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Cliquishness—or forming factions in the workplace—is a tendency to prioritize personal relationships and loyalties over shared vision and professional standards.

When “the clique” takes precedence over the organization, ideas are judged by who says them, not by their quality. Meetings turn into arenas for settling personal scores, trust erodes, and decisions stall.

This kind of factionalism often arises when some managers place personal considerations above the common interest, or when different management levels undermine each other. In such an environment, hardworking employees are caught between upper power and lower moods.

Over time, a “us or them” mindset takes root. Initiative declines, hesitation replaces boldness, and the organization loses its direction.

Fighting cliquishness starts with openly acknowledging its existence. Wherever this phenomenon appears, the workplace becomes sick and needs treatment—before the illness worsens.

Leaders must rally their teams around a common goal, turning meetings into workshops that produce clear plans, defined roles, and understandable performance indicators. Decisions should be based on results, not relationships, and every team member must know their responsibilities and how they’ll be rewarded or corrected.

After honest dialogue comes practical action: smart delegation that distributes authority according to priorities, active listening to field ideas before making decisions, and empowering people around you. A leader who builds stronger individuals does not lose their position—they expand their impact by training others, opening doors to learning, and giving them space to lead. Dismissing people should always be the last resort.

Finally, good governance protects integrity through transparent procedures, parallel oversight channels, safe reporting mechanisms, and accountability applied equally to everyone. Loyalty should be to values, results, and the common good—not to individuals or alliances. And if reform is impossible in a place that glorifies factionalism and undermines professionalism, then leaving is an ethical act to protect one’s dignity. If I can’t solve the problem, I refuse to live with a victim mentality.

The difference between cliquishness and teamwork is profound: the first divides and weakens, while the second unites and strengthens. When ideas win over personalities and the common good rises above any “clique,” the organization regains its health and leadership finds its true course.

A position is not a medal to be displayed, nor a “salon chair” to polish the image of whoever occupies it. It is a heavy responsibility—one that may steal sleep from the eyes of those who hold it. Whoever takes on a position becomes the captain of the ship: facing the waves first, protecting the “sailors” behind, and being held accountable for results before anyone else.

What makes a leader truly worthy of the position? It begins with presence, charisma, and broad vision—initial qualities that allow one to read situations and sketch possible scenarios. Then comes the capacity for growth, for a position is a school for those open to development and skill acquisition. Complementing this is adaptability: a leader may come from within the institution or from outside it, and may initially lack detailed knowledge. Yet such a leader may still prove the most capable in thought and leadership if they steer wisely and make good use of the team’s expertise.

The causes of failure are many. First among them is obsession with appearances—falling in love with the robe of prestige and the chair, while forgetting the essence of the mission. Next is the absence of vision and goals: not knowing where the team is heading, nor how to measure progress. Added to this is administrative suffocation, when the leader insists on intervening in every minor matter, signing every paper, and extinguishing every “fire” personally. Another cause is personal stagnation: demanding development from the team while failing to commit to it oneself.

On the other hand, there are practical keys to success: defining a realistic vision, and accepting that achieving 80–85% of the target sustainably is better than chasing the illusion of perfection; building a diverse team rather than attempting to clone “copies of the leader” in every role; and investing genuinely in people—through training, nominating them for programs, encouraging them to earn certifications, and giving them platforms to lead alongside you, not behind you.

A position fades, but reputation endures. What remains after you is a stronger team, more solid systems, and results that continue without your presence. Be humble, honest, and flexible. Delegate authority, and don’t trap yourself in details that drain you and exhaust your team. Only then will you leave the mark of a true leader—not the shadow of someone who merely occupied a chair.

Cosmetic surgeries around the world are witnessing a growing demand. They have shifted from being highly delicate medical operations to something resembling a “salon session,” easily accessible through clinics and often completed in record time—sometimes even during a work break. Social media platforms promote these procedures, often with misleading claims. Recently, the UAE Federal Supreme Court established a new legal precedent regarding the responsibility of cosmetic surgeons, affirming that they are obliged to achieve the desired result, not merely to exercise due diligence—unlike what is common in other medical specialties.

The case reviewed by the court involved the death of a patient during a “slimming surgery,” in which the doctor deviated from recognized medical standards. This highlighted the serious risks associated with cosmetic procedures that are not aimed at saving lives but rather improving appearance. In such cases, the surgeon’s obligation becomes doubled, as it is unacceptable to expose the patient to risks that outweigh the expected benefits—even if the patient signs consent forms, waivers, or disclaimers.

The danger extends beyond medical practice to social culture itself. Cosmetic procedures have become normalized among young women, and even men, with some undergoing them at ages as early as 18. This trend reflects the influence of misleading advertisements and influencers who promote ideals of beauty through attractive offers and discounts, sometimes even presenting such procedures as entertainment content. I call them the “kings of distortion.” I have previously recommended banning cosmetic procedures for girls under 21 to help curb this phenomenon.

In addition, the court ruling points to the development of new legislation to reduce cosmetic surgery errors, requiring clinics to adopt higher safety standards and prohibiting unnecessary or purely aesthetic procedures. Long-term healthy alternatives, such as weight-loss and fitness programs lasting from one to three years, should be promoted instead of relying on quick fixes that carry high risks.

In the end, cosmetic surgery is not merely a personal matter—it is a health, social, and legal issue that requires public awareness and strict regulations so that it does not become a silent threat to both individual lives and the stability of society.

The United Arab Emirates is confidently moving toward global leadership in the field of artificial intelligence. In 2017, it launched its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, with the vision of becoming the first government in the world to fully adopt AI across all sectors. The strategy aims to achieve complete reliance on this technology by 2031, thereby fostering innovation and enhancing quality of life.

In addition, the UAE is preparing to launch a large-scale, specialized AI center—an opportunity and a challenge at the same time. Local talents and expertise are expected to take the lead and contribute effectively to building this new phase. This approach will directly benefit the business sector by accelerating economic growth, driving innovation, and attracting top global minds and companies.

Achieving the strategic objectives requires intensive preparation across all sectors. Managers must develop new work mechanisms and prepare themselves and their teams to work with AI technologies. Companies, meanwhile, need to comply with international standards and specifications—especially given that some institutions are still lagging behind in technological adoption. Here, I propose the establishment of a national mechanism to evaluate institutions according to precise criteria for AI usage, granting them ratings that encourage excellence.

This can only be accomplished by adhering to global standards and investing in local talent—ensuring the success of the UAE’s AI strategy and consolidating its leading position on the international stage in this vital field.

In last week’s article, we spoke about returning to school and the importance of preparation for students, teachers, and parents. Yet this equation cannot be complete unless employees themselves are also ready to return to work. As the saying goes, “One cannot give what one does not have.” If parents are not balanced and stable in their professional lives, they will not be able to properly support their children. Therefore, achieving a balance between work and family life is the first step toward a successful academic year.

After the holiday—whether an employee has traveled or not—they need mental and emotional readiness to return to work. This return means bidding farewell to the pleasant moments spent with family and friends, feeling gratitude for those times, and then gradually shifting into the rhythm of work with flexibility and confidence.

Practical steps for returning to work:

• Set a clear work plan: Defining short- and long-term goals helps organize tasks and build a vision for the new year.

• Organize the schedule: Aligning work preparation times with children’s needs, especially in the first days of school, reduces stress and pressure.

• Self-development: Use this fresh start to set a plan for skill development, whether through training or self-learning. Professional renewal gives a motivational boost.

Even small details make a difference—preparing work clothes in advance, buying a new planner with a special pen, all these simple gestures bring a sense of freshness and create motivation for a different beginning.

The manager’s role in this stage

The manager is the cornerstone, carrying the greatest responsibility. Employees look forward to an encouraging work environment and inspiring leadership—not sudden pressure that drains their energy and makes them forget the moments of joy they had during their break. A manager should warmly welcome the team and take small initiatives, such as symbolic giveaways or appreciation notes. They should also set a realistic, flexible work plan that starts gradually and builds up, instead of expecting major results in the very first month.

Final thought

Returning to both education and work is an important milestone for every individual in life’s cycle, helping restore balance. Leadership—before management—is the key to setting off from this milestone with a positive spirit, ensuring benefit for both the family and the community.

Going back to school is not a mere passing event; it is a stage that requires thorough preparation—not only from the student, but also from the parents who oversee their child’s academic and daily needs, and from the teacher who carries the greatest responsibility in ensuring a successful school year.

In this article, I share some tips drawn from my own experience both as a mother and as a former student.

How can parents prepare?

It begins with adjusting the sleep schedule that children tend to delay during the holidays, and setting a plan to deal with traffic during peak hours.

It is important to prepare children psychologically, especially if it is their first time at school or if they are transitioning to a new stage. Nutrition is also a key factor—parents should prepare a healthy lunchbox and raise awareness about the risks of junk food.

Children should also be reminded of the value of education, the importance of respecting teachers, and of keeping away from bad company.

Parents must warn their children about potential risks such as smoking, drugs, harassment, or bullying, while equipping them with practical ways to handle such situations.

If the student is enrolled in school transportation, it is preferable for the parents to personally accompany them on the first day, as this has a significant psychological impact in easing first-day anxiety.

How can the student prepare?

The student must understand that the time for leisure during the holiday has ended. Trying on school uniforms, supplies, and the backpack before the first day helps build readiness.

It is useful to set a weekly and daily plan for reviewing lessons while balancing schoolwork with life activities.

High school students, in particular, should begin thinking early about their academic interests and developing skills in preparation for university. Time passes quickly, and success is shaped through steady, cumulative steps—not sudden leaps.

How can the teacher prepare?

The teacher is the most important partner in this process. With changing curricula and the evolution of social and technological life, keeping pace with students’ awareness has become a challenge. To truly connect, teachers must speak a language close to the students’ own, beginning with a warm welcome that eases the tension of the first days, helping students feel that their teacher is more of a guide and friend than just a supervisor.

It is also advised that teachers avoid embarrassing their students with routine questions about travel or vacations, since many may not have had such opportunities. Students differ in their circumstances and abilities, and the teacher’s role is to motivate and encourage—not to discourage.

Final thought

Back to school is a shared journey between home and school, between the student, their parents, and their teachers. When efforts are aligned and roles are carried out with awareness, the school year becomes a successful and valuable experience—one that contributes to building a confident generation capable of facing the challenges of the future.

There is no doubt that the first part of this article helped us review and recognize the various signs, and we learned that children’s silence in the family gathering is not always a sign of calm and reassurance, but may in fact be a hidden cry. Here we continue with the second part.

5. Hidden conflicts among family members
One of the most serious causes of sudden silence is the unspoken conflicts within the family gathering.

When someone becomes silent, or when the tone of the relationship between two members suddenly changes, it is often because of unresolved disagreements that have spilled over into the general atmosphere and influenced the behavior of the whole family.

6. Language… when children do not understand the “Ramseh”
One of the emerging issues in family gatherings today, which contributes to widening the gap of silence, is what can be called the “language gap.” The disconnect is no longer limited to ideas or emotions; it has extended to the very absence of linguistic understanding. In some families, children do not understand the Emirati dialect (“Ramseh”), and some may not even master Arabic at all.

This phenomenon results from several combined factors, including reliance on private education that focuses on foreign languages, parents’ busyness, and the absence of daily conversations in the mother tongue.

Moreover, when children are raised by domestic workers who do not speak Arabic, and when they lack Emirati peers who share the same dialect and identity, their daily practice of the local dialect weakens, and they grow linguistically in an environment alien to their real community.

When a child cannot understand the words exchanged in the gathering, or does not know how to express themselves in a dialect close to their family’s, they prefer silence over participation. Here, we are not only talking about a language gap, but about a fracture in belonging and identity, and about an isolation that is nurtured within the family itself.

7. The absence of family value among children
More alarming than all the above is when there is no clear reason at all—other than the fact that children have come to see the family as something “temporary,” carrying no real value in their hearts. They wait impatiently for the gathering to end so they can escape to their friends or their digital worlds.

Here we confront a worrying reality: children no longer feel that the family is worthy of attention, or perhaps they never received enough messages instilling that sense of value in the first place.

In conclusion
As fathers, mothers, and elders in the gathering, we must learn to listen to what is not said and read between the lines. If this dilemma is left untreated, it may branch out into even greater problems: isolation, withdrawal, social disconnection, and possibly an emotional detachment from the family altogether.

The silence of children during family gatherings may seem normal and is often interpreted as a sign of politeness and respect, as is customary in our traditional culture. However, today, amidst rapid societal changes, we must reconsider this silence, as it can hide deeper psychological and social dimensions.

But before jumping to conclusions, we should first ask: Is this silence old and deeply rooted, or is it a recent, cumulative behavior? This question is a key to proper understanding and response.

1. Discomfort or Social Anxiety

In some cases, silence results from a child’s discomfort—perhaps due to the presence of a certain person at the gathering, or a general unease with family occasions, especially given social distancing that has reduced family interactions. The solution here is to create a balanced environment in the family gathering, considering age groups and the level of discussion, so everyone feels included and comfortable without marginalization or embarrassment.

2. Fear or Social Phobia

Silence may mask a psychological disorder like social phobia, which requires intervention by mental health professionals, especially if the silence is severe and persistent. Such signs should not be underestimated, as mental health deserves the same attention as physical health.

3. Shyness and Selective Mutism

Excessive shyness can lead a child to what is known as “selective mutism,” where they choose to remain silent in specific social settings. It is important to gradually support children to break through shyness, starting with one-on-one conversations and then slowly expanding the social circle until they develop confidence and openness.

4. Hidden Worries or Silent Traumas

When silence suddenly appears in a person who is normally social by nature, it usually signals a troubling issue. The child might have experienced harmful events such as bullying, harassment, extortion, depression, fights, or even legal problems hidden from the family. In such cases, it is crucial to engage in empathetic and supportive dialogue rather than blame or reproach.

You truly feel the beauty and ease of our country’s airport procedures when you travel with your family, regardless of the class you choose. But the real sense of how special our airport is becomes clear upon your return—after you’ve left, experienced other airports abroad, and noticed the differences in even the smallest details. You start longing to set foot on the homeland’s soil as soon as possible, and once you embrace its sky, you breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the remaining procedures will be smooth and effortless.

Here, you realize that what we take for granted—what we consider basic rights and norms—is actually the result of tremendous efforts, making it a rare global model. It’s hard to find an airport anywhere in the world that matches the efficiency and quality of our country’s airport.

Some might think my point is limited to the luxurious infrastructure—the spacious areas, commercial facilities, pleasant atmosphere, comfortable temperature, high cleanliness, especially in restrooms, or even the advanced technology in screening and smart entry systems.

While all these features definitely distinguish our airport, I want to talk about other details that may not be noticed immediately but truly make a difference.

From the moment you park your car, there’s ample space to load your luggage easily, without stress or rush. You have the right to use luggage carts—for free—or ask for help carrying bags. Inside, the signage is clear, leaving no room for confusion. The staff, without exception, are dressed elegantly, wearing welcoming smiles, and their courteous manners give you a warm, stress-free impression.

Whether it’s the check-in crew, assistance at smart gates, or service for senior citizens, the performance is fast and efficient. In some international airports, such services are only available by prior booking, if at all; here, they’re offered simply and without complications.

Even the passport officers’ uniforms convey friendliness rather than intimidation. Seating is available for everyone, free of charge, and comfort is found in every corner. Phone charging, showers, rest areas—all are possible without needing VIP lounges or first-class access.

Throughout the airport, you won’t encounter undesirable people or scams with taxis or exits.

In fact, I began writing this article while waiting at one of our country’s airport facilities, and now, as I send it at the moment of my return, I write with even greater certainty: our country’s airport is truly different.

Today, we witness great and commendable efforts by state institutions in the fields of healthcare and social care. Healthcare services have become accessible to all segments of society, especially the elderly, thanks to the dedicated work of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Ministry of Community Empowerment, the Ministry of Family, and other relevant partners. Their collaboration has resulted in effective programs for home care and continuous medical follow-up.

In cases where health conditions prevent elderly citizens from traveling to hospitals or clinics, the concerned authorities provide comprehensive nursing services around the clock within their homes, including medical monitoring, nursing care, and preventive supervision.

Thus, elderly individuals enjoy comfort and dignity within their family environment, surrounded by familiar walls and cherished memories, without the need to move to hospitals or nursing homes.

However, over time, a noticeable social issue has emerged: some children have begun to withdraw emotionally and socially from their parents’ lives, relying instead on the presence of nurses or caregivers at home. The role of caregivers has shifted from solely providing health care to becoming the sole emotional support for the parent in the absence or preoccupation of their children. Although this silent withdrawal is sometimes unintentional, it deprives parents of their sense of importance and status, creating a painful emotional void that no service can fill.

Honoring one’s parents is not limited to meeting their health needs; it extends to providing psychological support, emotional care, and genuine presence in their lives. While the relevant authorities—thankfully—have lifted much of the burden of treatment and nursing from the children, this does not exempt them from their responsibility to care for their parents, check on them, talk with them, and share daily life, even if it is just a cup of coffee and some casual conversation.

Moreover, children should not add to their parents’ worries in their advanced age, but rather alleviate them, becoming a support rather than an additional burden. True care is not only about bringing medicine when needed, but also about offering tenderness, comforting hearts, and making the parents’ old age a time filled with love—not loneliness.