FUJAIRAH // Ismail Al Kindi used to enjoy planting and tending to cucumbers, tomatoes and onions each day at the Fujairah Rehabilitation Centre.
But that was three years ago and Ismail, 31, has been unable to find work since the centre lowered the age limit to 18.
The Emirati would love to have a job and do something productive in his community, but he has been unable to find work, largely because he has Down syndrome.
His sister Khadieah, 40, has the same condition, and also used to work at the centre.
They need jobs in a safe environment that help them to develop but nothing is available.
“They need to be placed in a job that helps them improve and progress, around people who have the knowledge of how to deal with them,” said Amna Al Kindi, another sister.
“They used to be calm and happy, now they fight a lot and are always complaining. Their current situation has affected their abilities and skills that they have developed at the centre.”
Families caring for disabled people in Fujairah and the centre are calling for the Government to build a chocolate factory and a plant nursery where disabled people could work under the centre’s supervision.
“I wish that the Government would launch an initiative to establish a business project that would be under the supervision of the rehabilitation centre, and offer a suitable environment and jobs to people with a disability,” said Ayesha Khamis, whose daughter Shayma Al Naqbi has Down syndrome and left the centre in 2014.
“Shayma left the centre and was offered work in a cosmetics store but I didn’t approve it,” said Ms Khamis. “I didn’t feel that she would be safe as she would work with a number of people that might mistreat her.”
Amna said: “After they left the rehabilitation centre Ismail had a job opportunity at the municipality, but after a couple of months my father broke his leg and couldn’t drive him to work.
“So they terminated his contract and since that day he has stayed home.”
The centre held a chocolate-making class that was a hit with many of its visitors, including Khadieah.
“Mixing cocoa to create chocolate and put it on top of the biscuits,” Khadieah said with a sparkle in her eyes.
Ms Al Kindi said her siblings really miss the activities at the centre and the family is keen to find a place where their safety is assured and they can be productive and happy again.
That is why the centre is hoping to gain the approvals needed to begin at least one of the projects, to remove people with a disability from isolation, build up their personalities and get them learning skills while contributing to their community.
“Having a place where they can earn money and contribute to society is like a dream comes true – girls can work in a chocolate factory and they are good at it, while boys can plant vegetables and fruits in a farm or a plant nursery,” said the centre’s social worker, Jamila Al Mula.
She said 14 out of 34 physically or mentally challenged people had been recruited by government entities in the past four years, in roles involving data entry or as clerks.
“The numbers of those who were rejected are low and a lot of them stay at home. Some of the parents are afraid to let their son or daughter work in a place where they might not be treated right,” said Ms Al Mula.
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The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
More on Quran memorisation:
'Top Gun: Maverick'
Rating: 4/5
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Ed Harris
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
MATCH INFO
Barcelona v Real Madrid, 11pm UAE
Match is on BeIN Sports
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
From exhibitions to the battlefield
In 2016, the Shaded Dome was awarded with the 'De Vernufteling' people's choice award, an annual prize by the Dutch Association of Consulting Engineers and the Royal Netherlands Society of Engineers for the most innovative project by a Dutch engineering firm.
It was assigned by the Dutch Ministry of Defence to modify the Shaded Dome to make it suitable for ballistic protection. Royal HaskoningDHV, one of the companies which designed the dome, is an independent international engineering and project management consultancy, leading the way in sustainable development and innovation.
It is driving positive change through innovation and technology, helping use resources more efficiently.
It aims to minimise the impact on the environment by leading by example in its projects in sustainable development and innovation, to become part of the solution to a more sustainable society now and into the future.
