February 21, 2023

NAS Sports Tournament opens registration door for 10th edition of tournament

DUBAI, The Organising Committee of NAS Sports Tournament has announced the opening of the registration door for the 10th edition of the tournament, taking place at Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Participants in the tournament will compete in eight sports games; volleyball, padel tennis, jiu-jitsu, archery, fencing, wheelchair basketball, running and cycling, with registration for individuals and teams opening online on 20th February through the website of the tournament.

The NAS Sports Tournament has been launched as per the directives and the support of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, aiming to develop the sports sector in Dubai.

Through the tournament, the committee aims to boost the eminent role of competitions to spread the culture of the exercise of sport and to enhance promising athletes’ skills and technical performance.

Registration for teams participating in the volleyball competition will continue up to 23rd February, while players’ registration is scheduled from 1st to 20th March. Each team is allowed to register a maximum of 14 players and a minimum 10 players, with at least 2 being Emirati. All players should be aged 18 and above.

Registration for the 10 km, 5 km and 4 km running competitions will continue until 3rd April. Participation in this competition is open for all locals and expatriates besides international runners in various categories.

Registration for the 77 km cycling competition will continue up to 25th March. Participation is allowed for all locals and expatriates who participate in official races in the UAE and overseas from the age of 18 years old and above across multiple categories, including Men and Women’s Open, People of Determination category and Amateurs Emiratis for both genders among other.

Registration for the padel tennis competition continues up to 19th March. Contestants will compete in local and international categories and is open to Emirati and expat men and women.

Registration for the wheelchair basketball, fencing, jiu-jitsu and archery competitions will continue until 16th, 20th, 21st and 24th March respectively.

Source: Emirates News Agency

February 21, 2023

Study reveals impact of COVID-19 pandemic on child abuse and parental treatment

DUBAI, The Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC), in collaboration with the Research Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences – University of Sharjah, has conducted a survey on the “Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Child Abuse and Parental Treatment Patterns in the UAE 2022.”

The survey has recommended the activation of electronic counselling for families, raising awareness of crisis hotlines, and highlighting the significance of parental cooperation in safeguarding children from abuse.

The recent study, conducted through an electronic questionnaire, surveyed 765 Emirati and expat parents, and 1,713 children. The study aimed to understand how the spread of COVID-19 led to an increase in child abuse factors and its correlation with parental treatment patterns in the UAE during 2021.

Using a descriptive approach, the study also aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the psychological and mental health of children, as well as its correlation with parental treatment patterns, different types and forms of abuse, the level of parental agreement on parenting methods, and the family’s awareness of available hotlines for assistance and support during the pandemic.

The survey concluded that there authoritative parenting style and positive parenting dialogues were common patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic and the vast majority of parents agree and implement the same parenting style and upbringing. It revealed that 76 percent of respondents were unaware of a hotline offering advice and assistance during the pandemic.

Speaking of the study’s findings, Sheikha Al Mansouri, Acting Director-General of the Foundation, emphasised the importance of family relationships as a key determinant of a child’s future personality and psychological health.

The study’s results highlight the significance of parents using positive and normal educational methods, as it can help create conscious and aware generations that can effectively contribute to their families and society.

Conversely, resorting to abuse and violence can have a profound impact on a child’s behaviour and personality, leading to various mental and physical disorders.

Source: Emirates News Agency