One of the wonderful things about living in this country is that we are exposed to many different cultures and get the chance to learn about, and join in, a variety of festivals and activities. Consider Halloween, which was celebrated by members of every community even though it’s a western tradition.
Deepavali or Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, will be marked today in the same spirit. It’s the time when Muslims and Christians will convey their greetings to their Hindu friends and colleagues. Like Eid and Christmas, it is an occasion for family and friends to get together to express love, goodwill and generosity, and to exchange greetings, gifts and sweets . What else can be a better example of a vibrant multicultural society?
In a region where religious minorities sometimes hesitate to observe their faith freely and openly, the UAE’s tolerance is remarkable. So to our readers who are observing festivities today, we wish a happy Diwali.
The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
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Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
