Whilst exploring the rolling landscapes, expect to admire the most interesting historical locations of the region, and rediscover the beauty of nature through the senses, where desert springs, waterfalls, and blankets of green flora come to life. 

What is the Khareef Season?   From June 21 to September 21, Dhofar undergoes a magical transformation during the Khareef season, also known as ‘monsoon’. This period is marked by light rains, intermittent drizzle, and fog that blankets the mountain peaks, with fresh water flowing through springs and waterfalls. The mountains and plains turn a vibrant green, transforming Dhofar into a rare tourist gem with its cool, refreshing climate.

Majestic Waterfalls & Mesmerising Vistas

The breathtaking waterfalls of Dhofar cascade with breathtaking splendor, creating a symphony of nature›s raw power and serene beauty amidst the region’s lush, green landscapes. 

With a host of Alila curated adventures such as ‘The Journey to Springs and Waterfalls’, the route from Alila Hinu Bay goes West to Wadi Darbat, the main wadi in the region, up to the spectacular piedmont of Jabal Samhan, some 1800 meters above sea level and descends towards the coast by Wadi Hinna and an unusual ‘antigravity spot’. Get ready to marvel at both natural wonders and an endless succession of valleys and green hills.

Adventures in Wadi Darbat 

Discover Oman’s natural beauty at Wadi Darbat, located at the ancient capital of Dhofar and the most beautiful wadi. Trek through a hiking trail and connect with nature, as you swim in one of the beautiful waterfalls. 

Signature Frankincense Experience

Drift into a timeless and authentic spa experience at Alila Hinu Bay. The journey begins with a naturally fragranced Sea Salt Foot Ritual, followed by a Frankincense-infused Body Polish and invigorating shower. Guests can then unwind in a warm Jacuzzi, savoring local delicacies at their leisure. The Signature Frankincense Massage features heated stones and locally sourced Frankincense Oil from Salalah, renowned as the perfume capital of Arabia. Warm Frankincense oil is gently poured onto the scalp during a soothing head and pressure point massage. To complete the experience, guests enjoy local refreshments and a Hot Frankincense tea, along with cherished take-home memories and a special gift.

Oman-Inspired Luxury Villas with Private Pools

A seamless blend of expansive indoor and outdoor living, complemented by breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. These coastal desert sanctuaries are perfect for family getaways or vacations with friends. Guests can take a refreshing dip in their private heated outdoor pool while relaxing under the shade of an outdoor Majlis (pergola). As evening arrives, they can indulge in the unique pleasure of an outdoor tub, surrounded by cool sea breezes and a clear desert night sky, with direct access to the natural, undisturbed beachfront.

Kayak Through Lagoons

Embark on a peaceful kayaking, or fishing excursion, in the bountiful waters that surround Alila Hinu Bay. Serenely cast your line and put your angling prowess to the test in the tranquil depths. Spot the flamingos, gaze upon passing camels, and enjoy gliding across the lagoon’s waters.

Nearby, guests may visit the coastal town of Mirbat and see fishermen set sail on traditional boats or discover incredible ancient Bedouin rock art, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. With a host of unusual and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, guests can share an evening with traditional desert nomads, tread the trail of an age-old Frankincense route, and embrace the dewy excitement of a mystifying Khareef. 

Perched just by the coast, with a natural private beach and mountain vistas, the resort promises a relaxing escape for all. Alila Hinu Bay guests can enjoy an intimate weekend staycation or a family holiday. For those looking for a refreshing getaway, indulge in comfort as you relax in one of the resort’s expansive rooms or spacious villas, equipped with a private pool and tranquil outdoor bathtub. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast, special deals on Alila Spa Treatments, and courtesy resort activities throughout the week. 

Embark on a harmonious journey of land, sea, and sky in the heart of Dhofar Salalah, and reconnect with nature this Khareef season in Oman. 

For more information and reservations visit 

www.alilahinubay.com 

email 

Reservations.hinubay@alilahotels.com

or call +968 2337 3350

The post Oman-5 Reasons to Discover the Khareef Season Now appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

As the beginning of a new academic year approaches, many students are preparing to transition from high school to universities overseas. This phase offers an opportunity to forge new friendships, mature, and transform their passions into career paths. Nevertheless, it can also be a source of anxiety as, this could be the first time, students leave their homes and familiar support networks, encounter new individuals, and adjust to a different educational setting. Balancing this transition can be sometimes draining and stressful, so St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine in Grenada, West Indies has compiled the below tips to help students cope with these changes.

• Maintain Connections:

Students often miss their high school community when they begin university. It’s crucial to stay in touch with their social circles, family, and friends. Setting up WhatsApp groups before leaving can help former classmates keep in contact and stay updated with each other’s lives. Equally important is staying connected to oneself by acknowledging and understanding personal emotions. Journaling about experiences and feelings can help in feeling better.

• Get organised:

Being organised can make the transition to university life smoother. Planning ahead, such as organising an agenda for the first week on campus, can help students settle in and manage their new responsibilities effectively. Extend this structured approach to other aspects of life, ensuring a balanced schedule between study and relaxation.

• Avoid Comparisons:

Students might be tempted to compare themselves to others who seem to handle the transition better. However, this can harm their confidence and well-being. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, so it’s vital to focus on personal goals and progress. Maintaining a healthy perspective can help manage pre-university anxieties.

• Connect with future classmates:

It’s beneficial for students to connect with peers who are also attending the same university. This can enhance their overall experience and ease the transition into a new academic environment. Building a network of friends before arriving can provide a sense of belonging and support, making the journey less stressful.

• Learn relaxation techniques:

Learning how to relax is essential for managing stress, both before and during university. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation, muscle relaxation exercises, deep breathing, and guided imagery can help students stay calm and focused, especially during exam periods and other challenging times.

• Set Realistic Expectations:

Accept that it’s normal to face challenges and feel homesick initially. Setting realistic expectations about your transition from high school to university life can help manage disappointments and keep motivation levels high.

• Engage in campus activity:

Join as many clubs, societies, and participate in events to meet new people, expand your horizons and discover new interests. Engaging in extracurricular activities is a proven way to build your own social circle and feel part of a community.

• Seek help and guidance when needed:

It’s imperative to get out of the mindset that seeking help is a sign of weakness. In fact, the opposite is true so don’t hesitate to reach out to counsellors or mental health professionals if feeling overwhelmed with all the new experiences university presents.

To sum up, some students might find the transition from high school to university life a challenging period, especially if it involves travelling abroad. However, there are ways in which students can cope with the anticipation of making new friends, academic pressures, and leaving familiar support systems behind.  If students still find themselves looking for guidance, students can check if their university has specialised departments offering support to international students that may be missing home. For example, SGU has a dedicated Global Students Lounge that provides cultural adjustment support, a peer mentoring program, and other activities for international students to help their transition to university life smoother.

The post Tips to make your University transition easier appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

This guide provides essential financial tips tailored specifically for expat teachers, helping you make the most of teacher discounts, manage tax duties, and take advantage of deals. By being financially savvy, you can focus on what you love most—teaching—while enjoying all that the UAE has to offer (which is a lot!). Here’s a handy guide to help you navigate your finances and make the most of your new life as a teacher in the UAE.

Look for Teacher Deals

As a teacher in the UAE, you can benefit from numerous discounts and special offers. Many businesses, including bookstores, tech stores, and restaurants, provide exclusive deals for educators. These discounts can help you save on fun experiences with your friends and family, gadgets, and even daily expenses. Always carry your school ID and ask about teacher discounts wherever you shop. Joining local teacher networks and online forums can also keep you updated on the latest offers, ensuring you maximize your savings.

Understand Tax and Legal Implications

Although the UAE offers tax-free income, expat teachers must understand their home country’s tax obligations. For instance, U.S. and UK citizens may still need to report earnings and possibly pay taxes. Consulting a tax advisor familiar with both UAE and home country laws is advisable. Additionally, ensure your employer sponsors your residency visa and work permit. Proper documentation is crucial to avoid legal issues and penalties, ensuring a smooth teaching experience in the UAE.

Take Advantage of 50% off Yearly Mobile Bills with Virgin Mobile UAE

New teachers in the UAE can save significantly by signing up for Virgin Mobile UAE’s Yearly Plans, which offer up to 50% off when you pay upfront for a year. This plan not only cuts costs but also ensures uninterrupted mobile service throughout the year. Additionally, you can earn up to 8% cashback each month, which can be used for boosters, roaming, and other services. This discount can substantially reduce your mobile expenses, allowing you to allocate funds to other essential areas.

Sign Up for Discount and Savings Programs

Beyond educator discounts, the UAE offers countless services to maximize savings. The Entertainer provides access to thousands of buy-one-get-one offers for dining, attractions, beauty, and fitness programs, perfect for outings with friends or family. You can also sign up for Privilee or Class Pass for affordable access to gyms, fitness classes, and beach clubs across the UAE—which are often cheaper than a single annual gym membership. Also, don’t forget to check if your school provides a Fazaa Card, which offers discounts on many services across the UAE. So much so, it might even become a reflex to ask, “Do you have a Fazaa discount?” when you ask for the bill.

Starting your teaching career in the UAE is an incredible opportunity that comes with its own set of financial considerations. By being smart and informed about your decisions, you can make the most of your time in the Emirates. There are a lot of things to look forward to, so be prepared and enjoy everything this vibrant country has to offer!

The post Financial tips for teachers moving to the UAE appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

The Zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams have been diligently pairing Arabian sand cats based on their Genetic origins and age groups at the Arabian Sand Cat Breeding Center. This is the first specialized facility globally dedicated for taking care and breeding of these rare animals, operating under international standards.

The newborns are in good health and are thriving in an environment that meets global standards. They receive comprehensive care from the Zoo’s team, which follows best practices in veterinary, nutritional, and behavioral care, allowing the Al Ain Zoo to offer unique and enjoyable experiences for its visitors.

Engineer Ahmed Eisa Al Harasi, Acting Director General of the Zoo & Aquarium Public Institution in Al Ain, stated: “We are pleased with the birth of these three cats and proud of the success of our breeding program. We will continue to implement specialized programs and conduct field research to study and breed these species in their natural habitats.” He added that the Arabian sand cat is a vital desert creature contributing to the ecological balance of the desert ecosystem. At Al Ain Zoo, we aim to raise community awareness about the desert environment and the importance of preserving it. Looking ahead, we are committed to studying the genetic patterns of the Arabian sand cat, increasing its population, and collaborating with local and global entities in the field of conservation and protection.”

One of Al Ain Zoo’s most significant achievements in the Arabian sand cat protection program is its collaboration with various environmental agencies dedicated to preserving the species. This effort resulted in the publication of the first strategy for the conservation of the sand cat and the first management plan for sand cat populations. These were discussed in workshops hosted by the Zoo, which were the first of their kind globally for Arabian sand cat conservation, with participation from Arab, regional, and international experts.

In the field of wildlife research, Al Ain Zoo continues its efforts to monitor and study the population of Arabian sand cats within the zoo. These research efforts aim to better understand and observe the ecology and behavior of the sand cats.

The post Al Ain Zoo: Birth of new Endangered Arabian Sand Cat appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

Have you ever felt an aching loneliness while engaged in conversation or found yourself inexplicably furious over a minor mistake like a wrong food order? These intense reactions are typically disproportionate to the event itself, but they are neither invalid nor reflective of a person’s character. Instead, these responses, or “triggers,” signal deeper, unmet psychological needs that urge exploration rather than judgement.

In recent findings, Dr. Chasity, a Licensed Psychologist and Clinical Director at Thrive Wellbeing Centre and professor at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), provides an insightful exploration into the often-overlooked concept of psychological unmet needs. With years of expertise in clinical psychology, Dr. Chasity reveals what constitutes these unmet needs and how they manifest in daily life, leading to exaggerated emotional responses in seemingly ordinary situations.

Understanding Psychological Unmet Needs 

The concept of unmet needs is pervasive across various psychological theories, often referred to as attachment injuries, unhealed wounds, or basic psychological needs. It may also be referred to as part of a greater hierarchy of needs, inner child wounds, shadow, maladaptive needs (or core beliefs), or unconscious material. These needs represent deep-seated psychological wounds that, although invisible, significantly impact an individual’s behaviour, relationships, and overall mental health.

What causes unmet needs? 

Dr.Chasity insightfully notes that unmet needs, or “psychological hunger,” encompass more than just the basic necessities for survival like food, shelter, and clothing. From childhood, individuals also require emotional nurturing—such as love, acceptance, and the freedom to express feelings and make mistakes. The failure to meet these needs during childhood can result in long-term emotional and psychological distress. “These needs are foundational, and their absence can lead to long-standing psychological wounds that affect all aspects of life, including relationships and work,” – Dr. Chasity.

What are those needs? 

The Therapeutic Approach

Schema Therapy provides a valuable framework for understanding these unmet needs through the lens of Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS). Developed in response to chronic and harmful/neglectful early childhood conditions, EMS are defence coping mechanisms that, while initially protective, often become maladaptive “survival skills” later in life. Dr. Chasity emphasises the importance of recognising and addressing these schemas as they manifest in various forms, including:

Safe attachments and connection

We need to feel a sense of safety, stability, care, validation, and worthiness from a loving, predictable, and consistent attachment figure. Without this need met, we can experience deep agony of rejection, abandonment, defectiveness, shame, and non-belonging.

Autonomy

We need to feel supported as we grow into our identity (ability to explore and to have guidance) and a sense of being good at something. Without this need met, we can feel dependent, incompetent, and preoccupied with failure or illness.

Realistic Limits

We need to learn that not every day is a party. Actions have consequences; being responsible, short-term sacrifices for long-term gains, and building frustration tolerance are part of becoming a healthy, well-adjusted adult.

Without this need met, we can feel entitled and superior to others, and we can struggle with the self-control and self-discipline necessary to meet worthwhile goals.

Freedom of expression of needs and emotions

Not every need can be met, and not every emotion can be tended to, but this need is about the basic ability to feel a range of emotions without shaming or being told to stop it.

When this need is not met, we may resort to suppressing, masking, or sacrificing our needs and emotions in a way that is unhealthy and leaves us emotionally dependent on the approval or recognition of others.

Spontaneity and playfulness

If you have ever seen a child play, you will notice how unstructured it is—it is led by what the child notices in the environment.

Without this need met, we can put a tremendous amount of pressure on ourselves and others (perfectionism) and experience constant guilt for not being productive; we can feel like we are undeserving of good things.

The Path to Healing: Recognising When the Unmet Need is Activated

Awareness and recognising when and how these unmet needs trigger disproportionate emotional reactions are the first steps towards healing. Dr. Chasity advises those experiencing such symptoms to observe their patterns and consider their emotional intensity, which can serve as a gateway to self-discovery and recovery. As Dr.Chasity asserts, “Acknowledging these needs allows us to begin the healing process, ultimately leading to a healthier, more fulfilling life.”

For additional information and resources, please visit www.thrive.ae  

The post Psychological Hunger – Identifying Unmet Needs appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

WhatsApp has introduced four brand-new text format options that will transform the way your messages look in the popular chat app. But tweaking the appearance of your text is easier said than done, since you’ll need to memorise the codes to get the correct format.

There’s no need to update WhatsApp, since these changes take place on its servers. You’ll be able to take advantage of all eight format options across all platforms, including Android, iPhone, WhatsApp Web, and Mac. The Channels broadcast feature will support the new formatting too.

Here’s what you’ll need to do to format your text messages…

Bullet Point Lists

Start a bulleted list by typing the “-” symbol followed by a space. Pressing the Return key will add another bullet pointon a new line, while pressing Return a second time will end the bulleted list.

Numbered Lists 

Similar to the bulleted list above, WhatsApp lets you create a numbered list by typing a digit followed by a full-stop and a space. For example: “1. “ then the first item in your list. Like with bullet points, pressing Return will add the next number in the sequence.

Block Quotes

To insert a block quote to highlight specific text in a longer message, or simply to ensure your message stands out in a busy group chat, type “>” and then a space.

Inline Code

This one might be a little niche, since it’s designed for coders to highlight a snippet of code by placing it between two “`” symbols. This not only changes the font used in the WhatsApp message, but also adds a background to the text.

You’ll know whether you’ve typed the formatting code correctly into WhatsApp as the text should change in appearance in the preview before you send. If that doesn’t happen, then something has probably gone awry and you might need to try again.

Available now, WhatsApp users can send bullet-point and numbered lists in the chat app, which is used by over 2.5 billion people worldwide. Formatting for block quotes and inline codes to highlight and break up large blocks of text have also been introduced with the latest update.

The four new choices join the existing format options: bold, italics, strikethrough, and monospace.

WhatsApp has published a table with all of the codes needed to format your text messages. The newly added options are highlighted in green, while the others have been baked into WhatsApp for some time. 

If these seem familiar, it’s likely because you used Markdown. This lightweight text format, developed by John Gruber and Aaron Swartz, is designed to be easy to read and can be easily converted to HTML.

The format is hugely popular with stripped-back writing apps, like Bear.

As a reminder, if you want to use any of the existing format options, here are the shortcuts you’ll need to take advantage of bold, italics, strikethrough, and monospace. 

Bold

Type a “*” before and after the word that you’re trying to format in bold type. It works across multiple words, but make sure there’s not a space either side of the first or last word you want to see formatted in the final message

Italics

This one follows the same rules as the bold text above, but you’ll need to type a “_” before and after the final word that you’d like to see in italics

Strikethrough

Type a “~” before and after your chosen word to strike a line through the word. This one is a little trickier, as the ~ symbol is on the second page of special characters on most phone keyboards

Monospace

Like Inline Code, Monospace is an odd effect that’s unlikely to come up as often as the others. But if you fancy trying it out, you need to type a pair of “ before your chosen word. For examples “”example””.

The latest announcement follows a busy few weeks for WhatsApp. The Meta-owned service recently confirmed plans to lower the minimum age to sign-up for its chat app.

It also released a new privacy feature that lets iPhone and Android users set their voice notes to self-destruct as soon as the recipient has listened to the audio file once.

The post WhatsApp codes you need to know appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

As UAE schools gear up for the upcoming spring term break starting from 25 March, residents are planning for their well-deserved getaways, ready to embark on new adventures and explore the world. Global travel marketplace, Skyscanner recommends these visa-free travel destinations for UAE residents this spring term break.

Ayoub El Mamoun, Skyscanner Travel Expert, invites families and adventure seekers alike to explore these captivating visa-free destinations

Seychelles starting from AED 2711.00  

“A tropical haven with pristine beaches and lush greenery, Seychelles is perfect for family retreats. Explore Anse Lazio’s white sands or snorkel in vibrant coral reefs for a blissful escape.”

Georgia starting from AED 1703.00

“Steeped in rich history, Georgia welcomes UAE residents to explore ancient monasteries, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Georgia is becoming a regular tourist haunt for UAE residents given the sudden influx of Georgia tour packages and the family activities to be experienced.”

Jordan starting from AED 1752.00

“A treasure trove of ancient history and natural wonders, Jordan is a captivating family destination. From the rose-red city of Petra to floating in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, Jordan promises a timeless family adventure.”

Malaysia starting from AED 1903.00 

“A melting pot of cultures and landscapes, Malaysia invites families to explore bustling Kuala Lumpur, beautiful Langkawi beaches, and vibrant neighborhoods in Georgetown. Trek lush rainforests in Taman Negara or dive into the colourful underwater world of the Perhentian Islands. Try Skyscanner’s multi-city search too to explore all that Malaysia has to offer.”

For travellers still deciding on a destination to visit this upcoming break, a Skyscanner ‘Everywhere’ search is one of the easiest ways to be inspired. Ordered by cheapest price, a search to ‘Everywhere’ shows travellers all the destinations available for your desired travel departure. 

Skyscanner’s Everywhere search tool reveals return flights to visa-free destinations such as 

Thailand from AED 1891.00, Philippines from AED 1932.00, Azerbaijan from AED 1634.00 & Malaysia from AED 1976.00 round trip. 

With the convenience of visa-free travel to various destinations, the options for an unforgettable getaway are endless. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for a stress-free holiday.

The post 4 Visa-free countries  appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, have announced 65% completion of the overall development of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Located within Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum is set to be the largest of its kind in the region, once construction is completed by the end of 2025.

Upon completion, the museum will take visitors on a 13.8-billion-year journey through time and space – from the earliest origins of our universe, exploring the abundance of life on Earth today, and looking into the future. Structural works of the 35,000 sqm museum is largely complete with a current focus on the installation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP), building fit-out, and exhibition works.​ The museum was topped out by H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi and Miral, H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi and Mohamed Abdallah Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, which was followed by a visit of the development to check construction progress.

H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will play a key role in advancing science and inspiring environmental stewardship in our children while furthering Abu Dhabi as a global centre for research and collaboration. By cultivating a generation passionate about the natural sciences, we seek to enrich lives through education and scientific discovery, in turn encouraging people to actively care for the planet’s future.  Set to inspire visitors of all ages by unlocking billions of years of knowledge about our planet, this progress update is an indication of concrete steps towards curating a thought-provoking perspective of the future and igniting a passion for the natural world.”

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said: “The progress we are witnessing in the development of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi marks an important milestone in our journey to contribute to the evolution of the Emirate’s cultural landscape. Working in close partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, we have a shared vision for the development of this iconic landmark.  Once complete, the Museum will play an integral role in enhancing access and engagement with the natural sciences while supporting the Emirate’s tourism ecosystem and economic diversification.”

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will present the history of our universe and the story of life on Earth, as well as provide a glimpse into a more sustainable future. In addition to global natural history, this narrative will be framed through an Arabian lens for the first time, with the fauna, flora, and geological history of the region, a prominent part of the visitors’ journey.

Exceptional specimens and significant artefacts unlock some of the most important stories of our natural world. These specimens and stories will be enhanced by immersive displays, built on a foundation of research and scientific analysis. 

The museum is carefully curated by a dedicated team of specialists, world-leading scholars and natural science experts. 

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will also serve as a research and educational institution, supporting scientific knowledge and creating a think tank for future innovation and emerging technologies. A dedicated research facility will undertake innovative scientific studies in zoology, palaeontology, marine biology, molecular research and earth sciences.

The museum will join the diverse cultural institutions and museums that comprise Saadiyat Cultural District, which features Louvre Abu Dhabi; Manarat Al Saadiyat cultural centre; and Berklee Abu Dhabi. The district will soon welcome Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, focusing on Modern and Contemporary art; and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, where art and architecture blend with cutting-edge technology and science.

The post Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

Make Tuesdays Terrific at MOTIONGATE Dubai

Fasten your seatbelts, MOTIONGATE Dubai, the Middle East’s largest Hollywood-inspired theme park with 29 thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and exciting entertainment experiences, is bringing back the highly anticipated ‘Terrific Tuesdays’ for UAE residents. 

From 22nd March onwards, guests will save big with a 40% discount on the full ticket price if they book for Tuesdays, for a discounted price of AED 198 per person. 

Thrill seekers can get their step aboard the fastest and wildest roller coaster, Madagascar Mad Pursuit, soar through the skies with Toothless above the fictional village of Berk on the Dragon Gliders, ride on the adrenaline pumping Capitol Bullet Train roller coaster, a tribute to all Hunger Games fans, the exciting Now You See Me: High Roller spin coaster filled with twists and turn and more!

Junior adventurers can hop on the Smurf Village Express where mushroom-topped houses and charming farmyards await. Featuring 5 immersive attractions, children can explore the interactive play zones, exciting family rides and a charming theatre.

From heart-stopping rollercoaster and live shows to special meet and greets with Po, Shrek, and King Julien, there is so much to look forward to at MOTIONGATE Dubai. 

Tickets are available for purchase on the park’s website 24 hours prior to visit. For more information, please call 800-AMAZING (2629464).

Launch date: Friday, 22nd March

Price: AED 198 per person instead of AED 330, including taxes 

Park opening hours: 11am to 8pm on weekdays, and from 11am to 9pm on weekends 

For more information: Please call 800-AMAZING (2629464) or visit 

www.motiongatedubai.com.

Terms & Conditions: 

Valid for UAE Residents only.

Emirates ID check at the entry.

Valid for visits only on Tuesdays – except blackout days (Eid El Fitr on April 9th, Eid El Adha on June 18th).

This offer cannot be purchased on the day of the visit.

Only up to 5 Terrific Tuesday tickets can be booked online with 1 Emirates ID

This offer is upgradeable. 

This ticket is only for entry into Motiongate Dubai and does not include any other entitlements.

Not valid in conjunction with other offer/promotions. 

All other Dubai Parks and Resorts Terms and Conditions apply, for more details visit dubaiparksandresorts.com

The post appeared first on The Source Family Magazine.

“Doc, I don’t eat sweets or chocolates and I brush my teeth after every meal, but still I form new cavities quite often, I am sick and tired of this.” Are you able to relate to this, if yes, continue to read on. 

I hear this quite often from my patients and the frustration in their tone can be quite disturbing sometimes. I have always wanted to help them as much as I could and that’s the reason I chose to write on this topic this time. Lets get to the basics.

Why do cavities form on teeth?

I shall try to keep it simple without going into too much medical detail on the formation of dental caries (cavities). Cavities are formed by the continuous action of bacteria that are typically present in our mouths. It’s common sense that if we get rid of these bacteria, we can get rid of cavities. While it’s impossible to completely get rid of them, it is quite possible to weaken these bacteria.

We can do this by cutting out the fuel that these bacteria feed off.  If we reduce their source of energy, they will in turn become weaker. 

What is their source of energy? 

It’s the leftover food that you have consumed throughout the day. Please note, that anything other than water is considered food in this case.  Remnants of your tea, coffee, biscuits, chips, croissants, fruit juices etc.  Sugary food remnants are highly conducive to the formation of cavities, but it does not mean that non-sugary food does not cause tooth decay. Any food remnant in the mouth can cause tooth decay.

The solution?

So how do you cut the fuel supply to the cavity-forming bacteria? Make sure there is no food remnant in the mouth. ‘Anything you consume other than water, should be followed by heavy rinsing with water’. I call this water-brushing. When you have removed the food remnants with water, you have significantly reduced the supply of fuel to harmful bacteria, you have weakened them and taken control.

I have had this habit of running my tongue along the surfaces of teeth after I eat something solid or sticky and I find that so much of food chunks are sometimes stuck onto the teeth even after water-brushing, which I slowly and gradually remove with my tongue itself. Try it out and let me know if it helps.

Second solution?

How good is your brushing? Is there any way to find out if your brushing is right, and if your brush is actually reaching all the surfaces of your teeth? Are you aware that every tooth has five surfaces to be cleaned? Dentists have always told you that you should brush your teeth well, I am not going to tell you the same stuff again but we all know it is true. There is a fantastic way to evaluate your brushing – disclosing solution/tablets. This is how it works – first, you brush your teeth the normal way, then you take disclosing tablet, chew it well, swish it around your mouth and spit it out. 

The areas that are not yet cleaned take up the red stain from the tablet (a word of caution here – your tongue and cheeks could get stained, so do this when you are at home, after work). Now that you can actually visualize the areas that your toothbrush did not reach (even though you were thinking that you were doing a good brushing) all that you have to do is take your brush once again and brush those red-stained areas until the stain is gone.

When you do this every day for about two weeks, you will find that almost the same areas of your teeth are getting stained every day. Work on improving your brushing strokes to cover those areas, once you are confident of your progress, taper the use of disclosing solution to once in three days, then once a week, then once a month and so on.

Third solution?

A few of us are actually very prone to developing cavities in between the teeth, the area that’s almost inaccessible to a toothbrush. For those of you who fall into this category, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that even if you correct your brushing with disclosing solution as explained above, you might still continue to form cavities in between the teeth. But the good news is, you have Water Pik water flosser for your rescue. Yes, it will thrust a powerful jet of water out of its tip and when positioned in between the teeth (both from the cheek side and tongue side) it can be almost as effective as manual floss. 

Remember this is not an alternative to brushing (I can hear some of you shouting with happiness “Ahhh, I can use only the Water Pik and stop brushing altogether”), it’s a valuable adjunct to brushing.

I hope it’s clear and you are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, I hope you have the confidence that you have the knowledge to avoid the formation of cavities. 

To sum it up:

Eat > Water-brush> use disclosing tablets > fine-tune your brushing strokes > use Water Pik water flosser > lead a cavity-free life.   

To book a consultation or ask a question, please get in touch using the details below.

Keep smiling!!

Dr Diwakar Raju,

Specialist Orthodontist,

Shams Al Waha medical centre, Al Ain

askdiwakar@yahoo.com

0525561248

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