Community resilience and the importance of a cohesive society were discussed during a global panel hosted by Sheikh Dheyab bin Zayed.
He spoke of the importance of mutual co-operation in the third Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Ramadan Majlis.
“We live, nowadays, in complex societies with complicated challenges that require innovation, outside-of-the-box thinking, and innovative solutions in order to solve social problems in the labour, commercial and economic sectors," he said.
We live in complex societies with complicated challenges that require innovation, outside-of-the-box thinking, and innovative solutions in order to solve social problems
"We cannot pretend that these solutions are easy to find or that they will always be successful.
"These problems undoubtedly require smart, devoted and co-operating individuals and societies to find solutions for these challenges."
Titled ‘For the Greater Good: Innovations for More Resilient Global Communities,’ the virtual majlis also included Salama Al Ameemi, director general of the Authority of Social Contribution, known as Ma’an, Sir Geoff Mulgan, professor of collective intelligence, public policy and social innovation at University College London and Fadi Ghandour, co-founder of Aramex and executive chairman of Wamda Group.
Discussions centred on how to bolster community resilience to ensure society is equipped to withstand and recover from adversity.
The panellists considered strong social bonds between the government and its people as key to this resilience, and underscored the role of the private sector and civil organisations.
A compassionate government is also an important tool in creating a sense of belonging in its citizens, said Ms Al Ameemi, who said that what distinguished the UAE was that its social contract included compassion, in addition to constitutional rights.
But this social contract is not merely a one-way process from the government.
“Social resilience requires contribution and engagement from society," she added.
"This is why the Department of Community Development was established in 2018.
"The main mission of the Department is to provide a decent life for all members of the community, and that social responsibility is not only the responsibility of the government.
"It should be a shared responsibility between the government, the private sector, and the third sector, which is the community members and civil community organisations.”
How the private sector can help build a sense of community
Contributing to the conversation, businessman Mr Ghandour highlighted the important role of private companies in supporting communities.
“The private sector has a key role in society beyond its core business, whether commercial services, processing or production,” he said.
"When we talk about social entrepreneurship there must be integration and joint efforts between the two sectors – as we call it the ‘community sector’ and the ‘business sector’ – to come up with solutions to challenges facing society.
"[Thus] we can utilise the available skills and capabilities of the private sector, such as team working, investing, finding solutions with entrepreneurial thinking.”
From an academic view, Sir Geoff spoke of the need for governments to plan for every eventuality.
“I've always been fascinated why some societies are so resilient they can withstand a war, a financial shock, a pandemic and bounce back, where others are brittle and vulnerable,” he said.
"I think some of the answers lie with what governments do.
"The best governments protect people from the risks they can't protect themselves from.
"And they look ahead. They scan for possible threats. They prepare, they plan, they do simulations.”
In his view, the greatest challenges likely to be faced by the UAE will stem from rising global temperatures due to climate change.
This, Sir Geoff said, could lead to challenges in managing a society in a region such as the Gulf.
Nevertheless, his view was that the UAE was well placed in terms of capability to respond.
The virtual Ramadan series, held each Monday during the holy month, aims to promote learning and reflection.
The final majlis will take place next week.
Innotech Profile
Date started: 2013
Founder/CEO: Othman Al Mandhari
Based: Muscat, Oman
Sector: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies
Size: 15 full-time employees
Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing
Investors: Oman Technology Fund from 2017 to 2019, exited through an agreement with a new investor to secure new funding that it under negotiation right now.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
Rating: 4/5
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
%3Cp%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%201.9km%20King%20Salman%20Boulevard%2C%20a%20Parisian%20Champs-Elysees-inspired%20avenue%2C%20is%20scheduled%20for%20completion%20in%202028%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20Royal%20Diriyah%20Opera%20House%20is%20expected%20to%20be%20completed%20in%20four%20years%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20Diriyah%E2%80%99s%20first%20of%2042%20hotels%2C%20the%20Bab%20Samhan%20hotel%2C%20will%20open%20in%20the%20first%20quarter%20of%202024%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20On%20completion%20in%202030%2C%20the%20Diriyah%20project%20is%20forecast%20to%20accommodate%20more%20than%20100%2C000%20people%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20The%20%2463.2%20billion%20Diriyah%20project%20will%20contribute%20%247.2%20billion%20to%20the%20kingdom%E2%80%99s%20GDP%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20It%20will%20create%20more%20than%20178%2C000%20jobs%20and%20aims%20to%20attract%20more%20than%2050%20million%20visits%20a%20year%0D%3Cbr%3E-%20About%202%2C000%20people%20work%20for%20the%20Diriyah%20Company%2C%20with%20more%20than%2086%20per%20cent%20being%20Saudi%20citizens%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
How to help
Call the hotline on 0502955999 or send "thenational" to the following numbers:
2289 - Dh10
2252 - Dh50
6025 - Dh20
6027 - Dh100
6026 - Dh200
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Simran
Director Hansal Mehta
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Soham Shah, Esha Tiwari Pandey
Three stars
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
Quick%20facts
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Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
EPL's youngest
- Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
