Aysha Albusmait, a distinguished Emirati woman, has broken societal norms by adopting a daughter at the age of 47, despite traditional values and religious apprehensions in the UAE. Her journey highlights the growing trend of single Emirati women over 40 seeking adoption. Supported by Dubai's Community Development Authority, Albusmait has become a role model, advocating for more women to adopt and challenging societal perceptions. Her story is also intertwined with her aunt, Hessa Alossaily, a pioneering media figure, showcasing a legacy of strong female role models. Albusmait's public advocacy aims to inspire societal change and promote the benefits of adoption within Islam.

In the UAE, the trade in distinctive license plates and phone numbers is a significant aspect of social status and business. High-profile purchases, such as Saeed al-Khouri's $14.2 million license plate and Mohamed Hilal's $2.2 million phone number, highlight the intersection of wealth, materialism, and identity. Sociologist Dr. Rima Sabban attributes these purchases to a combination of excess wealth, materialism, and a need for identity among Emiratis and expatriates. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority continues to host auctions for these items, generating substantial revenue and maintaining their popularity as both status symbols and business investments.

Southern Oman experiences a unique monsoon season that significantly impacts marine life, particularly the genetically distinct humpback whales that do not migrate. These whales, isolated for 70,000 years, face threats from entanglement, noise pollution, and habitat loss due to increasing tourism. Conservation efforts led by the Environment Society of Oman and supported by international bodies aim to protect these whales through research and the implementation of whale-watching guidelines. Local tour operators like Ashraf El Weshahy emphasize eco-friendly practices to ensure the whales' safety and the sustainability of the marine ecosystem.

Dana Adam, a Yemeni woman living in Dubai, finds solace and empowerment in motorcycling, despite her conservative background. She joins the Ladies of Harley Dubai, a group that provides a supportive community for female bikers. Shima Mehri from Iran and Catherine Hector from the UK share similar stories of overcoming cultural and personal challenges to pursue their passion for biking. The article highlights the growing acceptance and empowerment of female bikers in Dubai, challenging stereotypes and cultural norms.

Dubai's skyline, already renowned for its architectural boldness, is set to become even more dramatic with plans for the world's tallest commercial, residential, and twin towers. Despite past financial crises, Dubai has rebounded with a diversified economy, focusing on aviation, tourism, and property. Key projects include the Royal Atlantis Resorts and Residences, Entisar Tower, Burj 2020, Dubai One Tower, and RP One. Experts highlight Dubai's strategic urban planning, stable bedrock, and minimal red tape as factors enabling rapid and affordable construction. The city's ambitious vision continues to attract global attention and investment, solidifying its status as a mega global city.

The article tells the story of Dana Adam*, a Yemeni woman living in Dubai who defies traditional gender roles by riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle. She turned to motorcycling to cope with depression stemming from her husband's infidelity and a sense of isolation. Despite her conservative background, Adam finds solace and empowerment in riding, which she keeps secret from her traditional family. The article also features Shima Mehri, an Iranian woman who pursued her dream of biking in Dubai, and Catherine Hector, a British woman who is an active member of the Ladies of Harley Dubai chapter. The piece highlights the growing number of women in the Middle East who are challenging cultural norms by embracing motorcycling, a traditionally male-dominated activity.

The article by Amanda Fisher reports on the first Mr and Miss Albinism Kenya pageant held in Nairobi, aiming to challenge the stigma and persecution faced by people with albinism. The event, attended by Deputy President William Ruto and organized by the Albinism Society of Kenya, featured 20 contestants with albinism. Isaac Mwaura, Kenya's first parliamentarian with albinism and founder of the society, spoke about the discrimination faced by people with albinism, who are often seen as cursed and can be targeted for their body parts in witchcraft. The article highlights the experiences of contestants like Lucianah Nyawira, who faced rejection due to her skin color, and John Ngatia, who expressed his joy at participating. The pageant aims to empower individuals with albinism and change perceptions, with hopes to expand it to a pan-African and global level.

The article provides an in-depth look at life inside the Shatila refugee camp in Beirut, originally built for 3,000 but now housing up to 22,000 people, including recent Syrian conflict refugees. It highlights the camp's poor living conditions, such as intermittent electricity and undrinkable water. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reports high unemployment and poverty among Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. The camp, notorious for a massacre 32 years ago, now features a guesthouse run by the Child and Youth Centre (CYC), an NGO. The guesthouse, open since 2003, offers cultural exchange and a glimpse into refugee life for $15 a night. The article includes perspectives from the CYC director and a Danish university student who stayed there, emphasizing the importance of understanding the refugees' plight and the sense of community within the camp.

The article discusses the emerging trend of single Emirati women adopting children in the UAE, a country where marriage rates are declining and societal norms traditionally discourage such practices. Aysha Albusmait, a single woman and a professional at the Dubai Sports Council, shares her personal story of adopting a daughter through the Community Development Authority's 'Embrace' adoption program. The article addresses the misconceptions about adoption in Islam, clarifying that the religion encourages caring for orphans but prohibits erasing a child's biological lineage. It also highlights the challenges faced by single women who wish to adopt, the eligibility criteria of the adoption program, and the societal and familial reactions to adoption. The piece further explores the reasons behind the increasing number of single women over 40 seeking to adopt, as well as the scarcity of children available for adoption in the UAE.

In Nairobi, Kenya, the Dallas Boys boxing club is providing a lifeline to impoverished children from the slums. Despite limited resources, the club has produced national boxing talent, including Olympians Peter Mungai Warui and Benson Gicharu Njangiru. The club's head coach, Charles Mukula, is dedicated to redirecting street children away from the dangers of inner-city life and towards a disciplined and hopeful future in boxing. The club also supports education for some of its members through community grants and free education programs. The article shares stories of individuals like Robinson Ngira and Veronica Mbithe, who have found refuge and purpose in boxing, and Nicky Ombati, an Olympic hopeful who overcame alcoholism with the help of the club. The Dallas Boys club is not only about boxing but also about creating a sense of community and respect, offering an alternative to the harsh realities of street life.

The first Mr and Miss Albinism Kenya pageant was held in Nairobi, aiming to celebrate individuals with albinism and confront the stigma and discrimination they face. Organized by the Albinism Society of Kenya and its founder, Isaac Mwaura, the event featured 20 contestants and drew attention to the persecution of people with albinism in Africa, where their body parts are often used in witchcraft. Despite personal challenges, contestants like Lucianah Nyawira and John Ngatia showcased their beauty and talents, with Nyawira planning to pursue high fashion and Ngatia feeling validated as a professional model. The pageant, which hopes to expand to a pan-African and global scale, strives to tell the positive story of albinism from the perspective of those affected.

The world's first beauty pageant for people with albinism was held in Nairobi, Kenya, featuring 20 contestants to challenge stigma and celebrate beauty beyond skin color. Organized by the Albinism Society of Kenya, the event aimed to combat the severe discrimination and violence faced by people with albinism in Africa. Key figures included Isaac Mwaura, Kenya's first parliamentarian with albinism, and contestants like Lucianah Nyawira and John Ngatia, who shared their personal struggles and triumphs. The pageant drew significant attention, including from Deputy President William Ruto, and highlighted the need for greater acceptance and support for people with albinism.

The article discusses the emerging trend of single professional Emirati women choosing to adopt children, focusing on the story of Ayesha Albusmait, a 49-year-old who adopted her daughter Reem. Albusmait is part of a small but growing number of single women in Dubai adopting children, despite the cultural and religious challenges. In Islam, traditional adoption is considered 'haram,' but fostering children is historically practiced. Albusmait has faced cultural barriers and misunderstandings within her own family but has found support and is now speaking publicly to encourage adoption and change societal perceptions. The article also references Natana Delong-Bas from Boston College, who provides insight into Islamic law regarding adoption.

Indian society's complex attitudes towards marriage are highlighted through the experiences of Indians in the UAE, particularly focusing on the role of matrimonial websites like Shaadi.com and Bharatmatrimony.com. These platforms are seen as bridging the gap between traditional arranged marriages and modern love marriages, empowering individuals, especially women, to take control of their marital choices. The article discusses the cultural significance of marriage in India, the evolving perspectives of the younger generation, and the balance between modernity and tradition.

The 25th annual al-Gaffal race, a traditional Emirati dhow boat race, serves as a poignant reminder of the UAE's cultural heritage and the historical reliance on the sea for livelihood. Despite challenging weather conditions that led to the race being called off, the event underscores the importance of remembering the past, as emphasized by figures like Khalid Mohammed al-Zahed and participants such as Abdul Aziz Ibrahim and Ahmed Rashid al-Hamadi. The race, conceived by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al-Maktoum, highlights the stark contrast between the pre-oil era and the rapid development following the discovery of oil in the 1960s.

Nawal Mostafa, a journalist and founder of the Children of Female Prisoners’ Association (CFPA), has dedicated her life to improving conditions for female prisoners and their children in Egypt. Her work includes advocating for policy changes, providing essential supplies, and offering vocational training to help women reintegrate into society. Despite the challenges posed by Egypt's political and economic crises, Mostafa's efforts have led to the release of over 100 women and raised public awareness about the injustices faced by 'poverty prisoners.' Her work has gained recognition and support from organizations like Ashoka and even the Egyptian government under President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Oman faces a potential succession crisis as Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said's health declines, with uncertainty surrounding his successor due to sealed envelopes containing his wishes. Analysts suggest the Sultan's secrecy is to prevent internal and external manipulation. The Sultan's modernization efforts have left a significant legacy, but the country is on the cusp of change, with calls for more public participation and a constitutional monarchy. The international community is concerned about stability post-Qaboos, with potential internal power struggles and external threats like the Islamic State. Oman must navigate these challenges to maintain its stability and attractiveness to investors.

Dr Robert Alan Black, a 70-year-old American professor and grandfather, is detained in an Abu Dhabi prison for taking photos in a restricted area. He faces up to five years in jail if convicted. His family and friends have raised $12,000 for legal representation. Despite health issues and a history of personal tragedies, Dr Black remains optimistic. The US embassy has visited him, but his family is frustrated with the lack of intervention. A social media campaign and a petition for his release are underway.

Dr. Alan Black, an American professor, is detained in Abu Dhabi, UAE, facing a potential five-year prison sentence for taking a photo of a 'no photography' sign. Detained without charge, he has limited communication and faces health risks. His arrest has sparked a campaign for his release, highlighting concerns about arbitrary detentions in the UAE. Friends and family emphasize his respect for laws and cultures, while the US Embassy intervenes. The case underscores the strict enforcement of local laws and the challenges faced by foreigners in the UAE legal system.