‘Arab societies more prone to genetic diseases’

BY PMA RASHEED
The Gulf Today, 23 Nov 2008

About 9,389 young UAE residents have undergone pre-marital medical tests in the country since last March. The campaign has shown that Arab societies are more prone to genetic diseases as they have the tradition of marrying close relatives, informed officials at the health ministry.
The pre-marriage health screening campaign has been launched by the UAE Ministry of Health (MoH) in last March, with clinics at all MoH healthcare centers across the UAE.
A spokesperson at MoH revealed the statistics that one child out of 25 is affected by hereditary diseases because of genetic disturbance in the first 25 years of his life. It includes mental retardation or physical handicap.
“Nine out of the 25 children would die early or would need especial care in hospitals or frequently. These diseases can be prevented only through pre-marriage screenings,” he added.
Humaid Mohamed Al Qutami, the UAE Minster of Health said, “All the couples who attended the MoH’s medical tests were given the results along with recommendations. A report was also issued to proceed with the marriage contract, if the results were normal. However, the procedures were not applicable for marriage contracts done outside UAE.”
“Screening tests for the marriage candidates covered hereditary diseases, blood disorders as well as diseases that need bacterial and viral screening tests and diseases like hepatitis, AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Preventive treatments are provided through the medical tests and the process helped them detect all types of diseases, especially genetic disorders.”
“The MoH has also conducted counseling or educational campaigns to explain the steps to be taken if the test results were positive. Some cases were transferred to specialised clinics for further tests and others for follow-up treatments as per requirements. Vaccinations were given for diseases like German Measles and Hepatitis,” he added.
The medical report for marriage candidates is in line with the clause number 27 for 2005 of the Civil Law as per the remarks given by the court presidents in the UAE and the clinic centres for the pre-marriage tests at the UAE Ministry of Health.
The minister pointed out, “The MoH initiated the drive aimed at minimising social, psychological and economic consequences of genetic diseases that are passed on to children through marriage. The drive to raise the awareness among national and expatriate residents in the country on the importance of conducting tests before marriage. The authorities are keen to send the message that ignoring these tests is dangerous not only to the couples and their children, but also to the society as a whole.”
MoH conducted the pre-marital test campaign was conducted in co-operation with BinSina Pharmacy. Ahmed Al Khayyat, Managing Director of Alphamed Group, the parent company of BinSina, said, “The message is that simple medical screenings could help build a disease free marriage. The screening was mandatory and not an optional activity for the good of the couples and their children.”
“We distributed brochures to raise awareness about pre-marriage screening and motivating them to undergo the tests. These tests are done at specialised centres of the MoH across the country. Counseling is also provided to people undergoing the tests,” he added.
According to him, studies show that hereditary diseases and physical handicaps can be prevented through pre-marriage screening. Common diseases than can be prevented from being passed on to the next generation through screenings include Thalassemia, AIDS and tuberculosis.

4,150 tonnes waste collected in Dubai

BY PMA RASHEED
The Gulf Today, 24 Nov 2008

Over 4,150 tonnes of waste and debris have been collected from different parts of Dubai during a four-day clean-up campaign, according to Dubai Municipality officials.
Abdullah Rafia, assistant director general for environment and public health sector at DM, said that about 20,550 volunteers participated in the “Clean-up the World” drive of the Dubai Municipality during Nov.18 to 21, witnessing a 12 per cent increase in the number of participants as compared to last year.
“People from all walks of life came forward to serve the environment they live in. The participation of governmental and non-governmental organisations, community groups, green organisations, schools and private firms show a high level of environmental awareness among residents of Dubai and their commitment towards keeping their surroundings clean,” he added.
Hassan Makki, director of Waste Management Department at DM, said: “The environmental campaign was launched on Nov.18 at Heritage Village. Beaches, streets, open areas and several key sites were cleaned up by 14,950 volunteers from 309 private companies, 16 government departments, six NGOs, and other community groups.”
“About 5,600 students from 79 government schools and 31 private schools and universities participated in the drive by picking up debris from open areas. Indian and Filipino communities also participated eagerly in the drive. At least 7,000 members of an Indian community group cleaned-up Nad Al Sheba area, while about 1,300 members of a Filipino community group participated in Al Mamzar beach area clean-up programme,” he added.
A DM official said that awareness programmes for general public on recycling and reducing waste were also organised.
Environmental workshops on making usable materials from waste, collection of used materials, lectures in schools on the importance of waste reduction, broadcasting programmes on school radios and students’ visits to waste recycling factories were also part of the clean-up drive.

50% UAE children face learning disabilities

BY PMA RASHEED
The Gulf Today, 24 Nov 2008

Up to 50 per cent of the UAE children’s suffer from poor learning disability and literacy skills, according to an expert.
Dr Chris Reynolds of the British Institute for Learning Development said as much as 25 per cent of the UAE’s school going children are not reading and writing at their chronological age-grade level. The figure may be even as high as 50 per cent.
Reynolds added, “The United Nations (UN) has reported that some 20 per cent of the UAE population is illiterate, not being able to meet the basic literacy standards of the UN. Literacy problem is probably much higher for children, and especially for those with poor learning habits.”
“However, the right intervention programme can increase the learning capacities of children with learning difficulties by an average of three grade levels in one year,” he pointed out.
“Among children with learning difficulties, 95 per cent of them have problems regarding literacy skills. Increasing literacy skills for the UAE children starts with first assessing children’s learning capabilities and then providing the right coaching to lift a child’s learning potential,” he added.
“The British Institute for Learning Development will release next week a report on its two-year study of children with learning difficulties. The Institute assesses the cognitive development of 62 children for two years.”
“Of the children assessed during the first and second years of the study, their cases showed an average increase of 16 per cent above expected norms in their neurological ability, or learning capacity, which directly impacts their academic potential,” Dr Reynolds said.

Dubai generates 9,000 tonnes waste daily

BY PMA RASHEED
The Gulf Today, 13 Nov 2008

MASSIVE heaps of individual and industrial waste are mounted in Dubai, adversely affecting the efforts to protect local environment, a senior official of the Dubai Municipality (DM) has said.
Director of waste management department at DM Hassan Makki said, “Life and industry in Dubai nearly generate about 9,000 tonnes of waste per day, including debris and abandoned vehicle from various areas in the city. The environment of the emirate is rapidly corrupted by various types of pollutions. A major project to produce energy out of the daily disposed waste is on the anvil, and it will be operational by the next year safeguarding the environment.”
He added: “Active initiatives for safe disposal of waste, gradual reduction in amount, and recycling as well as making usable materials from waste and raising awareness on making re-usable materials are the lasting solutions for the growing waste problem and reducing its impact on environment.”
Makki was speaking at a press conference to announce DM’s “Clean-up the world 2008′ campaign titled “Start Today, Save Tomorrow”, which will be observed from Nov.18 to 21 in Dubai. About 20,000 volunteers from schools, universities, non-governmental orgaisations and community groups will join in hands as part of the 4-day drive to clean-up designated sites across the city.
“Protection of the environment and preservation of the country’s natural beauty for future generations will be highlighted in the campaign as top priority for the UAE residents. A sense of mutual co-operation should be forged among organisations in planning and executing environment action programmes, along with enhancing community awareness on waste reduction and recycling issues,” explained Makki.
“DM aims at improving public cleanliness in the emirate in cooperation with individuals, government establishments, private firms and non-governmental organisations through effective participation. The campaign has been organising by DM for 15 consecutive years” he said.
He noted that country’s largest voluntary clean-up drive will encourage team-work and ensure participation of institutions and individuals in environment programmes such as cleaning up the local environment. Several awareness initiatives on recycling and reducing waste, and environment workshops on making usable materials from waste will be conducted at shopping malls for general public.
“Broadcasting campaigns on school radios, collection of used materials, lectures in schools on the importance of waste reduction, and arranging visits for students to waste recycling factories will also be part of the campaign. The Environment and Health Awareness Office will organise special awareness programmes for DM staff including an email contest,” he said.
An official at DM informed: “The official launch, held on Nov. 18 at the Heritage Village in Shindagha at 9:45am, will include environment-themed stage presentations by school students, air show on Dubai Creek, Dubai Police Band presentation, recreation programmes for students through workshops, Think Tank Magazine Awards for students, marine clean up activities at the creek and awarding and distribution of certificates and souvenirs.” The campaign’s second day activities are planned on Street-9 at Nadd Al Hammer (Time: 9.30am onwards), featuring clean-up by volunteers from government institutions.
Distribution of litter bins to schools, waste paper collection competition for government institutions and awarding of participants and the distribution of certificates and souvenirs also will be there. In addition, abandoned vehicles removal programme will be held in co-ordination with the operations unit.
Volunteers from private schools, colleges, and universities will be featured on Nov.20 starting with can collection competition at Ras Al Khor Bird Sanctuary Area from 9:30am onwards. Pest control companies in Dubai will also participate in the campaign by undertaking pest control activities in various areas.
The final day of the campaign on Nov.21 will have volunteers from the general public including private company staff, non-governmental organisations, community groups and private entities in cleaning up various areas including Nad Al Sheba. A clean-up will be organised by Dubai’s Filipino community at Mamzar Beach area from 9:15 am onwards.

Healthy life in the UAE

BY PMA RASHEED
The Gulf Today, 21 June 2009

Staying away from family is not easy. Apart from the psychological impact, it also affects the physical health of individuals. It is all the more true in the case of expatriates living in the UAE.
A panel of doctors practising in the UAE in various specialisations discussed the host of health issues Ñ physical, mental and social ÑÊfacing expatriates in the country at a seminar organised by the Gulf Today.
They had a common advice to all: Follow the recommendations of your doctor, including taking prescribed medicines at prescribed time, llocate at least 30 minutes a day for exercises and have a social life wherever possible.
For those living in labour camps Ñ who carry high risk of contracting contagious diseases Ñ the doctors had a special advice. Maintain a high level of hygiene, starting with avoiding sharing of soaps, towels, blankets and utensils. Ideally, those who smoke should quit but the least they could do is to make sure they do not smoke indoors.
Most important is indeed washing hands. Even door knobs could carry bacteria that could lead to diseases.
General Observations
The discussions got off with the general observation that healthy individual means health in its broader terms ÑÊ physical, mental and social. This state materialises only if the individuals are living in a health-promoting environment, the physical and social ones.
The physical environment includes the water, air and soil which might be subject to chemical, biological and physical contamination. The social environment is related to work stress and its associated risk factors and to the living conditions.
Most expatriates lack knowledge in helping them realise what a healthy lifestyle is. The public should be conscious on how to achieve good health.
Lifestyle diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are very common in this part of the world, due to an unhealthy way of life.
The doctors taking part in the debate also stressed that we should have simple and cost-effective ways of receiving medical services that will help a large number of people to receive medical check-ups and advices on the best attitudes of maintaining a healthy body and mind.
Nutrition
A balanced diet and regular physical activities are essential for good health. Today, however, residents of the UAE are consuming too much in calories and moving too little.
Children in the UAE are increasingly affected by overweight and obesity. "Many important risk factors for premature death such as blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index and diabetes relate to how we eat, drink and move," said Dr T M Jaison, specialist cardiologist at Al Raffa Poly Clinic, Bur Dubai.
He strongly recommended that the major objectives to be achieved are increasing awareness and improving habits relating to nutrition and physical activity.
Health awareness messages should be passed to laymen, covering various topics and guidance about the ideal healthy nutrition for human body, and the importance of maintaining a balance between various food requirements such as sugar, starches, fats, proteins, and vitamins among others.
Health and Hygiene
Hygiene is extremely important. Maintaining a hygienic environment is the basic requirement to stay away from contagious diseases.
Dr Jayakumar B Kannan, specialist gastroenterologist, Dr Moopen's Poly Clinic in Deira, said: "Healthy living in all ways should be promoted, especially in places like labour camps and places where a lot of people are staying together.
"Gastroestinal diseases are very common in places where people are staying together like bachelors' accommodation and labour camps. Special care should be taken while preparing food together. Small measures such as processing of food in a hygienic way and washing your hands properly before cooking can stop the spreading of these contagious diseases."
Social Environment
Of all the factors, living condition is one of the most important social environments that have a powerful effect on the health of an individual. These factors include their living and working conditions, income level, educational background and the communities they are part of.
Big differences in social environments in the UAE contribute to wide disparities in health problems for people living here. There are big gaps in disease rates between the different communities staying here in the UAE.
Dr Mohammed Yousuf, psychiatrist at Dr Moopen's Poly Clinic in Deira, said: "The social environmental factors are like education and personal aspiration. A majority of people who come to the Gulf are quite ambitious and once they realise that attaining their goal is quite difficult they go into depression."
"The recent recession has also affected a great number of people. People who are losing their jobs are forced to go back to their home country and those who are staying back are going through a constant fear of losing theirs," he pointed out.
According to Dr. Yousuf, many are sending back their families in order to continue to stay here but as a as a bachelor.
Leading a lonely life is taking its toll and affecting them in many ways. For most people there is a complete lack of social life that pushes people to the brink. A majority of people go through depression and anxiety.
Mental Health
Apart from the damage that it causes to individual lives, mental illness ÑÊmost commonly anxiety and depression ÑÊ also carries significant social and economic costs, said Dr. Yousuf. "It is one of the main reasons for people taking sick leave or early retirement or even taking drastic measures such as suicide."
"In the UAE, we come across a lot of people staying away from their families. This leads to social isolation and affects their mental health," he added.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), both mental and physical well-being of a person are of equal importance. Leading an active social life is as important as eating healthy food and maintaining a healthy lifestyle."
"There are numerous social environmental factors that have an effect on the mental status of a person living here," said the specialist.
Physical Inactivity
Sports and active physical activities bring great health benefits and also play a social and educational role.
The doctors participating in the debate stressed that that physical activity can help people improve their health. In particular, sports can play a key role in staying healthy, in preventing diseases and in getting rid of excess weight.
They also stressed on the fact that media has a very important role to play to spread the message and create awareness.
"A regular physical activity does not just keep the body fit but also keeps the mind fit," said Dr Jaison, the cardiologist.
He also stressed that a regular exercise of 45 minutes to one hour is the best way to keep all diseases at bay.
Diabetes
Diabetes has become a major lifestyle disease in the UAE. According to Dr Jaison, a majority of the population is being affected by the ailment.
About 24 per cent of the UAE population suffer from diabetes Ñ the country has the world's second largest prevalence of the slow-killer disease.
It is high time to declare war against diabetes and raise awareness among residents to fight the disease, he said.
The major reason is lack of exercise and the lifestyle that most people follow.
"No proper study has been done by anybody but data has shown that people early in their life (28 to early 30s) are getting affected by this disease," Dr Jaison said.
According to the medical specialists, there are a number of factors which cause diabetes. Some of the factors are diet, high stress level and lifestyle. The diet here is very rich with high content of fat. Majority of people also tend to go for junk food that is another major culprit.
Most of the diabetic patients do not go for a regular check up. Even after being confirmed of the disease they do not take up treatment with the fear of getting hooked to the medicine for the rest of their life.
Depression is another factor that many people are affected by when they suffer from diabetes.
Dr. Jaison pointed out that these two are inter-related. If a person has diabetes he/she generally gets affected by depression and vice-versa.
"People should be educated about the dangers of increased waist circumference due to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and associated cardio metabolic risk factors and their link to cardiovascular disease," said Dr Jaison.
He advised those who regularly use insulin or tablets to control blood sugar to make a blood test before and starting any exercise. They might face a severe drop when exercising, if they are on insulin or tablets.
After the middle age, people should regularly go for checking high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, body mass index (BMI) and increased waist circumference.
Hypertension
The second common lifestyle disease in the UAE is hypertension. High blood pressure sufferers in the country are mostly undiagnosed.
"As few as one in four high blood pressure sufferers UAE have been diagnosed with the deadly condition because they fail to regularly have their blood pressure checked," said Dr Rismon P Hakkim, another specialist.
"And only one in three individuals, diagnosed with high blood pressure, is properly treated for the high blood pressure condition which doctors refer to as hypertension," he added.
According to Dr Hakkim, anyone can suffer from hypertension, but certain factors like smoking, obesity, diabetes, kidney diseases, high alcohol intake, excessive salt intake and lack of exercise, can seriously aggravate hypertension and increase the risk of complications.
"Hypertension is a silent killer, so the middle-aged should know all their numbers ÑÊ weight, cholesterol level, haemoglobin and most importantly, their blood pressure," he said.
Those with high blood pressure should seek medical advice about the possibility of treatment including prescribed medicines for the chronic condition.
Proper medication can only reduce the risk of diabetes and chances of strokes for high blood pressure patients.
Heart Disease
Dr Jaison said that the prevalence of cardiac disease is comparatively higher in the Middle East region than other parts of the world. High cholesterol is the basis of all kinds of cardiac diseases, and both male and female are in the risks fatal heart attack and stroke or other related complications.
The burden, management and disease registry of the prevalent cardiac condition have to be evaluated. "We currently do not have facts and figures on the prevalence of this disease, but we do know it has a high prevalence," commented Dr Jaison.
"We have to learn how to better manage and control the disease to find out the burden of this disease on our health system," he added.
Patients with hypertension, diabetes or other factors such as obesity, smoking and positive family history of heart diseases have an increased risk for coronary disease.
Effective lowering of cholesterol is the most important for those who experienced with cardiovascular disorders. To combat and find a way to ease the burden of this potentially fatal disease is the challenge.
Excess blood sugar, high blood pressure and obesity are the major indicators of serious cardio-vascular diseases and cerebral vascular diseases.
"The increase of blood sugar level and obesity may be a big problem which can lead to diseases of the heart and the blood arteries. So, continuous exercise is the best way to help in the management of diabetes and decrease sugar level in the blood," advised the cardiologist.
Obesity Among Children
Another factor is childhood obesity, which is a pressing factor in this part of the world. A big percentage of the UAE children are quite vulnerable to obesity.
"It causes development of further health hazards and psychological impacts among the future citizens of the country," warned Dr Yousaf.
"The socio-psychological consequences of obesity could have considerable impact on the self-confidence of the child, in addition to causing introverted behavior, excessive shyness and self-seclusion," he said.
According to Dr Yousaf, many of our social attitudes are relevant to note in this regard, as many tend to give children the impression that a fat child is healthier.
"Obesity, as a matter of fact, is more prevalent in families where there is an exaggerated focus on feeding the kids, regardless of their nutritional requirements," he said.
"The absence of a regulatory framework in tackling the perils of obesity among the tiny ones will result in the proliferation of the health hazards due to obesity," he added.
Hazards of Smoking
The public should be educated about the hazards of smoking and its negative impacts on the individual as well as the society.
Dr Jaison said that most of the smokers who really wish to stop smoking, but they fail in their efforts to escape from the world of cigars. Smokers should get appropriate assistance, tools and education to support long-term smoking cessation.
"The prevalence of lung cancer is on the rise in the region and there is very low awareness about the severe effects of smoking including shisha," he said. "There are not enough studies about the bad effects of shisha, but there is enough evidence that it can lead to lung cancer," he added.
Now most of the youth people start smoking at an early age. As more young people have started smoking, lung cancer can take alarming proportions in future.
Lung Cancer
The lung of a smoker cannot be expanded like that of an ordinary person. Tar collected in a jar showed the amount of tar goes to lungs if a person smokes 10 cigarettes a day for a period of one month. Anyone exposed to tobacco smoking are at the risk of lung cancer, which comes third among the most prevalent cancer incidents, Dr Jaison said.
According to the specialist, cases of lung cancer have been increasing at a fast pace both among locals and expatriates.
It is also very important to educate patients to make informed decisions. Lung cancer is often detected when it is at advanced stages.
Dental Care
Dr Jose K. Kurian, dental-care specialist at Dr. Mooppen's clinic, said that dental care involves taking good care of teeth, gums and the related structures of the mouth.
Oral hygiene affects a person's wellbeing and this is why it is important for people to follow proper oral hygiene practices before a problem arises. Many people fail to realise that healthy teeth and gum are extremely important to keeping them healthy and sound. Proper dental health is not only important to our healthy physical looks, it is essential to the well being of the entire body.
"In many cases people may suffer from dental diseases due to sheer laziness and lack of knowledge towards proper dental care, with mostly the children and at times adults who often do not pay enough attention to teeth care," said Dr Kurian.
Harmful bacteria residing on toothbrush can be transferred to the mouth as well as the body every time we brush and cause a host of illnesses and diseases.
"Millions of bacteria can breed on our toothbrush bristles. There are over 10,000,000 types of bacteria that can grow on our toothbrush. The bacteria increase in the warm, moist environment of a bathroom. Studies have shown that bacterium reproduces growth, which doubles every 20 minutes."
"The bathroom is the single most germ-ridden location in the house with the bathroom sink being first, followed by the floor and the toilet seat. When flushing, the toilet releases a spray of germ-infested toilet water that can settle on a toothbrush," he pointed out.
He strongly recommended people to brush their teeth twice a day, in the morning and evening, for two minutes and change their toothbrush every three months. Excess toothpaste left on your brush is an invitation to bacteria to join in.
Hepatitis B
Chronic viral Hepatitis is a serious health problem in the UAE and has a history of under diagnosis. This, coupled with the stigma associated with transmission of the disease, means that many individuals are afraid to get tested for fear of a positive diagnosis.
A greater awareness should be there about the risks of alarmingly spreading Hepatitis-B in the UAE, said Dr Jayakumar B. Kannan.
Residents should be given lessons on how to seek screening and learn how to protect them from the disease. Spread of the disease should be prevented through awareness, testing and prevention.
"Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by viral infection," Dr Jayakumar said. "While there is no cure for Hepatitis-B, there are effective treatments that can manage the disease and allow patients to live a relatively normal life. The key to overcome the fear of a positive diagnosis will be realised though educating people about the treatments available and raising awareness," he pointed out
Hepatitis-B is the most common of the viruses and affects more people than any other form of hepatitis. The chronic Hepatitis-B can lead to serious liver damage and potentially liver cancer which can be fatal. Because patients often do not demonstrate symptoms until later stages, early detection can help save lives.
He warned: "Left untreated, it can progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer. In fact, some 80 per cent of all primary liver cancers worldwide can be attributed to Hepatitis-B. There is no cure but there are medications available to treat the condition."

Can’t stop loving you

BY PMA RASHEED
The Gulf Today, 27 June 2009

Michael Jackson was one of the most beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artistes of all times. He has left an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.
Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. Jackson's unsurpassed artistry and beloved music brought joy to every corner of the world and the Gulf region was no different from that.
Commenting on the demise of the legendary singer, Kevin Ridgeley, Managing Director of Sony Music Entertainment in the Middle East, told The Gulf Today: “It was a true privilege for all of us in the Sony music family to work with one of the most talented superstars in the history of music. We will miss him greatly. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work.”
“Jackson was also our trusted and passionate partner, who was very proud of our accomplishments of Sony. He will be dearly missed. Five of Jackson’s solo albums, “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Dangerous” and “History,” all with Sony Music label Epic Records, are among the top-sellers of all time,” he added.
Ridgeley pointed out: “During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the rock and roll hall of fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognised Jackson as the most successful entertainer of all time and “Thriller” as the biggest selling album of all time.”
Distinctive voice
Tim Klassen, former head of programming at Channel-4 FM, who is currently running his own audio and video production firm, said: “MJ is one of the pioneer stars of recorded music, and he went through different stages of his career and life. The amazing artist has substantially contributed to the music industry with his sound, style and dance moves that motivated the following generations of pop, soul, R and B and hip-hop artists.”

He continued: “MJ’s career had reached in its peak, but he plunged into controversies and a series of serious personal issues. And his last couple of projects didn’t do well. But he continued to be a pioneer in bringing out tracks with his distinctive voice, produced with the highest quality using the most sophisticated sound technology.”
Performing Jackson
Stanley Luiz, singer of Dubai-based pop band P87, shared his experiences of singing MJ songs. “Jackson was an outstanding entertainer. I have been always so excited in performing Jackson’s songs in different stages for years. His debut hit “I’ll be there” was come out while he was 11 years old. It was an evergreen single hit.”
“I used to sing the track, when I was working with 30 AD music band in South India in the early 70s. Other favourite songs were ‘Call me on’ and ‘Street fighter, all of them reflected the African culture. But, we were hesitant to attempt MJ’s songs, as they were created out-of-the-box. We didn’t want to spoil the music,” Stanley added.
Alas! MJ no more
Narendar Kesav, an English language trainer in Dubai, said: “Until my two sons introduced me to 'Dangerous' by Jackson he was only one of those pop singers, I believed, who were more of hype than substance. For the next few hours of our drive to Ooty, I sat repeating that cassette, fascinated by its rhythm and lyrics, becoming a Jackson fan, like those millions who swore by his genius.”
Kesav turned MJ fan when he was in his fifties. “When I heard about his medical recourse he sought to change the colour of his skin to white I even looked at him with distaste. But deep down I still admired and forgave him for I felt he is always a musical genius and all those follies are human. Alas! Jackson is no more.”
You're not alone
Dhruti Shah, a media professional in Dubai, joined the mourners. “It still has not hit me. I feel awkwardly strange on Jackson’s death. The legendary pop star is no more. The last few years have been dreadful for him. One thing is certain, there is never going to be another music icon like Michael Jackson. I just want to express my sorrow by saying, ‘You are not alone. God is there with you, though we're apart, you're always here in our heart.’”
According to K. Ragavan, a resident of Sharjah, “This is a terrible loss for the music world. From pediatrics to geratrics, everyone loves this legend for his pop music. He has created a new milestone in pop music.”
Sixty-three-year old Ragavan continued: “In the 1980s, Jackson defined the genre of music video with such revolutionary albums like “Beat It”, “Billie Jean” and the epic “Thriller. I am in grief over his death.”
‘He will never return’
Suniel, a Pakistani accounts professional residing in Sharjah, said: “I grew up listening to Jackson, whose energetic performance had a different impact on me, a style which none can impart! Especially the theme of the black and white song, an utmost trial of uniting the race barrier shook me.”
“The news on Jackson’s coming back on July13 was extremely exciting for me. Impossible it is now to digest that ‘he will never return’! The news of losing him forever is simply unbearable.”
Rajendra K. Aneja, CEO of a food manufacturing company in Dubai, commented: “He ignited the imagination of music and dance lovers across the world. He was a vibrant, creative personally, whose influence spanned continents, and will now span time. He had a profound impact on music in the last 35 years. He will continue living in his music and songs.”
Sayed Al Sherif, an Egyptian national, said that he was shocked when he heard of the death of the great singer. “I loved his songs so much and he as a character appealed to me. I pray to Allah to have mercy on him.”
'Irreplaceable'
Other expatriates from different countries expressed grief in unanimity.
Asad Sheikh of Lahore termed the death of MJ “a never-ending loss for pop music fans.”
Shekhar, an Indian living in Sharjah, was among those thousands of MJ's fans who could not believe this. "He was a man who gave music industry a new life by injecting his creativity and became a pop idol for million of fans around the world," he remarked. For Aneesuddin the death of Michael Jackson “is not a minor thing to forget in days.”
“He will be remembered forever for his contribution to music."
MediaCom area manager Gary Alforte who comes from the same generation as Michael Jackson said: “I am shocked and sad. He contributed a lot to pop culture. He is a pop icon and even my children know him.”
Saying that Michael Jackson’s death has no effect on him at a personal level, events coordinator and former disc jockey in the Philippines, Enrico Cardoniga said: “It will take a long time before somebody will be able to replace him. He is irreplaceable. I do not think anybody has his calibre.”
Public relations practitioner and bass player for the bands Borrison Ivy and Sho, Quay Evano, said the thought of Michael Jackson having gone had not sunk in, claiming he was still doubting the news of his death: “He played a big role in my life. I know how to dance, but he was my inspiration. All of his compositions and hits make him one of the greatest in the 20th century and he will be counted as one of the legends like John Lennon and Elvis Presley.
Two questions
Richard Kawesa, a Tanzanian musician on a visit to Dubai, said; "MJ's death raises two questions in my life: Should I work towards gaining the most significant music brand on earth or should I work towards the quality of my spiritual liberation beyond death?"
Afsha N. of Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, said: "I'm taken by surprise because I was all set to watch him making a comeback with his European tour. Ok, what can I say other than - Man proposes, God disposes."
Juma Nkunnyingi, a Ugandan living in Dubai, was angry. "Only recently I had read in the papers that the star was annoyed with agents who booked 50 live concerts for him at London's O2 Arena, where as he wanted only 10; why did they pile so much pressure on him?" he questioned.
Annette Nakalema Kironde, a Kenyan living in Deira, contended: "Blame it on Martin Bashir!" Bashir, 46, of Nightline show on ABC News in America, is a journalist who became a household name after speaking to Diana, Princess of Wales for BBC One's Panorama programme in 1995.
During the interview, the princess admitted an adulterous affair with former Army officer James Hewitt. Bashir then sealed global recognition after securing the first in-depth interview with Michael Jackson in 2003. The show sparked a court case with Jackson facing charges of child abuse - he was later cleared by a jury.
'Great loss’
For Malek Al-Haj Ali, manager of a company, the news was shocking. “The biggest pop star of history that the world has just lost and I feel sad.”
“King of Pop is no more. We lost one of the greats but the music he gave us will live alive in our hearts,” stated Sheikh Khalid Anwer, graphic designer.
“The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on everlastingly! God bless,” pointed out Saeed Ahmed Khan.
“Michael Jackson was a great singer for his generation,” said journalist Nadir.
Dafton Mwitiki, a sales and marketing executive, was visibly upset. “A genius and real star whose music reflects the emotions such as love, joy, hatred and anger with the passion and creativity is no more with us. I love him all my life.”
“So many people in this world inspired by Michael Jackson and I am one of them,” remarked Anthony Kashero, a manager.

The shadow of the woman wins

BY PMA RASHEED
The Gulf Today, 7 May 2009, (Photo by Mohammed Rasheed)

Her shadow captured in her own photography speaks about her identity in her land. She captured the snap from part of a desert land of the UAE, and wanted to declare the world that the UAE women are not facing any kind of identity crisis.

The budding photographer is Asma Ahmad Darwish, who won the first place Zayed University's (ZU) 2009 edition of Noor Ali Rashid, students photography awards in the theme titled the UAE land.

She is a third year bachelor's student for international studies in ZU, and extremely proud of being a prosperous Emirati woman with a different identity.

"I didn't win last year, so I put more efforts this year to participate in the contest and by winning the first place I tried to prove that the UAE women are not behind the curtain of the mainstream world," said Asma on the sidelines of the award ceremony.

Fatima Mohammed Rashid Al Nokhatha uses Canon d-540 camera, and has won two prizes in the Noor Ali photography competition including, second place in the UAE leaders theme and third place in the theme the UAE people.

"My winning work has been captured when Sheikh Mohammed Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan attended the Abu Dhabi Yatch show recently. Meanwhile, the snap of a man surfing in Abu Dhabi corniche helped me win in the theme of the life of UAE people," said Fatima.

She is a third year bachelors student in public relations and management in ZU's college of communication.

I started taking photographs with my mobile cam a couple of years ago. But when I studied photo journalism as part of my university education, I took it seriously and wanted to put a professional approach to photography," she added.

About 24 outstanding performers participated in the Noor Ali Rashid Photography awards 2009 were honoured on Wednesday at ceremony held at Cultural and Scientific Association hall in Dubai.

ZU's students Meera Al Alili and Raisa Al Zarouni came in the first place in the categories titled the UAE leaders and the UAE people respectively.
In the video section, ZU's Athra Al Humaidi and Noora Al Hajeri have emerged as the first prize winners, while HCT Sharjah Women's College's students Huda Safar and Muna AK came in the second and third places respectively.

Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum has presented awards to winners in the glittering ceremony attended by the country's most celebrated photo genius Noor Ali Rashid, Dr Abdur Rahman Al Owais, minister of culture and youth, Dr Suleiman Al Jassim, ZU vice-president, Dr Hamdi Salah, ambassador of Egypt to the UAE and Carlos D'zousa, minister of culture and sports of Mozambic.

Noor Ali photography award has been designed to tribute the UAE's royal photographer Noor Ali Rashid by recognisng the talents of upcoming student photographers from the country's accredited universities and colleges.

"The competition is aimed at encouraging the young talents in photography and videography focussing their calibre on visual bodies of work that capture the essence of the UAE's land, people and leaders," said Dr Suleiman Al Jassim, vice-president of ZU university.