Dubai Autism Center Launches Autism-Friendly Kits for Ramadan and Eid
In line with the 'Year of the Community' and the #RamadanInDubai campaign, the Dubai Autism Center (DAC) has unveiled a new initiative to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in participating more fully in social events.
The center has launched autism-friendly kits designed to ease the experience of families during public gatherings, particularly throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr.
Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Center, emphasized that the initiative is part of the UAE's broader efforts to create a more inclusive society, aligned with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's vision for the 'Year of the Community.' He stated, "We are committed to empowering children with autism to engage in social activities comfortably, helping parents navigate public spaces with ease."
The specially crafted kits are designed to manage sensory challenges faced by children with autism, offering tools that promote independence and allow families to participate in events without stress. These kits are distributed at various public venues certified as Autism-Friendly, including Dubai Police stations, Dubai Airports, the Dubai Frame, and more.
Razan Qandil, Community Outreach Coordinator at DAC, highlighted the importance of the initiative, noting that these kits not only facilitate social participation but also encourage the independence of children with autism. The initiative is a part of the wider efforts to align with the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination and Dubai's goal of becoming a fully accessible city.
This initiative builds on DAC's ongoing commitment to enhancing the lives of children with autism and promoting their seamless integration into society.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Emirates Woman
05-06-2025
- Emirates Woman
Fasting for Ramadan: 5 key tips to nourish your body and soul
Fasting during Arafat Day is a significant spiritual practice for Muslims around the world. It involves abstaining from food and drinks from dawn until sunset, on the day before Eid Al Adha. While fasting, individuals focus on prayer, reflection, and self-discipline. Here are five tips to help make fasting on Arafat Day a spiritually fulfilling and physically manageable experience. Hydration is Key Begin your fast with a balanced suhoor meal that includes plenty of fluids and hydrating foods such as fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water during non-fasting hours to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, as they can cause thirst. Eat Nutritious Foods Opt for wholesome, nutrient-rich meals during iftar (breaking the fast) to replenish your body's energy levels. Include complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats to sustain you throughout the fasting period. Avoid overeating or indulging in heavy, greasy foods, which can lead to discomfort and sluggishness. Moderate Physical Activity While intense exercise may be challenging during fasting hours, light physical activity such as walking or gentle stretching can help maintain energy levels and promote overall well-being. Listen to your body and avoid strenuous activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Prioritize Rest and Sleep Ensure you get adequate rest and sleep during Ramadan to support your body's fasting process. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night and consider taking short naps during the day if needed. Establish a bedtime routine to promote relaxation and quality sleep. Focus on Spiritual Growth Use the opportunity of Ramadan to deepen your connection with your faith. Allocate time each day for spiritual reflection and self-improvement. Engage in community iftars and taraweeh prayers to foster a sense of unity and solidarity with fellow Muslims. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Pexel & Unsplash, Feature Image: Instagram @futurebedouin
Gulf Today
04-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Dubai Fitness Challenge in November, sunset yoga session to end event
The organising committee of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) has announced that its ninth edition will take place from 1st to 30th November, coinciding with the 'Year of the Community'. The committee also unveiled a bold, refreshed brand identity, which celebrates its transformative impact on the city's health and wellbeing. The announcement was made at a special gathering held to thank the government entities, schools, corporate entities, partners, fitness establishments and local communities that have helped make the annual event a resounding success. Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, began the ceremony with gratitude for every individual, organisation, government partner and stakeholder who has helped shape the success of DFC, noting that more than 13 million people have taken part over eight editions. Launched in 2017 by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the DFC embodies his vision to transform Dubai into one of the world's most active cities. Driven by this visionary leadership, the initiative's ongoing success supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing the city's position as a global leader in both business and lifestyle. Commenting on the impact of DFC, he said, 'With 2025 declared the Year of Community in the UAE, I am confident that this year's edition will once again unite friends, families, and organisations in the shared pursuit of a healthier, more active lifestyle.' Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said the Dubai Fitness Challenge has played a key role in encouraging healthier lifestyles and advancing the D33 Agenda's vision of making Dubai the best place to live, work, and visit. He added that the initiative's refreshed brand reflects its dynamic spirit and ongoing impact, as it continues to enhance well-being and strengthen Dubai's global standing. Alongside the refreshed brand, the 2025 highlight calendar was revealed, featuring 30 days of free and inclusive fitness events, fitness villages, community hubs, classes, and activities. This year's Challenge will feature a brand new flagship event: Dubai Yoga, which will bring the 30-day Challenge to a close with a sunset yoga session on 30th November. Returning events include the Dubai Ride, presented by DP World on 2nd November; Dubai Stand-Up Paddle on 8th-9th November; and Dubai Run, presented by Mai Dubai, on 23rd November. The 2024 edition saw a record-breaking 2,735,158 participants - a 14 percent increase from 2023. Data from 2024 highlights DFC's lasting impact: 18 percent of participants reported improved physical fitness, 15 percent noted enhanced psychological wellbeing, and 14 percent experienced greater self-esteem and reduced anxiety. WAM
Web Release
03-06-2025
- Web Release
Aster Clinics and DYU Healthcare Launch Integrated Child Development Centre in Dubai
Aster Clinics, a leading integrated healthcare provider under Aster DM Healthcare GCC, in collaboration with DYU Healthcare, a prominent leader in child development services, has announced the opening of a new Integrated Child Development Centre in Bur Dubai, Dubai. This innovative centre offers a holistic approach to child development, providing a comprehensive range of interdisciplinary therapy services tailored to the unique needs of children of all abilities. An extension of Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai (AJMC), the centre offers screening, assessment, diagnosis, and intervention services designed to enhance key developmental areas such as mobility, strength, coordination, cognition, communication, social skills, and emotional growth. By nurturing these abilities, the centre empowers children to navigate the world with greater confidence and independence. The centre follows a unique interdisciplinary model, bringing together medical doctors and rehabilitation professionals to develop individualized care plans tailored to each child's specific needs. Services include screening and diagnosis of developmental delays, neurodevelopmental, communication, and motor disorders, as well as behavioral assessments. Evaluations cover speech and language skills, sensory integration, IQ testing, and special education needs, addressing conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, and speech-language disorders. As part of its comprehensive diagnostic framework, the centre offers Psycho-Educational Analysis to integrate insights across disciplines and create personalized intervention plans. Equipped with internationally recognized assessment tools, it ensures evidence-based care across all stages—from screening to therapy—for children aged 0–16 years. What sets this centre apart is its seamless collaboration between medical and rehabilitation teams, combining hospital and clinic-based care under one roof. DYU Healthcare's proven Standard Operating Procedures, developed over a decade of experience in India, guide the centre's operations. This includes care for children discharged from the NICU and those requiring ongoing support in early childhood. DYU's team-based approach has consistently delivered impactful outcomes for children with a wide range of developmental challenges. In this collaboration, DYU Healthcare is responsible for the day-to-day operations and the implementation of its proven models of care, while Aster Clinics provides strategic leadership and guidance, to ensure the integration of these services within the UAE healthcare landscape. This partnership brings together Aster's established healthcare infrastructure and DYU's specialized expertise in child development. Ms. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director & Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, expressed her enthusiasm for the centre's opening, saying, 'The Integrated Child Development Centre is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to children and families in the UAE. Our partnership with DYU Healthcare enables us to offer a truly holistic and integrated approach to child development. This is only the beginning, and we are excited to expand these services across the Aster Network in the UAE.' Dr. Sherbaz Bichu, CEO of Aster Hospitals & Clinics in the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman, emphasized the importance of addressing the growing demand for specialized care in the UAE. 'With the increasing number of parents concerned about their children's development or behavior due to disorders like ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities, this centre will provide proper assessment, counseling and integrated, specialized care for children if required. Our goal is to deliver early, impactful interventions that will make a lasting difference to children's lives.' Dr. Prashanth Gowda, Co-Founder of DYU Healthcare Consultancy and Founder of DYU Healthcare India, shared his excitement about the new partnership, stating, ' We are excited to launch this first-of-its-kind Child Development Centre in Bur Dubai, offering medical, paramedical, and remedial services under one roof to save parents time and resources. Our expert team, trained in top allied health institutions in India, uses the latest international tools for evidence-based, tailored interventions. We look forward to expanding Aster DYU Centres across the UAE to serve more children.' Operating daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, the centre will deliver over 20,000 therapy sessions annually, serving around 350 children and conducting assessments for approximately 500. With a skilled team, advanced equipment, and an interdisciplinary approach, it ensures comprehensive, evidence-based care. Over the next two years, the centre plans to expand to 10 locations across the UAE. It will also launch cultural activities, competitions, and community outreach, including partnerships with local nurseries, primary, and middle schools to extend services within school premises. This collaboration between Aster Clinics and DYU Healthcare marks a major step forward in child development care in the UAE, promising lasting impact for children and their families.
