DUBAI // Ramadan is one of the busiest periods of the year for Asma Al Janaahi, a social media specialist at Dubai Health Authority.
Her work is dominated by Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and there is no let-up during the holy month.
She has to ensure that the public gets the latest information on service opening times and availability, and that advice on how people can monitor their health during the long hours of fasting is spread.
Ms Al Janaahi has been helping a doctor and diabetes specialist to answer the public’s questions through an online clinic during Ramadan.
She also finds time to volunteer in the community.
“There are many values that we have to focus on during Ramadan,” says the 31-year-old.
“It is not just about visiting our own families but also about trying to help those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
“It is important for us to focus on the Islamic values and the core strengths of our religion, and part of that is helping others. So I try and get involved with volunteering where I can.
“It is supposed to be done throughout the whole year but becomes even more important for us to focus on this throughout Ramadan.”
In the past, Ms Al Janaahi had served in orphanages and helped to organise events for youths. It was an experience she is keen to repeat this year.
“I used to work in a place where we were given opportunities to volunteer, like helping orphans and young people who were living apart from their families,” she said.
“Some of the children were very young but it was a good experience and something I enjoyed.
“It was about playing games but also to help them understand the shared values that we all have and to pass on what is important to us to teach them a similar understanding about what is important in life.”
During Ramadan, Ms Al Janaahi enjoys Emirati food, particularly fraeeth, a meat and vegetable stew over layers of bread.
“I don’t have time to feel hungry most of the time. We try to focus on offering advice on how people can fast safely and the best guidance from our doctors to those who should take extra care with their health,” she said.
“I love my coffee and that is something I have to cut down on during Ramadan.” Ms Al Janaahi said using social media is the perfect way to reach a wide audience, with a lot of work at the authority done to ensure that its messages are delivered.
“We try to teach them good habits, and show how they can retain energy and stay hydrated throughout the whole day,” she said.
“Some people have their own habits, some are not always good. I was the same before I joined the authority but it has helped to educate me and I am passing those messages on to others through social media.”
nwebster@thenational.ae
