To support World Autism Awareness Day, which took place on Friday, a regional campaign has been launched to raise awareness and funds for people in the UAE who are on the autism spectrum.
The campaign, called the Autism Spectrum Fashion Collection, will benefit non-profit organisation Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs. The Dubai group has been supporting people with autism as well as offering residential care since 2004.
For this project, 17 regional designers have offered their talents to create pieces that are being sold at auction. Based on the colours of the autism spectrum, each designer has been free to create a piece however they wish, and the result is a dazzling array of clothing, bags and jewellery that shine with metallics and iridescence.
These pieces are now being auctioned off online in two ways. The first is via the usual method, where would-be buyers place a monetary bid on their chosen look at supportspectrum.com, with bidding open until Saturday, April 10.
The second method is highly innovative: instead of bidding with money, asks bidders to use their knowledge of autism to earn virtual currency. This online money pot is then used to bid for one of four specially selected items.
Although there is a general awareness of the condition, we need to increase the understanding and acceptance of those with autism within the community
These are a men's kimono top by Lebanese designer Roni Helou, a copper evening gown by Egyptian talent Marmar Halim, an intricately embossed metallic bag by Okhtein, also from Egypt, and a box frame bag in silver skin by UAE brand Native.
Those wishing to bid this way will be sent information once the "bid by knowledge" button is pressed on the website, and then will look to answer a series of questions. The score is translated into virtual currency which can then be used to bid on items. This auction will run until Friday, April 30, when the four winners will be announced.
“Although there is a general awareness of the condition, we need to increase the understanding and acceptance of those with autism within the community," says Dr Nadia Khalil Al Sayegh, director-general of the Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs.
“Fashion in this region is close to many people’s hearts, so by creating our very own spectrum collection we hope to appeal to a whole new audience and help to educate them in the complexities of autism. We are so thankful to all the designers who got involved with the initiative and helped to make our vision a reality."
The designers involved in the money-based auction include Lebanon's Rami Kadi, with a mini cocktail dress in mustard yellow, embroidered with flowers; Hussein Bazaza, with a green dress featuring a high funnel neck and puffed sleeves; and Mumbai designer Payal Singhal with a shift dress in pale lemon featuring coin-sized sequins down the sleeves, with a matching banjara mirrorwork oversized clutch.
From Beirut, Jessica K offers a dress in muted molten silver, while the Dubai name Mrs Keepa has created a dress in sea blues and greens, with a metallic sheen. Also from Dubai, Aura jewellery has created a hair clip in snaking gold work with drops of blue and clear glass.
Another talent from the UAE is Arshys, which will offer two lots: a sculpted evening dress in glossy blue satin, as well as a simple blue kaftan, with a belted front detail. Chika will present a iridescent kaftan, while Beirut designer Rani Zakhem has made a flowing blue kaftan with a yellow neck detail.
Another evening dress, courtesy of the UAE name Si Fashion, is a bardot silver gown, while Dubai talent Style Your Armoire offers a oversized trench in lilac, covered in metal hoops and semi-circular shapes. Finally, there is Rabih, offering a men's iridescent top and trousers co-ord, with a white-and-blue floor-length overcoat.
The World Health Organisation states that about one in 270 people worldwide has an autism spectrum disorder. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly designated April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Results
5pm: UAE Martyrs Cup (TB) Conditions Dh90,000 2,200m
Winner: Mudaarab, Jim Crowley (jockey), Erwan Charpy (trainer).
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap Dh70,000 1,400m
Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Richard Mullen, Hassan Al Hammadi.
6pm: UAE Matyrs Trophy (PA) Maiden Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Salima Al Reef, Jesus Rosales, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
6.30pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Apprentice Championship (PA) Prestige Dh100,000 1,600m
Winner: Bainoona, Ricardo Iacopini, Eric Lemartinel.
7pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Ladies World Championship (PA) Prestige Dh125,000 1,600m
Winner: Assyad, Victoria Larsen, Eric Lemartinel.
8pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (PA) Group 1 Dh5,000,000 1,600m
Winner: Mashhur Al Khalediah, Jean-Bernard Eyquem, Phillip Collington.
The BIO:
He became the first Emirati to climb Mount Everest in 2011, from the south section in Nepal
He ascended Mount Everest the next year from the more treacherous north Tibetan side
By 2015, he had completed the Explorers Grand Slam
Last year, he conquered K2, the world’s second-highest mountain located on the Pakistan-Chinese border
He carries dried camel meat, dried dates and a wheat mixture for the final summit push
His new goal is to climb 14 peaks that are more than 8,000 metres above sea level
Our family matters legal consultant
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Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar
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British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Keep it fun and engaging
Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.
“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.
His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.
He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.
AGL AWARDS
Golden Ball - best Emirati player: Khalfan Mubarak (Al Jazira)
Golden Ball - best foreign player: Igor Coronado (Sharjah)
Golden Glove - best goalkeeper: Adel Al Hosani (Sharjah)
Best Coach - the leader: Abdulaziz Al Anbari (Sharjah)
Fans' Player of the Year: Driss Fetouhi (Dibba)
Golden Boy - best young player: Ali Saleh (Al Wasl)
Best Fans of the Year: Sharjah
Goal of the Year: Michael Ortega (Baniyas)
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
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Rating: 3/5
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Pupils to learn coding and other vocational skills from Grade 6
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
