunk into a punishing cycle of fear, hunger and helplessness. Former UN aid chief: Israel committing 'worst crime of the 21st century' in Gaza Read More » 'The bombs fall constantly. The children scream in terror. Gaza is in a state of disaster. We are unemployed. The borders are closed. No aid is coming in. As parents, we demand the world to act. This genocide must stop. 'We are not asking for luxury. We are asking for the basics - bread, water, medicine. We are asking for a chance for our children to live.' Hala's story is not an isolated tragedy. She is one of tens of thousands of children injured or killed in a war that has erased homes, schools and playgrounds, as well as whole families. Border closures have blocked any attempt to evacuate her for treatment. Her parents - both injured in separate attacks - desperately try to find sterile gauze, clean water and food to support her healing. 'She needs daily medical care,' says her mother, Mayada. 'She cries every day, remembering her hair. Her head is still full of ulcers and infections. If she doesn't get out soon, it will get worse.' Despite everything, Hala said she still dreams of a hospital bed in a foreign country where doctors will help her scalp heal. She dreams of brushing her hair and even one day becoming a doctor. 'I hope the world hears me. I hope someone helps me travel. I want my hair back. I want to be beautiful again.'
Zawya
10 hours ago
- Automotive
- Zawya
Hala reports strong H1 growth driven by operational efficiency and customer focus
Ras Al Khaimah trips grow 11.3% as Hala users rise 15% Hala adds 250 vehicles in H1; 600 more planned 90% of Hala fleet now hybrid; EV trips cut 272.61 metric tons CO₂e Dubai, UAE – Hala, the region's leading e-hailing taxi service and a joint venture between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Careem, has reported strong performance in the first half of 2025, driven by solid growth in taxi trips, enhanced service quality, and continued progress on sustainability and operational efficiency. Growth and Performance According to Hala's operational data, trips during peak months in Dubai increased by 12%, alongside a 10% rise in active users, indicating steady and healthy demand for reliable, on-demand transportation. In Ras Al Khaimah, a similar pattern emerged, with trip volumes up 11.3% and user numbers increasing by 15%. This growth mirrors wider mobility trends across the UAE, where tourism has remained strong, domestic travel continues to rise, and residents are increasingly turning to e-hailing to complement existing transport options. As city infrastructure evolves to accommodate this momentum, Hala's ability to scale supply without compromising performance or reliability reinforces its role as a core part of the region's urban transport network. Importantly, this growth has not come at the cost-of-service quality. Customer satisfaction remained consistently high at 4.9 out of 5, backed by 98% of all rated trips being marked 'Good' or better - a direct reflection of the professionalism, courtesy, and local knowledge of Hala's captains. Even during periods of high demand, Hala maintained an average estimated time of arrival of under 3 minutes in peak areas and delivered a 93% trip fulfilment rate. Expansion & Sustainability Efforts Hala also expanded its fleet by 250 vehicles during H1, with a further 600 set to be deployed in the coming months. As part of its push toward greener mobility, the company also introduced four new electric vehicles, bringing the overall fleet composition to 90% hybrid. Trips completed by Hala EVs led to an estimated emissions reduction of 272.61 metric tons of CO₂e. By increasing the availability of low-emission vehicles, Hala is making sustainable transport choices more accessible to riders while contributing to broader environmental goals. Operational Consistency Additionally, operational performance showed clear improvements according to the data. Customer contact rates dropped by 13%, low-rated trips (1–3 stars) declined by 25%, and cancellations fell by 17%. These gains were driven by initiatives such as increased taxi supply, closer coordination with franchise partners, and customer experience enhancements, including hygiene standards and curated in-car fragrances, developed through a partnership with fragrance brand Rituals. To help maintain this level of consistency, Hala is continuously investing in Captain training. Over 2,600 new Captains were onboarded in H1 and trained across operational and service modules, while more than 6,000 existing Captains completed refresher training. The sessions focused on the overall customer experience and ride quality, which contributed directly to improved trip ratings and reduced cancellations. Commenting on the strong H1 results, Khaled Nuseibeh, CEO of Hala, said: 'We're proud of the momentum achieved in H1, but more importantly, we remain focused on continuous improvement. These results reflect our commitment to raising the bar for mobility in every city we serve. Whether it's through Captain Care, listening to our riders, or investing in greener mobility, we are scaling in a way that is sustainable, responsive, and responsible.' Captain Well-being A cornerstone of Hala's growth is its emphasis on the well-being of its Captains, who benefit from ongoing development opportunities such as regular training on safety, tech, and service standards, alongside support mechanisms for physical and mental well-being. Top-performing Captains are regularly recognised and rewarded, while flexible scheduling options and financial support programmes are in place to help them balance their personal and professional lives. As demand for tech-enabled, reliable transport continues to grow, Hala remains focused on delivering measurable impact across convenience, service quality, and environmental responsibility. Integrated within the Careem app, Hala continues to play a key role in strengthening urban mobility in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. About Hala Hala is Dubai's most convenient e-hailing taxi solution, easily booked through the Careem app. A joint venture between Careem and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Hala leverages Careem's ride-hailing technology and the local knowledge of the RTA to provide the most reliable and convenient rides across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. With a motivation to continuously elevate customer experience in public transportation, Hala has unlocked this incredible region by keeping Dubai connected and moving. Media Contact: Tessy Mathew at Q Communications Tessy.m@
Time Out Dubai
a day ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
4 Dubai taxi tips to save you time (and money)
If you've been in Dubai for longer than five minutes, chances are you've hopped in a cab or two. Dubai taxis are all over the city, dressed in brightly coloured roofs (we'll get to that later), and helping us zip from A to B. But there are some top tips to know about the city's taxi fleets that we can almost guarantee you're not making the most of. From cashback on your trips to the best time to book, scroll down for our best taxi hacks to use next. 4 Dubai Taxi hacks to try on your next trip Check out the service fees Credit: Dubai Taxi Company If you're hunting for the best fare, it's worth keeping in mind that taxi prices fluctuate based on how you book them, what time you travel and your location. For example, the base fare if you book on Bolt, S'hail or Careem is Dhs12, but if you hail it on the street outside of peak hours, the base fare lowers to Dhs5. Taxis picking up from Dubai International Airport will also have a base fare of Dhs25, so expect your ride to be a little more expensive. You can learn more about base fares on the Dubai Taxi Company website. Get discounted taxi rides from the metro If you use public transport in Dubai, this is one subscription service you should sign up for in Dubai. Hala, the e-hailing taxi service, has a subscription programme called 'Hala Rides for Metro,' designed to save you some money on your transportation costs specifically to and from Dubai Metro stations. For Dhs4.99 a month, subscribers can receive a 20 percent discount on up to ten Hala trips— with savings of up to Dhs5 per ride. That's Dhs50 every 10 rides, so it's a pretty good deal to save a little cash. Know the best time to book Depending on where and when you need to get somewhere, your journey time will vary. According to Hala Taxi, the busiest hours of the day begin from 8am until 10am, so it's best to travel before or after this time. Another peak time of day to avoid is around school pick-up between 3pm and 5pm. If you hail a cab after 7pm, you should notice it's a lot easier both for wait time and your journey time too. Save on your journeys with Careem Plus The app subscription service has the option to book a Hala Taxi, and you can actually make money back every time you book a trip. Careem Plus members pay Dhs19 per month to use the service but make that money back twice over on average with monthly savings of Dhs40. Subscribers get 10 percent instant cashback on every Hala ride credited directly to their in-app wallet on the first 10 trips taken every month. Data released by Hala in June showed that Dubai Taxi riders had saved Dhs15 million in four years through the service. Why not be one of them? Living in Dubai 7 essential Dubai Metro hacks every Dubai resident should know Tips you'll wish someone told you earlier Moving to Dubai? The 10 things you need to do first when you arrive Before you do anything else… 13 must-have Dubai apps to make life easy peasy Downloading these will make life in Dubai a doddle
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai e-hailing service Hala reports 12% trip growth in first half of 2025
Dubai-based e-hailing service Hala has recorded growth in trips and users during the first half of 2025, alongside fleet expansion and sustainability initiatives. The joint venture between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Careem reported a 12 per cent increase in taxi trips in Dubai during peak months, with active users rising by 10 per cent. In Ras Al Khaimah, trip volumes grew 11.3 per cent whilst user numbers increased by 15 per cent. Hala sees surge in rides, users Customer satisfaction maintained 4.9 out of 5, with 98 per cent of rated trips marked 'Good' or better. The service delivered a 93 per cent trip fulfilment rate and maintained an average estimated time of arrival under three minutes in peak areas. Hala expanded its fleet by 250 vehicles during H1, with 600 more planned for deployment. The company introduced four electric vehicle models, bringing the overall fleet to 90 per cent hybrid composition. Electric vehicle trips resulted in an estimated emissions reduction of 272.61 metric tons of CO₂e. Operational performance showed improvements across metrics. Customer contact rates dropped by 13 per cent, low-rated trips declined by 25 per cent, and cancellations fell by 17 per cent. These improvements followed initiatives including increased taxi supply, coordination with franchise partners, and customer experience enhancements such as hygiene standards and in-car fragrances through a partnership with Rituals. The company onboarded 2,600 new Captains during H1 with training across operational and service modules. More than 6,000 existing Captains completed refresher training focused on customer experience and ride quality. Khaled Nuseibeh, CEO of Hala, said: 'We're proud of the momentum achieved in H1, but more importantly, we remain focused on continuous improvement. These results reflect our commitment to raising the bar for mobility in every city we serve. Whether it's through Captain Care, listening to our riders, or investing in greener mobility, we are scaling in a way that is sustainable, responsive, and responsible.' The service operates through the Careem app and provides rides across Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Growth reflects wider UAE mobility trends including tourism strength, rising domestic travel, and increased e-hailing adoption as complement to existing transport options. Captain well-being initiatives include development opportunities, safety and service training, support mechanisms for physical and mental well-being, recognition programmes for top performers, flexible scheduling, and financial support programmes.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I lost my hair in an Israeli air strike. Now other children are scared of me
A 12-year-old girl whose scalp was ripped off by an Israeli missile has said she fears leaving her tent because the other children are scared of her. Hala Abu Dahleez was playing on a swing in the sprawling Al-Mawasi refugee camp in southern Gaza when she was caught in an Israeli air strike. The impact of the blast ripped the swing's metal structure apart, and its heavy iron chains wrapped around her head, tearing parts of her hair and scalp away. Hala spent five days in a coma, and her scalp was reattached to her head using 175 stitches. But she told The Telegraph that she can barely leave her tent in Khan Younis, where she has been living since she was displaced from Al-Mawasi. 'I used to be more beautiful,' she said. 'I want to play with other children again like I used to. When I go out, the children are afraid of me and everyone asks me: 'Why don't you have any hair?'' Her family and doctors are calling for help to get her out of the Strip where she can get skin grafts and plastic surgery procedures that the remaining hospitals in Gaza struggle to carry out. Hala still carries around clumps of her plaited long brown hair that was torn from her head, refusing to throw it away until new hair is able to grow back. Her injuries have left her with severe ulcers and infections. 'I want to get a hair transplant and return to how I was before the bombing,' she said through tears. 'Before the war, I used to go to school, meet my friends, and play with them. Now ... I have no hair and no school to go to.' Hala is one of more than 50,000 children in Gaza who have been killed or injured in Israel's 21-month war against Hamas and nearly every child in Gaza has been displaced. Israel disputes these figures. She was injured on March 26 but her story is only being told now, four months later, as extraordinary pictures emerged showing the extent of her injuries as she held the lock of her hair that she lost. It is not clear what the intended target of the March air strike was. When Hala was injured in the blast, the children she had been playing with told her mother she had died. They had seen her laying bloodied on the ground, her head torn apart. She is the oldest of seven children, and her parents, both injured in separate shellings, said they are struggling to find food and medicine. 'Some people help us buy medicine and dressings. She needs an IV bag and sterile gauze daily. We can not provide Hala with good, healthy food,' said Mayada Yousef Dahleez, Hala's mother. 'She needs medical daily care, and hardly a day goes by without crying and remembering her hair,' she added. Ongoing border closures have so far prevented Hala's evacuation. Her family fear she could contract further infections if her health deteriorates. Her story emerged as Israel intensified its bombardment of the Strip over the last two weeks. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said they try to minimise harm to civilians, but there have been mounting casualties in recent days, with accusations that dozens more civilians have been killed while seeking aid. Just last week, six children were among 10 civilians killed in an IDF missile strike while collecting water in Nuseirat refugee camp. The Israeli military claimed a 'technical error' was behind the attack. The escalating strikes over the weekend brought the death toll in Gaza to more than 58,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Women and children make up more than half of those killed, according to the ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, said the war cannot end until Hamas is dismantled and disarmed and the 50 hostages, only 20 of whom are believed to still be alive, are freed. Hamas wants a genuine withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza to end the war. Despite optimism last week, talks are threatening to collapse under the weight of Israel's reported demands to keep its troops in roughly one-third of Gaza and retain a buffer zone around Rafah, which Hamas has rejected. Israel's hard-line leadership's plans to create a 'humanitarian city' on the ruins of Rafah, in which the Strip's two million people could be herded in, vetted and prevented from leaving, could also torpedo talks. The IDF said in a statement: 'In stark contrast to Hamas' intentional attacks on Israeli men, women and children, the IDF follows international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
