Call for more Emirati midwives



DUBAI // Cultural barriers are dissuading Emiratis from becoming midwives, a conference heard this week.

Dr Grace Edwards, assistant director of nursing and clinical programmes manager at Corniche Hospital, said it was vital for attitudes to change to increase the numbers of Emiratis in the workforce. “Emirati midwives have encountered instances where they are not being accepted easily into the role by their countrywomen because of cultural barriers, and because the women are more accustomed to expatriate and non-Arab healthcare staff,” she said.

Dr Edwards spoke about ways to encourage midwifery engagement and leadership in the UAE at the Obs-Gyne Exhibition and Congress at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

She said government healthcare institutions were collaborating with experts in the field of midwifery to improve the care of birthing mothers.

“The objective is to recognise the midwife as the expert in normal birth and the obstetrician as the expert in complicated births, and reinforce the concept of teamwork and collaboration between all clinicians,” Dr Edwards said.

Naeema Al Ali was one of the first Emirati graduates from Corniche Hospital’s 18-month bachelor of applied science in midwifery programme.

Speaking at the conference, she said it was the encouragement from her instructor, the in-charge midwife and her family that inspired her to undergo official training as a midwife.

“Some of the challenges we face as Emirati midwives is that new mothers can be rather shy or more familiar with non-Emirati midwives and healthcare staff,” said Ms Al Ali, who is now a midwife at the Corniche Hospital.

“They were a little hesitant at first but some have grown to appreciate that we are experts in the field and that we have an understanding of the language, culture and customs.”

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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Airev
Started: September 2023
Founder: Muhammad Khalid
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Generative AI
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
 
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Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
  • Drones
  • Animals
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  • Radios or power banks
  • Laser pointers
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Starring: Charlize Theron, Seth Rogan

Four stars

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How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
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  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
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  • Fly it within visual line of sight
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Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
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Sector: E-commerce

Funding: Self-funded to date

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Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

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2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

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