Latest news with #MohammadAnwar
Khaleej Times
20 hours ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
Meet UAE's dog whisperer who trains elite canines for search, rescue, security
What began as a personal bond with dogs became a life-changing mission for Mohammad Anwar. He turned his deep love for animals into pioneering domestic dog training, becoming the first Emirati project specialising in producing police dogs trained for all needs. At just 11, Anwar developed a deep bond with dogs, which started by feeding strays leftovers from home. 'I used to care for street dogs,' he said. 'It became such a big part of my life that school started slipping.' Concerned, his father made a deal: if Anwar improved in school, he would be rewarded with a dog. Anwar kept his promise and had his first dog, a German Shepherd. But his next dog, Caesar, truly changed his life. 'Caesar was like my shadow,' Anwar recalled. 'He stayed with me for nearly six years.' Their bond was tested after a football match when Anwar was attacked. As others ran, Caesar broke free and rushed to protect him. 'He started licking the blood off my face, letting out a sound like he was crying,' he said. 'He was the only one who came back for me.' That moment sparked a mission: 'I realised nothing is more loyal than a dog.' Determined to deepen his knowledge, Anwar taught himself dog behaviour through YouTube before enrolling in specialised courses in the Netherlands. The training helped him understand the importance of both positive and negative reinforcement, as well as how to stay calm and responsive while working with animals. 'Knowing when to be calm and how to respond correctly makes all the difference in earning a dog's trust,' he said. By 2015, the idea for a specialised dog training centre took root. Two years later, in 2017, he officially launched the project. Today, Anwar's facility breeds and trains dogs for various professional roles, including search and rescue, narcotics detection, criminal investigations, and protection of critical infrastructure. The centre houses up to 46 highly trained dogs at any given time. 'We've reached a stage where we're exporting trained dogs to countries like the US, UK, Switzerland, and across the Arab world,' Anwar said. Government agencies now rely on his dogs, and his team also runs specialised training programmes for security personnel. But the journey has not been without challenges. Relocating his training centre multiple times across the Emirates has been one of Anwar's biggest hurdles. 'Each move meant starting over financially,' he said. The shift from Sharjah to Umm Al Quwain was particularly tough due to a lack of income. 'I put everything I had into it,' he recalled. In 2022, he moved again to Ras Al Khaimah, where he finally found the needed space and support. 'I hoped to stay at least ten years to settle and repay my debts.' During those tough times, one of Anwar's dogs, Boo, who was kept for emotional support, played a crucial role. 'When I was overwhelmed, he'd do silly things to make me laugh. He could sense my stress and helped me feel grounded,' he said. Anwar's resilience and dedication have not gone unnoticed. He has won over 23 titles in international dog competitions, taking top-spot trophies in prestigious shows in the UAE and Russia. In 2022, his team achieved a significant milestone by winning first place in the KNPV (Royal Dutch Police Dog Sport) championship in the Netherlands, one of the most respected competitions in police dog training. Currently, his centre produces around 25 to 30 high-performance dogs annually. His next target is to increase that number to 70 per year. 'The more the world sees our quality, the more they want. But quality can't be rushed,' he said. Anwar is quick to credit his team for the centre's success. 'I couldn't have done this alone. Their dedication has been important to this journey.' Looking ahead, 'In five years, I want this to be the largest dog training centre in the Middle East. After that, one that will be the top source globally,' he noted.
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Afghan Taliban enforce smartphones ban in Kandahar schools
A ban on smartphones in schools issued by Taliban authorities in southern Afghanistan came into force, students and teachers confirmed to AFP on Wednesday, over concerns of "focus" and "Islamic law." The directive by the provincial Education Department in Kandahar province applies to students, teachers and administrative staff in schools and religious schools. "This decision has been made to ensure educational discipline, focus," the statement said, adding that it was taken from a "sharia perspective" and that smartphones contribute to "the destruction of the future generation." The policy, which has already taken effect in schools across the province, has divided opinion among teachers and students. An Afghan woman records videos with her phone as security personnel celebrate the third anniversary of Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in Kabul. AFP "We did not bring smart phones with us to school today," Saeed Ahmad, a 22-year-old teacher, told AFP. "I think this is a good decision so that there is more focus on studies," he added. Mohammad Anwar, an 11th grader, said "the teachers are saying if anyone is seen bringing a phone, they will start searching the students." A woman uses her mobile phone in a cafe in Kabul. AFP Another 12th-grade student, refusing to give his name, said the ban would hinder learning in a country where girls are barred from secondary school and university as part of restrictions the UN has dubbed "gender apartheid." "When the teacher writes a lesson on the board, I often take a picture so I could write it down later. Now I can't. This decision will negatively affect our studies." 'Complete ban' The ban has also taken root in religious schools known as madrassas. "Now there's a complete ban. No one brings smartphones anymore," Mohammad, 19 years old madrassa student said. A number of countries have in recent years moved to restrict mobile phones from classrooms such as France, Denmark and Brazil. The Taliban authorities have already introduced a ban on images of living beings in media, with multiple provinces announcing restrictions and some Taliban officials refusing to be photographed or filmed. A Taliban security personnel uses a non-smartphone in Kandahar. AFP The Taliban's Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada called last week on officials and scholars to reduce their use of smartphones. "This is the order of the leaders, and we must accept it," a 28-year-old security forces member told AFP without giving his name as he was not authorized to speak to the media. "I have now found a brick phone ... I used WhatsApp on my smartphone sometimes, but now I don't use it anymore," he added. Some Taliban officials in Kandahar have started sharing their numbers for brick phones and switching off online messaging apps. Agence France-Presse
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Smartphones banned from schools in Afghan Taliban's heartland
A ban on smartphones in schools issued by Taliban authorities in southern Afghanistan came into force, students and teachers said on Wednesday, over concerns of "focus" and "Islamic law". The directive by the provincial Education Department in Kandahar applies to students, teachers and administrative staff in schools and religious schools. "This decision has been made to ensure educational discipline, focus", the statement said, adding that it was taken from a "sharia perspective" and that smartphones contribute to "the destruction of the future generation". The policy, which has already taken effect in schools across the province, has divided opinion among teachers and students. "We did not bring smartphones with us to school today", Saeed Ahmad, a 22-year-old teacher, said. "I think this is a good decision so that there is more focus on studies," he added. Mohammad Anwar, an 11th grader, said "the teachers are saying if anyone is seen bringing a phone, they will start searching the students." Another 12th-grade student, refusing to give his name, said the ban would hinder learning in a country where girls are barred from secondary school and university as part of restrictions the UN has dubbed "gender apartheid". "When the teacher writes a lesson on the board, I often take a picture so I could write it down later. Now I can't. This decision will negatively affect our studies." 'Complete ban' The ban has also taken root in religious schools known as madrassas. "Now there's a complete ban. No one brings smartphones anymore," Mohammad, 19 years old madrassa student said. A number of countries have in recent years moved to restrict mobile phones from classrooms such as France, Denmark and Brazil. The Taliban authorities have already introduced a ban on images of living beings in media, with multiple provinces announcing restrictions and some Taliban officials refusing to be photographed or filmed. The Taliban's Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada called last week on officials and scholars to reduce their use of smartphones. "This is the order of the leaders, and we must accept it," a 28-year-old security forces member told AFP without giving his name as he was not authorized to speak to the media. "I have now found a brick phone ... I used WhatsApp on my smartphone sometimes, but now I don't use it anymore," he added. Some Taliban officials in Kandahar have started sharing their numbers for brick phones and switching off online messaging apps.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Kandahar schools ban smartphones citing sharia and discipline
An Afghan money changer checks a smartphone at his foreign currency kiosk along a road in Kabul on June 18, 2025. Photo: AFP Listen to article A ban on smartphones in schools issued by Taliban authorities in southern Afghanistan came into force, students and teachers confirmed to AFP on Wednesday, over concerns of "focus" and "Islamic law". The directive by the provincial Education Department in Kandahar applies to students, teachers and administrative staff in schools and religious schools. "This decision has been made to ensure educational discipline, focus", the statement said, adding that it was taken from a "sharia perspective" and that smartphones contribute to "the destruction of the future generation". The policy, which has already taken effect in schools across the province, has divided opinion among teachers and students. Read More: Taliban ban windows to prevent women's 'exposure' "We did not bring smart phones with us to school today", Saeed Ahmad, a 22-year-old teacher, told AFP. "I think this is a good decision so that there is more focus on studies," he added. Mohammad Anwar, an 11th grader, said "the teachers are saying if anyone is seen bringing a phone, they will start searching the students." Another 12th-grade student, refusing to give his name, said the ban would hinder learning in a country where girls are barred from secondary school and university as part of restrictions the UN has dubbed "gender apartheid". "When the teacher writes a lesson on the board, I often take a picture so I could write it down later. Now I can't. This decision will negatively affect our studies." The ban has also taken root in religious schools known as madrassas. "Now there's a complete ban. No one brings smartphones anymore," Mohammad, 19 years old madrassa student said. A number of countries have in recent years moved to restrict mobile phones from classrooms such as France, Denmark and Brazil. Also Read: Senior Taliban official urges reversal of education ban on Afghan girls The Taliban authorities have already introduced a ban on images of living beings in media, with multiple provinces announcing restrictions and some Taliban officials refusing to be photographed or filmed. The Taliban's Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada called last week on officials and scholars to reduce their use of smartphones. "This is the order of the leaders, and we must accept it," a 28-year-old security forces member told AFP without giving his name as he was not authorized to speak to the media. "I have now found a brick phone ... I used WhatsApp on my smartphone sometimes, but now I don't use it anymore," he added. Some Taliban officials in Kandahar have started sharing their numbers for brick phones and switching off online messaging apps.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Smartphones banned from schools in Afghan Taliban's heartland
AFGHANISTAN: A ban on smartphones in schools issued by Taliban authorities in southern Afghanistan came into force, students and teachers confirmed to AFP on Wednesday, over concerns of 'focus' and 'Islamic law'. The directive by the provincial Education Department in Kandahar applies to students, teachers and administrative staff in schools and religious schools. 'This decision has been made to ensure educational discipline, focus', the statement said, adding that it was taken from a 'sharia perspective' and that smartphones contribute to 'the destruction of the future generation'. The policy, which has already taken effect in schools across the province, has divided opinion among teachers and students. 'We did not bring smart phones with us to school today', Saeed Ahmad, a 22-year-old teacher, told AFP. 'I think this is a good decision so that there is more focus on studies,' he added. Mohammad Anwar, an 11th grader, said 'the teachers are saying if anyone is seen bringing a phone, they will start searching the students.' Afghan Taliban commander issues warning to TTP Another 12th-grade student, refusing to give his name, said the ban would hinder learning in a country where girls are barred from secondary school and university as part of restrictions the UN has dubbed 'gender apartheid'. 'When the teacher writes a lesson on the board, I often take a picture so I could write it down later. Now I can't. This decision will negatively affect our studies.' 'Complete ban' The ban has also taken root in religious schools known as madrassas. 'Now there's a complete ban. No one brings smartphones anymore,' Mohammad, 19 years old madrassa student said. A number of countries have in recent years moved to restrict mobile phones from classrooms such as France, Denmark and Brazil. The Taliban authorities have already introduced a ban on images of living beings in media, with multiple provinces announcing restrictions and some Taliban officials refusing to be photographed or filmed. The Taliban's Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada called last week on officials and scholars to reduce their use of smartphones. Russia accepts Taliban's nominated ambassador to Moscow 'This is the order of the leaders, and we must accept it,' a 28-year-old security forces member told AFP without giving his name as he was not authorized to speak to the media. 'I have now found a brick phone … I used WhatsApp on my smartphone sometimes, but now I don't use it anymore,' he added. Some Taliban officials in Kandahar have started sharing their numbers for brick phones and switching off online messaging apps.
