Category: Uncategorized

In recent years, graduation parties have become an additional burden and source of worry for parents, rather than a joyful occasion to celebrate their children’s achievements. In many schools, these parties are held in luxurious outdoor venues, requiring high costs that are imposed on all students as a mandatory expense.

Graduation ceremonies should be moments of pride and happiness, not consumerist events. Therefore, I suggest holding these celebrations within the school facilities themselves, specifically in theaters and halls equipped for this purpose, without placing any extra financial burden on parents. This way, we preserve the symbolic value of the occasion without excessive displays or costs.

What makes matters worse is that graduation parties are no longer limited to the end of high school as they used to be. They are now held at the end of every stage: elementary, middle school, and so forth. This expansion diminishes the symbolism of graduation and burdens families with unnecessary expenses.

On the other hand, many students are required to purchase a “graduation gown,” which is often expensive and used only once. In contrast, many prestigious global universities offer gowns for rent, not purchase. Hence, I propose that schools maintain a sufficient collection of graduation gowns available for borrowing, with the option for families to buy one voluntarily if they wish—without obligation or embarrassment. Since the gown is worn once, and within two months parents will be faced with buying school uniforms for the graduate’s younger siblings—who will wear them for a full year—this approach is more practical and economical.

Speaking of school uniforms, these often change whenever the school updates its logo or visual identity, rendering the old uniforms unusable for siblings and weakening the principle of sustainability. Therefore, I suggest that the school logo and emblem be made detachable and replaceable, attached as separate pieces to the clothing. This way, the same uniform can be reused by simply changing the logo, whether due to identity development or transferring students within the same educational system. Ideally, we also hope to standardize uniforms across all private schools, achieving both affordability and sustainability simultaneously.

In conclusion, it is necessary to reconsider graduation and school uniform practices in both public and private education sectors, striking a balance between the symbolic importance of celebration, economic realities, and family comfort—without losing the educational essence of the occasion.

In the past, connecting and spending time with siblings at home never required a special occasion. Shared games, daily conversations, and even minor quarrels were part of the natural fabric of family life.

Today, however, it’s entirely possible for a day—or even several—to pass without siblings seeing each other, despite living under the same roof. The home has begun to resemble a hotel: each person has their own room, their own device, and their own schedule for eating or sleeping.

Communication between siblings now often happens through phones or WhatsApp, instead of face-to-face interaction. One is in their room watching a movie, another is immersed in video games, and a third eats alone. Even the dining table, once a symbol of family unity, has become an individual choice—or perhaps a rare memory.

This kind of distancing—what could be called “domestic social distancing”—is not just a surface-level issue; it’s a warning sign of a shift in the dynamics of home life. When siblings lose their daily connection, emotional bonds weaken. They grow used to isolation and begin to see one another as mere “co-residents” rather than life partners.

The causes of this phenomenon are many. For one, digital immersion: smart devices have become constant companions, offering entertainment, socializing, and even education—all on a small screen.

In addition, the differing schedules of family members make real-life encounters difficult. Each lives by their own clock. The pressure of school, assignments, and activities limits the child’s interaction time with their family, while work-related stress limits the parents’ availability. Most importantly, when the model of a close-knit family disappears and dialogue between parents fades, it’s only natural that sibling connection suffers too.

The effects of this distancing are clearly visible in psychological and social aspects.

Constant isolation leads to a weakened sense of family belonging and robs children of critical interaction skills like conversation and cooperation. A child might even feel emotionally lonely, despite being surrounded by family members—opening the door to anxiety or depression. In the long term, sibling relationships risk becoming shallow, lacking shared memories, and reduced to formalities or mutual convenience.

But the situation is not hopeless. Solutions start with small steps—like setting aside daily or weekly time for device-free family interaction. Parents can help create sibling activities similar to what they enjoy with their friends—or even their digital companions—such as watching shows, cooking together, playing games, or simply chatting and sharing updates.

Encouraging open dialogue, opinion-sharing, and balanced phone use at home can also help create real space for connection.

In the end, sibling bonding is not a luxury—it’s a core need for emotional and social development. Distance doesn’t start with physical separation—it starts with prolonged silence. Let’s bring back the sound of family into our homes, and give siblings the chance to be active brothers and sisters, not silent strangers living side by side.

In many private schools that follow the British, American, or other international curricula, children are becoming fluent in English, yet increasingly struggle to use the Arabic language. While this shift may appear natural, its implications go far beyond language—it touches thought, identity, and belonging. As Minister of Education Sarah Al Amiri once said: “Language is not just language—it is identity, it reinforces my faith, and it signifies my connection to the homeland.” These words affirm that Arabic is more than a means of communication; it is the foundation of both religious and national identity.

Studies have shown that if a mother tongue is not actively supported, it tends to decline in favor of the dominant language of education—English, in this case—a phenomenon known as language attrition. This decline affects not only a child’s linguistic abilities but also their academic, emotional, and social development.

Contrary to popular belief, learning in a foreign language does not necessarily lead to better academic outcomes if it comes at the expense of the native language. Neglecting the mother tongue can weaken the foundational base from which a child builds knowledge. To be clear, there is no dispute over the importance of learning other languages and accessing global sources of knowledge—but this should happen in parallel with strengthening the mother tongue, not at its expense. Numerous studies show that children who are proficient in more than one language exhibit enhanced focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. However, when Arabic—their native language—declines, children lose the cognitive and linguistic balance that multilingualism could have provided.

Emotionally, children who cannot express themselves in their mother tongue may feel disconnected from their families, especially grandparents, leading to identity confusion, reduced self-confidence, and a weakened sense of belonging.

On the social and cultural levels, children with weak Arabic skills may struggle to understand religious practices, national values, and social traditions. Some may grow up as strangers in their own countries, lacking the cultural connection that ties them to their environment and peers.

By contrast, teaching Arabic alongside Islamic and national education fosters a strong identity from an early age, reinforces emotional stability, and supports long-term academic success. A child who masters their mother tongue grows with confidence, feels a deep sense of belonging, takes pride in their culture, and is better prepared to face life’s intellectual, psychological, and emotional challenges.

This, in turn, strengthens social cohesion, national unity, and collective loyalty. Societies that preserve their native language preserve their collective memory—and in doing so, raise citizens who are more aware of their identity, more connected to their national causes, and more capable of contributing meaningfully to their country.

Recently, I have received several messages from parents who were surprised by an unexpected increase in primary school tuition fees. One mother described her frustration, saying that the increase came after they had already paid the first installment, full payment, or a seat reservation deposit, as it’s commonly called. This sudden change caused confusion—especially during the summer—leaving them with little time to search for more affordable alternatives, as most schools had already filled their seats. Additionally, their work commitments limited their options, and many families had already started their summer vacations. By the time they returned, they found that all the seats had been taken, and time had run out.

Many parents prefer not to change the school their child has grown up in, for two main reasons: first, because it is close to home, making daily transportation easier and more comfortable for the child. Second, because academic studies indicate that switching schools can have noticeable negative effects, including lower academic performance, the emergence of behavioral issues, and more.

One study also found that students who change schools during early childhood perform worse in language and math skills, with long-term social and emotional impacts. There’s also a significant psychological factor: constant switching disrupts emotional stability and hinders the formation of a social environment that supports adaptation and steady growth.

Given all these considerations, the pressure of rising school fees has become a serious concern, placing families in a difficult situation at a critical time. Parents are forced either to continue paying at a school that has suddenly become unaffordable or to risk compromising their child’s education and emotional stability by searching for alternatives.

What’s needed instead are systematic solutions: regulating annual school fees over the long term, eliminating sudden increases—especially after a deposit has been paid—and establishing a more consistent pricing policy for currently enrolled students, under the supervision of the relevant authorities within the country.

We are living in a paradox: immersed in an excessive consumer culture, even as we drown under the weight of debt. Borrowing—whether through credit cards, personal loans, or “Buy Now, Pay Later” services such as Tamara and Tabby—has become normalized. It’s seen as a daily necessity and, at times, even as a form of “financial intelligence.”

Contrary to what some may think, this issue isn’t confined to the Arab or Gulf region—it’s a global phenomenon. Recent reports show that individuals born in 1996 and later carry an average personal debt exceeding AED 345,000, more than half of it due to credit card usage. Yet, only 3% of them own homes. “Buy Now, Pay Later” services are also extremely popular worldwide, used by around 62% of the same generation. Many young people believe they are using these services for free—only to be surprised later by hidden interest fees. Moreover, many stores raise their product prices when payment is made in installments through such services. In all cases, overuse of these services leads young people into irrational, excessive consumption.

What’s driving this? Social media is the primary culprit. It promotes a luxurious lifestyle, pushing people to purchase out of comparison, status-seeking, and the desire to follow trends and what’s “in.” A 2020 study found that conspicuous consumption is a major motivator for borrowing, especially among those trying to keep up with others.

But debt doesn’t only affect individuals—it burdens families. Many parents are forced to dip into their savings or work longer hours to support their debt-ridden children. In some cases, parents even take out loans to cover their children’s debts.

Debt has become a way of life for the new generation. But raising awareness and initiating fundamental change is only possible through education—teaching moderate and rational consumption. If saving the current generation seems out of reach, then at the very least, we must strive to protect the emerging generations.

And to conclude, I recall my late father’s words:
“True wealth is not in money or abundant possessions, but in being free of debt.”

In today’s world, having children is no longer viewed as a fundamental life step—it’s increasingly seen as a luxury that many can’t afford. Fertility rates have sharply declined in many countries, and the reasons go far beyond biology.

Raising a child today comes with a growing list of financial, emotional, and social demands. The cost of living continues to rise—from housing, education, and healthcare to even the simplest forms of childcare—all of which have become heavy burdens on families. For young couples, having more than one child often seems like an almost impossible choice amid these pressures and the modern parenting challenges that have become overwhelming in a world full of rapid change.

Modern life has also increased the expectations placed on parents. It’s no longer just about financial support, but also constant care, early education, entertainment, and emotional guidance. While this shift brings positive aspects, it places significant pressure on parents trying to balance their careers and family lives.

In addition, ideas around personal freedom and lifestyle have contributed to a reluctance to have children. Many are unwilling to give up travel, leisure, or career advancement in exchange for the lifelong responsibility of raising kids. In this context, children are no longer viewed as the natural center of family life, but rather as a choice that requires deep financial and personal sacrifice.

In the end, the issue isn’t that people don’t want children, but that modern society has made the desire for them accompanied by fear and anxiety. If this trend continues, we must ask ourselves: What kind of world are we living in, where raising children has become such a daunting task?

The concept of rest has changed between the past and the present. In the past, the weekend held a special place for families—a pause from the daily rush. It was marked by calm mornings, shared family meals, visits with relatives, stress-free outings, and quiet moments that helped restore balance to both body and mind. People used to gather, conversations would flow without fatigue or boredom, and those two days were filled with a peacefulness we eagerly anticipated.

But that concept has changed. For many today, the weekend has become an extension of the workweek—just with a different to-do list. Tasks and responsibilities pile up, shopping lists grow longer, and endless social and family obligations emerge. The time once reserved for rest has shrunk into something secondary, squeezed between appointments and alarms.

Technology has blurred the boundary between work and rest. Emails don’t wait for Monday morning, messages keep flowing nonstop, and phones continuously send notifications. Even moments of relaxation have become obligations tied to social media.

We’ve become obsessed with productivity, aiming to make use of every single moment—even the ones meant for rest. “I’ll use these few minutes to get something done,” or make a few calls or send work messages. Instead of recharging, we often find ourselves reaching Sunday evening more exhausted than we were on Friday.

We must recognize that rest is not a luxury—it’s a vital necessity. In this fast-paced world, we need to relearn the art of slowing down to find balance. The weekend should include quiet moments, a chance to pause and reflect, and a conscious effort to “do nothing”—at least for a little while.

True rest isn’t just about the body—it’s about the mind and soul. Perhaps it’s time to reclaim the weekend, not as a race of tasks, but as a space for inner restoration—where doing “nothing” becomes the most valuable thing we can do.

Certified counselor, accredited expert, locally, regionally, and globally, professional doctorate, professional master’s… the titles vary, but the method remains the same: a short training course that ends with the graduation of dozens of “certified counselors” in various fields. Perhaps the most widely spread nowadays is in legal and family affairs—without any prior experience in the field.

As soon as the training program ends, the trainee receives a collection of titles, badges, and certificates that give a false sense of professional entitlement, in my opinion.

Whether these programs are offered locally or abroad, neither requires any practical exams or clinical hours with authorized institutions. This “trainee” then begins practicing here and there and becomes entrusted with the fate of families, the sacred marital bond, and the future of children—based merely on personal opinions, sometimes shaped by failed experiences or casual conversations among friends in cafes and gatherings. This is how the future of families who sought a last resort for help may end up being decided.

These programs, whether local or international, must undergo professional evaluation for accreditation. The current form of accreditation only involves reviewing written materials without any practical exams or applied studies to assess the program’s effectiveness. There is no real accreditation for the practical institutions cooperating with these training centers, nor for professional memberships from third parties. Not to mention the questionable value of professional diplomas like the “professional master’s” and “professional doctorate,” which have led to the widespread use of the “Dr.” title, even though professional graduates do not attain academic ranks.

Specialized authorities must evaluate those enrolled in these training programs before certifying and graduating them. This should include a strict plan and clear criteria, such as a minimum number of working hours and supervised casework under the guidance of practicing specialists. This work may even be voluntary to fulfill graduation requirements from the training program.

In today’s article, I’m pleased to share with you a piece that resonated with me deeply and often reflects our reality and work life. I adopt here the five main points outlined below:

It’s easy to assume that a bad manager remains in their position due to neglect or ignorance on the part of the company, but the reality is quite different — and often shocking. Companies frequently keep such managers deliberately, not out of oversight. It’s not because they are the best or most competent, but because they perform certain roles others don’t want to do, or they serve management’s interests in some way.

Although their presence kills creativity, makes employees hate their jobs, and drains the team’s spirit, there are hidden — and sometimes openly stated — reasons why companies keep them in place.

First, in many cases, the bad manager is a compliant conduit for upper management — someone who does not challenge policies or question orders, but executes them no matter how harsh or unfair they may be. This type of manager is convenient for leadership because they carry out instructions without hesitation, even if it destroys the team.

Second, some bad managers excel in social intelligence — but in flattery rather than leadership. They are experts at building alliances within the organization and know how to present themselves as leaders to senior officials. They master the art of “taking credit for successes” and “shifting blame onto others,” which allows them to evade accountability.

Third, in work environments where employee well-being and workplace quality are not priorities, the bad manager might be the one who delivers results and meets targets, even at the expense of the team’s comfort and mental health. In such places, numbers matter more than people.

Fourth, the cost of replacing them is high. Firing a manager is not just losing an employee; it means plunging the company into a cycle of searching, hiring, training, and redistributing tasks. All this may disrupt workflows and impact the entire team. Therefore, keeping the current manager despite their flaws may be seen as the “lesser evil” for management.

Fifth, there is the fear of admitting a mistake. In some organizations, the person who appointed the bad manager doesn’t want to acknowledge that they made a poor decision. To preserve their status and image, they keep the manager in place, even when the results are obvious to everyone.

If you are one of the employees working under such management, don’t pin all your hopes on changing them. Instead, focus on developing yourself, expanding your network, and thinking of a smart exit plan when needed — because a company that doesn’t protect its employees today won’t protect you tomorrow when you really need it.

First of all, it’s no secret that everyone struggles with this difficult equation. It’s not fixed. Although experts and influencers frequently discuss this topic on social media, they unfortunately overlook the differences in income and circumstances among people, giving somewhat unrealistic advice: “Save half,” “Save a third.” Someone born with a silver spoon in their mouth is not the same as others.

On the other hand, most people suffer from insufficient salaries because we tend to spend according to our income and desires, not according to our actual basic needs. Those who can truly live comfortably on their salary are few, and most of those who don’t complain are people who silently endure difficult living conditions, without voicing their struggles.

Why do we keep complaining about tight living conditions and low salaries, even when income may increase over time? Of course, inflation and rising prices play a role, but the answer isn’t just in these details—it lies in our habits. We buy more than we need. “Buy one, get one free” offers tempt our wallets more than our actual needs, and homes get cluttered with clothes, devices, and items that only collect dust over time.

There’s a luxury that has crept into the simplest details of our daily life: endless streaming subscriptions, specialty coffee every morning, short trips captured more by the camera than by memory. What used to be a seasonal treat has become a fixed expense continuously deducted from our income.

And every time the salary increases a step, expenses climb a whole ladder. We replace furniture with newer ones, buy the latest car, and assume that luxury is a sign of success. But the inflated spending consumes the gain, leaving net wealth stagnant and unchanged.

Saving? It’s postponed to a “better time.” No emergency fund, no investment for the future—just a vague hope that things will improve on their own. Yet disasters don’t wait for our paychecks, and sometimes we face harsh circumstances that shatter all our hopes and ambitions.

The solution isn’t complicated: pay yourself first. Set aside a fixed percentage, even if small—say 5%—immediately upon receiving your salary, and let your expenses adjust to the remainder. Set written financial goals and monitor your progress with an eye that isn’t fooled by consumer glitter.

Only then will you realize that the salary, no matter how small, can work for you instead of against you. Use a piggy bank, whether physical or digital, to save these funds. Create savings jars for your children to teach them about saving from an early age—say, for college expenses! Use spending tracking apps, as many expenses now support this feature.