Everyone’s favourite family festival kicks off in Al Dhafra and Al Ain from 28 November – 2 December.

Festival-goers can enjoy a memorable National Day weekend with endless entertainment and family fun on 1 and 2 December

Visitors will enter an eye-catching fantasy world filled with new otherworldly experiences, carnival rides, adventure games, and entertainment for all ages.

The whole festival concept has been developed around a space theme. From the Smash room to the arcade as well as the giant inflatable, everything has the same galaxy / space feel.

Main attractions for older kids and adults include Smash Room, Boat Ride (carnival Swing), Retro game arcade, Giant inflatable and live shows. Younger kids can enjoy mini carnival rides, giant lava pool (foam pit), inflatable slide, giant inflatable, craft area, movies and height and weight permitting the smash room (5 years and up) and the boat ride (1m and up).

Foodies can explore the bold creations from homegrown favourites like Drip Burger, serving up Wagyu burgers with a twist, and Wok Boyz, dishing out authentic flavours from the streets of the Far East. Or treat your taste buds to London’s favourite, Soft Serve Society (Source loves the Espresso), bringing its playful twist to ice creams. This international dessert bar will serve its indulgent Soft Serve Sundae Cups, Freakshakes, and Bubble Tea, turning the classics into mouthwatering, imaginative treats.

Spark the Spirit of Celebration

MOTN will fill the air with joy and colour on 2 December in celebration of the UAE’s National Day. The two-day-long festivities will include a spectacular fireworks display from the Stadium adjacent to the festival (but will be clearly visible from MOTN) and live concerts by talented UAE artists – See details below.

Following its stop in Al Dhafra and Al Ain, MOTN will culminate in a spectacular grand finale at Abu Dhabi Corniche just in time for the New Year. MOTN invites families to escape the everyday and immerse themselves in shared adventures with loved ones as they build treasured memories.

Tickets are on sale through the MOTN Festival’s official ticketing partner at ticketmaster.ae.

• General Admission tickets start from AED 25 online, providing access to all free zones, attractions, and music and performances on the entertainment stage.
• MOTN Day Pass tickets are priced at AED 100, offering the same access as General Admission tickets, plus access to the Smash Room, all carnival rides, the arcade, live entertainment and much more.
• MOTN Family & Friends offer (3+1 free) is available for AED 295, with access to all zones, rides and attractions.
• Ticket prices at the door will be AED 5 more across all categories.
• Concert tickets from AED 150 for Silver Pass

** Tickets at the door are more expensive with General Admission at AED 30.00 ; General Admission and planet inflatables AED 80.00 ; MOTN Day Pass AED 105.00 which includes general admission, carnival rides, arcades and smash room (inflatables NOT included). The add on for the inflatables is AED 50.00. and MOTN Day Pass add on is AED 75.00

The event will be open daily from 4pm to 12am in Al Ain. Visit motn.ae for more information about the festival and follow its social media channels for updates and the latest news.

** Check out our instagram page for reels of the event.

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS

The stage is set for a spectacular celebration this Eid Al Etihad weekend in Al Ain as MOTN Al Ain confirms an unforgettable line-up of some of the region’s most talented artists on 1 and 2 December. Families can enjoy live performances from the talented musician Asaad Al Bathari, fan-favourites Hamad Al Ameri and Harbi Al Ameri and the iconic Eida Al Menhali. 

MOTN Al Ain promises a memorable celebration with performances from popular artists over two incredible days:

• Sunday, 1 December:
  • Asaad Al Bathari kicks off the evening with his signature blend of contemporary and folk melodies.
  • UAE fan-favourite Hamad Al Ameri closes the night with a tribute to the UAE’s heritage and unity.
  • Tickets now on sale at ticketmaster.ae
• Monday, 2 December:
  • Eida Al Menhali serenades audiences with his soulful voice and beloved hits, including Motasoa.
  • The grand finale features Harbi Al Amri, delivering a patriotic and traditional performance to commemorate Eid Al Etihad.
  • Tickets now on sale at ticketmaster.ae

This vibrant celebration of UAE and regional talent will fill the air with festive energy, creating lasting memories for families, friends and music lovers alike.

Tickets are now on sale from AED 150

Dates: 1–2 December
Location: MOTN Al Ain
Tickets: Concert tickets now on sale through the MOTN Festival’s official ticketing partner at ticketmaster.ae. 

The post MOTN Happening now at Al Ain Square appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

The Grammy Award-winning band, known for their electrifying performances and timeless hits, will perform one show in Abu Dhabi on January 11th, 2025, at the iconic Zayed Sports City Stadium. This announcement marks a historic moment for UAE fans, who have been eagerly awaiting Coldplay’s return to the capital since 2016.Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour show in the UAE is proudly presented by Live Nation, the global producers of the tour. 

Tickets for Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour in Abu Dhabi will be available on Live Nation Middle East, the Middle East’s leading entertainment platform. Fans can sign up for first access to tickets via the Coldplay presale at Coldplay.com. The artist presale will begin on September 25, 2024, at 12 Noon (PM) at www.coldplay.com and the Live Nation pre-sale will begin September 26, at 12 Noon (PM) at www.livenation.me. The General On-Sale will begin on September 27, 2024, at 12 Noon (PM), giving all fans a chance to secure their spot at one of the most highly anticipated concerts of the decade.

Since kicking off in March 2022, the Music Of The Spheres World Tour has sold over 10 million tickets across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, making it the most highly attended tour by a group of all time. Adding to its extensive two and a half year outing, along with Abu Dhabi, the tour is also travelling to Mumbai, Seoul and Hong Kong between January and April of 2025. The dates announced will see the band continuing to make good on their efforts to reach every corner of the globe. The tour has also received rave reviews from fans and critics alike, picking up accolades including Favourite Touring Artist at the 2022 AMAs and Tour of The Year at the 2023 iHeartRadio Awards. 

In addition to performing several hits from their Album of the Year-nominated Music Of The Spheres and new singles “We Pray,” and “feelslikeimfallinginlove” off their upcoming release Moon Music, the group will incorporate anthems from the band’s incredible catalogue, including “Yellow”, “The Scientist”, “Clocks”, “Fix You”, “Viva La Vida”, “Paradise”, “A Sky Full Of Stars” and “Adventure Of A Lifetime” into the spectacular stadium show bursting with lasers, fireworks, and LED wristbands. The UAE show promises to deliver an unforgettable experience with mesmerising lights, pyrotechnics, dreamy experiences and larger-than-life performances that fans have come to love and expect from the band.

Coldplay’s upcoming new album, Moon Music, lands on October 4, 2024 and notably will set new standards for sustainability, with each LP made from 100% recycled plastic bottles (nine per record). It is available to pre-order now on EcoCD, EcoRecord LP and digital. Current single WE PRAY – with Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna and TINI – is the iTunes chart-topping follow-up to June’s double MTV VMAs-nominated single feelslikeimfallinginlove, which reached Number 1 on both the UK’s airplay chart and the Official Big Top 40. Chris Martin posted a video offering some insight into the album and its accompanying Notebook Edition, saying: “I think what this album is about is a response to struggling with all the conflict within oneself, within myself, and also all the conflict outside, and working out what the best response is. And I think what Moon Music is trying to say is maybe love is the best response.” 

The band recently issued an update on their sustainability initiatives, revealing that, on a show-by-show comparison, the current tour has so far produced 59% less CO2e emissions than their previous stadium tour in 2016/17, exceeding their original target of a 50% reduction. More than 9 million trees have already been planted around the world (with a further million to be planted before the end of the year). Full info can be found atsustainability.coldplay.com. Additionally, DHL is the Official Logistics Partner of the Music Of The Spheres World Tour, supporting the band in their mission to cut tour emissions by 50%. 

Complete tour dates are available below and at coldplay.com/tour. 

The post Coldplay is Coming to Abu Dhabi! appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

What do you picture when you think of Al Ain? Perhaps selfies on Jebel Hafit or getting up close with a giraffe at the famous Al Ain Zoo or stepping back in time at the century-old Qasr Al Muwaiji. A new campaign by Experience Abu Dhabi showcases all this and more, inviting viewers on a journey to discover the rich history, exciting attractions, and enticing hidden gems of the Living Oasis city, Al Ain — a destination waiting to be explored with friends and family. 

The four-part documentary-style campaign takes viewers to the heart of Al Ain, showcasing the city and surrounding region’s rich tapestry of culture, adventure, and tradition. From exploring ancient forts and lush oases to trying thrilling outdoor activities and discovering vibrant local life, the documentary follows two Emirati friends as they discover how Al Ain seamlessly offers an unparalleled tapestry of experiences that will leave you craving more. 

The campaign stars Emirati corporate banker turned photographer Obaid AlBudoor, and Salem Al Attas, an engineer by day and the first Emirati slam poet by night. The duo travel across Al Ain, trying traditional skills such as archery and horseback riding, and dive into modern-day, white-knuckle pursuits that take them out of their comfort zone. 

Just over an hour away from both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al Ain has been inhabited for over 5,000 years. It is dotted with archaeological sites, restored forts, and early human settlements that have given rise to crafts and traditions that continue to exist till today. 

During their time in Al Ain, Obaid, and Salem find that this living oasis is a world away from the hustle of busy city life, weaving together adventure, nature, history, and culture into one incredible destination. The duo explores Al Ain’s vast oasis of lush date palms, discover secret underground rivers fed by natural mountain springs, learn about the city’s proud heritage, and spend time with welcoming locals.  

“As a photographer, traveller, and explorer, it’s very rewarding to be able to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and recharge my creative energy in such a tranquil and lush place,” said Obaid.  “There’s a unique energy to Al Ain that really made an impact on me.” 

“I thoroughly enjoyed discovering Al Ain, and I hope that those who follow our adventures—whether white-water rafting, trying local crafts, delving into Al Ain’s vibrant coffee and café culture, or immersing themselves in all it has to offer—are inspired to visit and create their own unforgettable memories in this amazing destination” added Salem.

Have Obaid and Salem inspired you to have your own Al Ain adventure? Take your friends or family to Al Ain to discover for yourself that a destination is not just about what you do, it’s how it makes you feel when you’re there. You will discover that this living oasis has a vibe of its own.

The documentary-series ‘Al Ain: A Living Oasis’ debuted on 19th August 2024, watch here https://visitalain.ae/en/campaign/al-ain-living-oasis

The post ‘Al Ain: A Living Oasis’ Documentary Unveiled appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

Children are highly perceptive and can pick up on their parents’ emotions, so maintaining a calm and positive demeanor can significantly impact their own adjustment to school. 

Here are ten effective tips to manage anxiety during the first week of school:

1.  Acknowledge and Address 

Your Own Feelings

Recognize your own anxiety and take steps to address it before it affects your child. It’s normal to feel nervous about the new school year, but acknowledging these feelings can help you manage them more effectively. Practice self-care techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling to cope with your emotions.

*Tip*: Consider talking to a friend, therapist, or support group to share your concerns and gain perspective. This can help you feel more grounded and less likely to project your anxiety onto your child.

2. Create a Positive Narrative

Frame the start of the school year in a positive light when talking to your child. Emphasize the exciting aspects of school, such as meeting new friends, engaging in fun activities, and learning new things. Your enthusiasm can help set a positive tone and alleviate some of your child’s fears.

*Tip*: Use encouraging language and focus on the opportunities that school presents. For example, say, “I’m excited to hear about your new teacher and what fun things you’ll do this year!”

3. Establish a Consistent Routine

A consistent routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability for both you and your child. Establish a daily schedule that includes regular wake-up times, meal times, and bedtimes. Routines help reduce anxiety by creating a sense of normalcy.

*Tip*: Involve your child in creating the routine, so they feel more in control and prepared. Display the schedule in a visible place, like the refrigerator, to reinforce consistency.

4.Prepare Together

Preparation can help ease anxiety for both parents and children. Spend time together organizing school supplies, setting up a homework station, and discussing what to expect on the first day. This collaborative approach helps both you and your child feel more prepared and less anxious.

*Tip*: Create a checklist of items to prepare and go through it together. Include things like packing lunch, laying out clothes, and gathering school supplies.

5. Practice Calm Transitions

Transitions can be challenging, especially if you’re feeling anxious. Practice calm and reassuring goodbyes to help your child feel more secure. Avoid lingering or showing signs of worry as this can make the departure more difficult for both of you.  

Wanting to go with your child to the class and hang around because they are upset can potentially do more harm than good by unintentionally communicating to your child that it is unsafe to be there and that you have to stay. Be guided by the staff and teachers at your child’s school as to which approach is best.

*Tip*: Establish a quick and positive goodbye routine, such as a special hug or a cheerful phrase. Keep your farewell brief and confident to make the transition smoother.

6. Focus on Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is crucial in managing anxiety. Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends. When you’re feeling balanced, you’re better equipped to support your child.

*Tip*: Schedule regular self-care activities into your week. Even small acts of self-care, like taking a short walk or reading a book, can make a big difference in managing stress.

7.  Communicate Openly

Open communication with your child is key to understanding their feelings and addressing any concerns. Encourage them to express their emotions and listen actively without judgment. Validate their feelings and offer reassurance.

*Tip*: Use open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about starting school?” and provide a supportive environment for your child to share their thoughts.

8. Stay Positive and Resilient

Modeling positive behavior and resilience can help your child feel more confident and less anxious. Demonstrate a positive attitude towards challenges and setbacks, and show them how to handle difficulties with a constructive mindset.

*Tip*: Share stories of times when you overcame challenges and emphasize the positive outcomes. This can help your child see that difficulties are a normal part of life and can be managed effectively.

9. Seek Support if Needed

If your anxiety feels overwhelming or persists, don’t hesitate to seek support from professionals. Consulting a therapist or counselor can provide valuable strategies for managing anxiety and help you cope more effectively.

*Tip*: Look for local support groups or online communities where you can connect with other parents. Sharing experiences and receiving support from others in similar situations can be reassuring and helpful.

Managing your own anxiety during the first week of school is essential for creating a positive experience for your child. By acknowledging your feelings, preparing ahead, and maintaining a positive and calm demeanor, you can help your child navigate the transition with confidence and ease. 

Remember, a balanced approach to self-care, open communication, and flexibility will not only benefit your well-being but also support your child’s successful adjustment to the new school year.

The post 10 Tips to Manage Anxiety as a Parent  appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

“The key thing that I would want all parents to know is that screens aren’t all good or all bad,” Dr. Ameenuddin says. “A lot of this depends on how you use screens.”

Dr. Ameenuddin says there’s no evidence that television shows or screen time for young kids have any benefit. Therefore, it’s best to try to avoid screen time for kids under 2 years old, with the exception of video chatting with grandparents or other relatives.

“For kids who are between 2 and 5 years of age, no more than about one hour of high-quality educational content, ideally with little to no commercial time,” she says.

For kids 5 and older, it’s a little more nuanced.

“Once kids are 5 years and older, and they’re in school, we used to say no more than two hours of screen time a day of noneducational content,” Dr. Ameenuddin says. “But we understand that that’s hard to do. And then oftentimes kids are using screens for really good reasons, for doing schoolwork. So really, what we’ve started to say is let’s make sure it is not taking the place of other important activities, whether that’s schoolwork or physical activity, and certainly sleep.”

“There is potentially a benefit for children in the preschool age with high-quality educational content. There are wonderful shows that have been around for decades that are really focused on teaching kids,” she says.

Dr. Ameenuddin says a little bit of high-quality television can help kids learn about other people and cultures.

“There was actually a study done, and as much as we talk about how we don’t want to spend a lot of time in front of screens, there is a benefit,” Dr. Ameenuddin says. “There can be diversity enhancement. When children see children of other backgrounds playing with each other, they’re actually more likely to say, when shown a group of pictures, that they might want to play with a child of a different background from what they might be used to or from their own background.”

The post Mayo Clinic Expert weighs on Screen Time appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

The Summer of Salad menu include Grilled Haloumi Salad with spiced orange vinaigrette, Lime Shrimp Salad with a lime coriander dressing, Summer Salmon Salad with a dill & lemon dressing, Beef and Beet Carpaccio salad to name a few. 

The menu will be available in all outlets across the UAE during summer up to 31 August 2024. 

The post The LaBrioche Summer of Salads is here appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

Authored by Dr Gurveen Ranger, Clinical Psychologist, Adult Specialist at Sage Clinics

Learning to say no can be a powerful act of self-care. Often we get pulled into doing things we don’t want to do, or don’t have the time to do – usually driven by fear – of what others will think of us, feeling guilty, not wanting to appear rude or disobeying social and/or cultural norms. Then there’s also our own drivers such as fear of missing out (or FOMO as the millennials call it) …or simply not knowing how to say no!

Whatever the reason for finding it hard, learning how to say no empowers you to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and regain control of your time and energy whilst looking after your mental health. Not saying no breeds uncomfortable emotions such as resentment, frustration – we try to avoid guilt but end up replacing it with something else that still doesn’t feel great! 

So how can we master this art? 

Phase 1 – Knowing 

• Know Yourself – Pay attention to your emotions, values, beliefs and limits. Do you have certain beliefs about saying no? E.g., saying no is selfish? Where do they come from? What feelings commonly show up when you want to say no – is it guilt? With anyone/any situation in particular? So many questions we can ask ourselves to understand our blocks. When it comes to values – we may have a value to care for others, but at what point does saying yes to everything actually take you away from that value because you are so busy it is impossible to do everything well? When you are helping others, are you guiding or rescuing? 
• Know Your Priorities – Are there specific domains in your life where you are more likely to give more than you have capacity to? Such as overcommitting at work, or fearing missing out socially? Take time to reflect on what is important to you in terms of what you give your time to, but also who. Which relationships are reciprocally enriching? These might be the ones where you prioritize, whereas there may be other relationships in your life where someone takes your assistance but doesn’t really give much back when you need it. 

Phase 2 – Practicing

• Like with any skill, practice makes perfect. Start experimenting with saying no and setting boundaries in situations that are small or low key and build up from there to the more challenging situations where the stakes are higher. 
• Think in advance about what you would want to say – for example how to say no in a way that is rejecting the request, rather than the person. 

Phase 3 – Communicating 

• Let people know what you are comfortable with when a particular situation arises. 
• Be firm but polite in your communication – remember you are saying no to the request not the person, and you are guiding not rescuing. 
• Avoid over-justifying why you are saying no or being over-apologetic. And if possible, offer an alternative that might still be helpful or accommodating. This allows us to show we are willing, and that we care but that also we have boundaries. 
• E.g., “I’m sorry I cannot do that today, but how about I look at it on Wednesday when I have more time.” Or “I’m sorry I cannot do that but how about I direct you to where you can find the information.”
  

Phase 4 – Consistency

• And last but not least – be consistent in your approach. Once you have set a boundary and started saying no when necessary, stick to your decision. Over time, people will learn to respect these boundaries because they are here to stay! 

Remember, saying no is not about being selfish or uncaring. It is about self-respect, having healthy balanced relationships as well as activities, and good mental health. All of these allow us to focus on what matters and care in a way that is meaningful, as we will have greater capacity and focus to do so. 

So…what are you saying no to this week? 

You can find out more about Dr Gurveen Ranger and the team at Sage Clinics: here. For more information about the services Sage Clinics offers or to book an appointment please contact +971 4 575 5684, at appointments@sage-clinics.com or through the chat function in the bottom right corner of the Sage Clinics website.

The post The Art of Saying ‘No’ appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

The month of May 2024, saw the city of Al Ain host an incredible musical extravaganza, the Young Hands and Voices Concert (6th Edition), where junior musicians from around the UAE came together to perform their hearts out to an eager crowd. This segment of the Al Ain Music Festival is a much-anticipated event amongst the community of Al Ain. 

Over the years, this concert’s popularity quickly expanded beyond the local community, attracting attendees and participants from across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah. Yaremi explained that the selection process for the concert is based on auditions where the performer submits a video for consideration. “This year we had a recorded number of over 100 audition submissions and 50 performances were selected for the final event from Uptown International School, Bloom World Academy, Diyafah International School, Safa Community School, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, Gems Our own English High School, Repton School Abu Dhabi, Dubai College, Brighton College Al Ain, and the hosting school, Al Ain British Academy” she recalls. 

The program showcased a diverse range of musical genres, moving beyond classical music to include musical theatre, pop, and choral pieces. A hard-working team of teachers were part of the event: Yaima Cruz Castillo, Dunia Gonzalez Romeo, Cleydis Tena Figeroa,  Rosa Maria Aguila Mendoza, Maridalia Fernandez, Aylin Aguila, Idorka Bracho, Ilya Netkach, Chiara De Paula and Sarah Martinez Rebollo, work tirelessly to bring this concert to fruition, supporting their pupils every step of the way. 

Yaima Castillo, one of the teachers who have participated since the first edition explained that she looks forward to this concert every year. “I prepare my students for the auditions and root for them to take part because these opportunities are unique and unforgettable”. This is the consensus among the amazing music teachers who give up their weekend to be part of this event. Dunia Gonzalez another music teacher who has committed to participate every year said “I took part for the first time when I was teaching here in Al Ain, and then I moved to Uptown International School in Dubai.  I made sure that my students in Dubai took part in this concert as well, as I see the value of these events and how exciting these opportunities are for young performers.”

The Young Hands and Voices Concert was born in 2016 out of the desire of Yaremi Ledesma Alvarez, a music teacher from Cuba, to create a dedicated space for young performers in Al Ain. After graduating from Cuba’s Music and Art School system, she was used to performing in theatres, auditoriums, music festivals and events outside the school during her forming years. Yaremi explained that “This is where the true performing skills are forged, the confidence is nurtured and where the music student discovers their performance identity in front of the audience.” After relocating to the UAE in 2005 and working within the school music system, she noticed that musical activities were predominantly confined to schools. Recitals and end-of-year concerts took place, but there was a lack of opportunities for children to perform publicly, even during the Al Ain Music Festival (AAMF). Recognising this gap, she initiated the first Young Hands and Voices Concert in 2016 at the Al Qattara Art Centre. 

The Young Hands and Voices Concert quickly became a staple of the AAMF, continuing annually and growing in popularity until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the tradition for 2 years.  The concert venues have varied over the years: in 2017, it was held at the Al Ain British Academy Auditorium; in 2018, at La Dolce Vita; in 2019, at Danat Resort; in 2023, at Zayed Central Library; and in 2024, it returned to the Al Ain British Academy. The Young Hands and Voices Concert has consistently been the most attended event of the AAMF, celebrating and nurturing young musical talent in the community. Yaremi also acknowledged the important contributions by La Dolce Vita as the AAMF organiser to make these events possible. Music centers like LDV play a vital role in supporting the growth of young talent.

The event was another successful night of music led by children and their dedicated music teachers, highlighting the broad talents of young performers from all over the nation. Looking back to the concert and talking about the future ones, Yaremi says: “My wish for the young performer’s community is that they follow their passion in music and arts and take these opportunities to grow their confidence and refine their craft. Every minute spent learning an instrument or nurturing a singing voice is all worth it in the end” 

Quotes from parent/ students

“My daughter who is 4 years old had a chance to perform, we did not mind the drive to Al Ain to take part because this is the type of opportunity that is inspirational for a young musician to be part of” expressed Rosa Maria, mother of Victoria, the youngest performer at the concert at only 4 years old. 

Destiny Thor, a recurrent performer in this event since she was only 7 years old, sang a beautiful rendition of “Somewhere over the Rainbow”. When asked about her experience at the concert over the past year, she said “Although it is a challenge to step in front of a crowded auditorium to sing, the experience is very rewarding. It is exciting to perform in front of an audience and meet other performers from different schools”

The post Young Hands and Voices Concert appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

A recent sleep survey conducted by Premier Inn Middle East in collaboration with Silentnight Arabia, UK’s most trusted sleep brand, has revealed new insights into the sleep quality and habits of UAE residents. The survey, which polled more than 950 individuals ahead of Sleep Awareness Week and World Sleep Day on 15 March, shows that more than 40% of UAE residents are not getting the right amount of sleep and can improve their sleep quality significantly. 

Simon Leigh, Managing Director, Premier Inn Middle East, said: “Our survey findings underscore the massive opportunity for people to enhance their sleep quality. At Premier Inn, we are invested in sleep and understand the crucial role it plays in overall well-being. Through our partnership with Silentnight Arabia, we’re committed to providing our guests with cutting-edge sleep technology in our rooms and sleep tips to take home with.”

Quality of Sleep 

While the majority of respondents (80%) reported that they feel as though they get a good’s night of sleep with 56% sleeping 6 to 8 hours per night, a whopping 41% sleep less than 6 hours per night. 

Hannah Shore, sleep expert at Silentnight Arabia comments; “Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours of good quality sleep per night, 6 hours is on the lower end. We must allow our bodies the right amount of time in each stage of sleep to fully recover – 5 cycles of 90 minutes per night. Deep sleep repairs the body physically whereas light sleep benefits the brain function and emotional processing.”  

“Alarmingly, more than 40% of respondents sleep less than 6 hours per night. This substantial percentage questions the accuracy of self-perceived sleep quality. While most respondents rate their sleep as good or excellent, a high number is not getting the right amount of sleep and could improve their sleep quality significantly.”

Sleep Disturbances 

A third (32%) of respondents indicated that they suffer from an irregular sleep schedule. Shore explains: “A consistent sleep schedule ensures a good night of sleep. Irregular sleep patterns, like late nights and weekend lie-ins, lead to social jetlag, making Monday mornings much tougher.”

Sleep can be disrupted by many factors; stress being number 1 in the survey (48%). “Stress triggers elevated levels of cortisol, which disrupts the production of sleep hormones. This response originates from our primal instincts: we only sleep when we feel safe.” 

Temperature and climate also scored high on the survey (36%). “Maintaining a slightly cooler core body temperature is crucial for good quality sleep. While airconditioning is common in our hot climate, its noise and air drying effect can disrupt sleep.” Interestingly, almost 80% of people report that they sleep best in winter due to naturally lower temperatures, reducing the need for air conditioning.

Using electronic devices before bedtime also ranks high on the list (26%). “They aren’t as bad as often thought. While excessive blue light exposure can disturb sleep, content like meditation, podcasts, or familiar TV shows can actually be soothing.”

“Background noises at bedtime are beneficial, but they should be low in volume and have gentle tones to promote sleep. Noises like construction (25%) or traffic (24%) tend to alert us and cause wakenings.” 

SLEEP HABITS

Sleep Routines

An effective wind-down routine helps the body and mind relax from the day’s activities. The most popular sleep routine among respondents is to watch TV before bed (35%). Shore elaborates: “This can be a great way to help your brain switch off from the day, as long as it’s something familiar and comforting, like a re-run of Friends.”

Avoiding caffeine (34%) ranks second on the list. “Caffeine binds to brain receptors, telling us we’re awake. But if consumed too close to bedtime, its effects might linger due to its long half-life, which can last up to 10 hours! When opting for herbal teas and juices (18%), make sure they are caffeine free.”

Evening routines should facilitate a decrease in body temperature. 23% of respondents actively lower the room temperature. “However, activities such as exercising (13%), hot baths and large meals can all cause spikes in our core body temperature, therefore we should avoid doing these too close to bedtime.”

Listening to podcasts or music (23%), and reading a book (15%) are also popular hobbies before bedtime. 

Last thing before bed 

34% of people brush their teeth as the last thing they do before bed. “This can actually be quite stimulating, says Shore, with bright bathroom lights and strong minty toothpaste waking the body up again.” 

Checking social media before bed ranks second with 29%. “Having a quick glance or watching some random videos might help certain people switch off from the day. Set a timer so you don’t lose too many valuable hours of sleep time. A substantial 25% of people end their day by saying a prayer which compliments a calm and relaxing wind-down routine.” 

Going to bed

The majority of respondents (55%) reported going to bed between 10pm and midnight, while a significant number (27%) goes to sleep after midnight.

“The time which we go to bed is unique to each of us”, explains Shore. “It depends on the circadian rhythm, our internal body clock, that regulates our sleep-wake cycle and chronotype; morning or evening person. Chronotypes may change, shifting towards later sleep in adolescense – this is why teenagers lay in bed all day – and towards more morning-oriented routines in later stages of life.”

Waking up 

Nearly half (47%) of the respondents wake up between 6am and 8am, and 36% between 4am and 6am. These wake-up times are most likely set by work and school schedules. 

The big driving force for waking up is the alarm clock (81%), followed by family members or roommates (30%), light exposure (27%) and bird song (7%). Other wake-up aids include the sound of a kettle boiling, the smell of breakfast, the body’s circadian rhythm, and the call to prayer. 

Shore comments: “If people had a more regular sleeping pattern, their body would have a natural time at which it wakes up. We shouldn’t turn all alarms off, however, waking up a few minutes before your alarm is a sign of a good sleep routine. Bright morning light also helps people to rise and shine as it supresses the production of melatonin making us feel more awake.”

TV and devices: Tech isn’t always bad. If you are using a device before bed, use it in eye comfort mode to create calming sounds, listen to podcasts or breathing exercises.  

• Music, pink and white sounds: Certain sounds can help you fall asleep such as ocean waves, rainfall and a buzzing fan. 
• Airconditioning: Dry air from the airconditioning can lead to dryness within the skin, throat and nose which can increase snoring. Using a humidifier can help. 
• Socks: Bed socks can increase the blood circulation which can help with cooling the body down. Avoid the thicker ones! 
• Earplugs: Invest in quality earplugs to block out construction and traffic noises if you live in an area prone to them.
• Sleep trackers: A great way to see how much sleep you are getting, however don’t rely on them too heavily as they can lead to sleep anxiety.  
• Pillows: Pick the right pillow to match your sleeping style: front and back sleepers require thin pillows, while side sleepers need thicker ones to support the gap between the ear and shoulder edge.
• Bright Light: Bright light at sunrise can easily wake you by halting sleep hormone production. Use blackout blinds, curtains, or an eye mask at home to block out this brightness.
• Work: Taking work to bed can overstimulate our minds, making it hard to switch off. If you must work in your bedroom, set up a dedicated workspace to create separation between work and sleep.
• Bed sharing: When sharing a bed, you’ll have to prioritise each other’s sleep routines. Try separate duvets to create your own space to reduce partner disturbance. 

For bookings, please visit 

premierinn.ae or call 

+971 600 500 503. 

The post Are you getting enough sleep? appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

I think it’s invaluable to give our students such opportunities as these are outside of the normal academic programme”.  The garage, which is fully functional with all the tools and equipment that you would expect to find, including an inspection pit, is teaching the students the basics of changing tyres and oil, as well as car maintenance.  However, there are some bigger projects afoot.  Principal of the Secondary School, Zaheer Abass added, “We are very excited with our tuk tuk project.  

Over the course of the next year, students will be involved in making 3 tuk tuks which will be used by our sites and buildings team, to help them move heavy equipment easily and with speed around the school.  Plus, the students will get to see their work in action”.  Students from Year 6, have already started learning about how engines work, as well as being able to literally get their hands dirty, by working on our cars.

Thomas added, “Mr Jordan who is running this department has produced some lovely ideas and concepts within this area and we are excited to see how far we can really push it”.  The school intends to also build sand buggies with the students, and enter into national and international competitions for engineering and technology

Students at the school are very excited by this concept and opportunity, allowing them to learn valuable life skills as well as the technical components of engineering.club, where we have such a high volume of students here already since opening”.

The post AAESS <strong>Opens new automotive garage</strong> appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.