I have a high-level executive position in a large multinational. I enjoy my work immensely, but I often have that feeling that something is missing from my life. I want to give back in some way, to volunteer some time either once a week or once a month to help the less fortunate than myself. What is the best way to go about this in the UAE, also bearing in mind that I am time-poor? YT, Abu Dhabi
Ramadan, when Muslims worldwide fast during daylight hours and abstain from other pleasures, is a month where many people contribute to charity work, and make donations for the less fortunate. This time of year has relevance for all of us, making us more aware of the need for patience, compassion and mercy, especially in this increasingly fast-paced world. For many of us, we spend so long looking inward at our own lives, that we don’t spend enough time thinking about how we can enrich the lives of others. Perspective is so important and we often only gain this through immersing ourselves in new experiences.
Giving has always brought out the best in people. Throughout life, people have sought different opportunities to give back to those less fortunate than us. People like you who have succeeded in their careers have many opportunities to give back, and ultimately contribute positively to the lives of others.
As a senior executive, I imagine you have seen people grow, you have seen your business change and probably have supported both through tough times. Think now about how you can transfer these skills to help others overcome their own challenges and setbacks.
There are a number of ways you could do this and it can be just once a week or once a month. You may want to focus on using your business skills to support young people in developing their careers. Or it may be that you want to help school students, university graduates or the young unemployed discover what they really enjoy and develop great careers like yours. Equally, organisations such as the Emirates Foundation do some fantastic work supporting youth in the UAE. You may wish to connect with them. It may be that you can transfer and translate the business knowledge you have gained over time to the young people in the country.
On the other hand, you may want to step completely away from your corporate persona and instead give back to people on a more personal level. There are a number of charities that support those less fortunate than ourselves right here in the UAE.
Welfare drives for construction workers are one opportunity that contributes to our own community. Equally, there are programmes to deliver care packages to labourers, you can plan activities taking people out for movie nights or organise sporting events.
There is local fundraising to support those overseas affected by war, poverty or natural disasters. Being here, there is a lot we can do to contribute to some of the challenges faced by our neighbouring countries.
Through this contribution you can enrich the lives of others, yet both sides will experience the psychological value of giving back. Happiness experts have highlighted that through giving to others, either in time or financially, it activates the region of our brain associated with pleasure, social connection and trust – creating a “warm glow” effect. Scientists also believe that altruistic behaviour releases endorphins in the brain, producing the positive feeling known as the “helper’s high”.
Giving also facilitates social connection and strengthens our ties to others. You will find yourself meeting those you would not have in the past, learning new things about people from different cultures, societies and with different life experiences. You will give back, but at the same time gain so much.
Doctors prescription:
Feeling like something is missing from your life is not an uncommon feeling, especially for those who have succeeded in one area, but often at the expense of contributing in another. Your success is a testament to your hard work and persistence over the years. Think about how much value you can add if you took just a few hours out of a week or a month for the benefit of those who have much less.
Alex Davda is business psychologist and client director at Ashridge Executive Education, Hult International Business School, and is based in the Middle East. Email him at business@thenational.ae for advice on any work issues.
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What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is the most popular virtual currency in the world. It was created in 2009 as a new way of paying for things that would not be subject to central banks that are capable of devaluing currency. A Bitcoin itself is essentially a line of computer code. It's signed digitally when it goes from one owner to another. There are sustainability concerns around the cryptocurrency, which stem from the process of "mining" that is central to its existence.
The "miners" use computers to make complex calculations that verify transactions in Bitcoin. This uses a tremendous amount of energy via computers and server farms all over the world, which has given rise to concerns about the amount of fossil fuel-dependent electricity used to power the computers.
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
POSSIBLE ENGLAND EURO 2020 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Dean Henderson.
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Joe Gomez, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Ben Chilwell, Fabian Delph.
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Harry Winks, Jordan Henderson, Ross Barkley, Mason Mount, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Forwards: Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Tammy Abraham, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
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RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Omania, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m
Winner: Brehaan, Richard Mullen, Ana Mendez
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,600m
Winner: Craving, Connor Beasley, Simon Crisford
6.30pm: The President’s Cup Prep (PA) Dh100,000 2,200m
Winner: Rmmas, Tadhg O’Shea, Jean de Roualle
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m
Winner: Dahess D’Arabie, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Fertile De Croate, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel
Ashes 2019 schedule
August 1-5: First Test, Edgbaston
August 14-18: Second Test, Lord's
August 22-26: Third Test, Headingley
September 4-8: Fourth Test, Old Trafford
September 12-16: Fifth Test, Oval
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
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THE POPE'S ITINERARY
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
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MATCH INFO
Championship play-offs, second legs:
Aston Villa 0
Middlesbrough 0
(Aston Villa advance 1-0 on aggregate)
Fulham 2
Sessegnon (47'), Odoi (66')
Derby County 0
(Fulham advance 2-1 on aggregate)
Final
Saturday, May 26, Wembley. Kick off 8pm (UAE)
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
Company%20Profile
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
PROFILE OF STARZPLAY
Date started: 2014
Founders: Maaz Sheikh, Danny Bates
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment/Streaming Video On Demand
Number of employees: 125
Investors/Investment amount: $125 million. Major investors include Starz/Lionsgate, State Street, SEQ and Delta Partners
The biog
Name: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi
Age: 23
How she spends spare time: Playing with cats at the clinic and feeding them
Inspiration: My father. He’s a hard working man who has been through a lot to provide us with everything we need
Favourite book: Attitude, emotions and the psychology of cats by Dr Nicholes Dodman
Favourit film: 101 Dalmatians - it remind me of my childhood and began my love of dogs
Word of advice: By being patient, good things will come and by staying positive you’ll have the will to continue to love what you're doing
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5