Author: Zara

12/03/2014

The words that a human being utters and the way they deal with others are evidence on how far they are cultivated, elegant and intellectually developed. This is because it is such standards as cultivation, elegance and intellectual development that measure the human speech and behavior rather than the number of books a human being reads or the types of degrees they are awarded, though these two elements are highly important.

In this short essay I would like to present to my colleagues in the Emirates Identity Authority and to all those who read this section some ideas that may contribute to helping all of us develop ourselves and improve our positive thinking based on the concept of exchanging ideas and thoughts for the benefit of all of us:

The 1^st idea is a call for research and reading about any problem we face in life with the aim of educating ourselves and gaining more information. Here, I would like to say: You may experience bad feelings due to the lack of understanding or otherwise you may find a solution or a way to adapt.

The 2^nd idea: We can say bad words properly and good words badly; so before you think about what you are going to say, think of how you are going to say it.

The 3^rd idea: If you want to stop worrying and need a fresh start, here is the rule: Count the graces that Allah bestowed on you rather than your troubles.

The 4^th idea: It is smart to feel optimistic when you fail, while self-confidence in times of despair means you are strong and perseverance despite obstacles means success in itself.

The 5^th idea: Make reasonable and viable goals because if you start something that you cannot finish, you will be disappointed and frustrated and you may be accuses by others of being a man of a fluctuating mind.

The 6^th idea: Teach your child the skill of thinking for himself. So, when your child asks you how to solve a problem, ask him about the proper way to solve it and give him the opportunity to do so. By this, your child will learn to keep trying to overcome impasses.

 

11/03/2014

Our lives are full of situations, some of which are repeated but leave no effect on us while others are rare and are never forgotten but remain in our memory as a beautiful spectrum wished to return.

In this article of mine, I am going to tell you about a situation that I passed through while working in the Emirates Identity Authority’s  customer service, a situation that I could not forget though it took place two years ago.

One morning, I prepared myself well and came to work as a new employee under training. I was assigned to work in the reception section, which is the front section of the center where customers have to stop by to ensure that their required documents are complete and are told where to go for completing their transactions.

In that morning and while more customers were heard coming into the center, I was surprised at an angry customer standing in front of me and nervously posing a question: “What is your name?” “Raya”, I answered. “Shame on you!”, he replied back.

Although he exceeded all acceptable limits, I tried hard to hide my anger and control my reaction so as to know why he was angry. It was found that he did not receive the ID card of his daughter although a long time elapsed since her transaction was completed. I asked him to accompany me to the official, who would help him in resolving the issue.

At first, I had a challenge with the internal conflict that left me with two choices: either to help him and absorb his anger or to file a complaint because he offended me. I, however, opted for the first choice and the day was over just like other days with the issue being entirely forgotten.

Two days later, I moved for help desk training where an employee would be required to try hard to respond to all the inquiries of callers. I received a call which surprised me as it was from somebody asking for an employee named Raya. “Speaking, what can I do for you?”, I replied. He  said: “I want to apologize for what I said two days ago. God knows that you were very kind and generous as you will always be. I offended you and treated you harshly but you did not respond in the same way. I wish to express my thanks and gratitude to you for your positive response to my offence.”

I replied: “I forgot the whole issue as if nothing happened.” He thanked me again. His call had a great effect on me as it healed the wounds that I sustained two days ago.

Those who read about the life of prophets and God-fearing people will find that they were close to perfection in terms of knowledge and faith thanks only to their truthfulness and forgiveness. It was one of their morals to forgive those who offended them in word or in deed, giving the humanity lessons about the true meaning of morality. An example on this is Prophet Yusuf (PBUH) who repelled his brothers’ envy, slander and conspiracy by forgiving them at a time he was in power and could impose the toughest punishments on them.

 

03/03/2014

Beautiful are those words which are uttered the moment people meet together; those words, though few, bear a lot of love, amity, cordiality and peace connotations. They are so great that they are mentioned in the Holy Quran where Allah urged that they be used by people and be the salute of the Paradise inhabitants: “Their call therein is, “Glory be to You, our God.” And their greeting therein is, “Peace.” And the last of their call is, “Praise be to God, Lord of the Worlds.” (Yunus, Verse 10).

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also urged people to spread peace and love as a way to enter the Paradise when he said to his companions: “You will not enter Paradise until you believe and you will not believe until you love each other. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace between yourselves.” (Sahih Muslim). This approach was adopted by the entire UAE society, which was built on the virtue of spreading peace through exchanging the greeting of Islam.

As soon as he is born, a citizen hears the word “peace” several times a day, whether within the family, among neighbors or on the way to school.  He used to say “Al Salamu Alaikum” to those he knows or those he does not know. So, he grows up, and so does this virtue, which he uses wherever he goes: in his work, among his friends and colleagues and anywhere else.

Regretfully, less people are nowadays committed to this virtue. Nowadays, we say “Al Salam Alaikum” only to those we know, missing the great connotations of the words of peace, which give us peace of mind and a feeling of serenity. Imagine a world of no amity and love because of the absence of peace: How will it be, how will people live in it and what is the law that will govern their relations? There is no doubt that the law of the jungle will then prevail where the strong devours the weak.

This is a call for each colleague in the Emirates Identity Authority and those who read these words: We should all be keen to maintain the commandment of our Prophet by spreading love and peace anywhere and anytime.

27/02/2014

Akhbar Al Saah bulletin has emphasized that any country of the world where the happiness, satisfaction and welfare of citizens are the top priority of its leadership must enjoy security and stability and confidently push its way forward, no matter how formidable difficulties and challenges are. This is the case with the UAE, which provides a world-class model of stability, development and citizens’ absolute loyalty to their nation and prudent leadership.

Under the title “Citizens’ happiness is our prudent leadership’s priority”, the bulletin said there is a fundamental message that is repeatedly delivered by our exceptional leadership to the UAE citizens signifying that their happiness, satisfaction and welfare are its top priority and ultimate objective behind all schemes and strategies laid down by the local and federal organizations.

The bulleting, which is issued by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, added that citizens daily experience this reality, either when they witness the UAE leadership’s immediate and comprehensive response to their needs and aspirations or through the most advanced government services, top-of-the-line infrastructure, peace, security and stability, empowerment, and opening up of opportunities for employment and creativity in all fields.

The bulletin said the expressive words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the second report on federal government work 2010-2013 served this end. The happiness and welfare of citizens has been the UAE government’s ultimate goal as per the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed said. The bulletin quoted HH Sheikh Mohammed as saying “We are always planning for the future and contemplating on the things we can offer to the nation and the younger generations.”

The bulletin added that this means that the government, under the directives and continuous follow-up of HH the President, makes citizens its top priority and always seeks to make strides in this direction. The ultimate goal of the UAE wise leadership is to make its citizens the happiest and most satisfied on the Arab, regional and international parameters, the bulletin said.

10/02/2014

I go back with my imagination and thoughts to the past time, the beautiful time that went fast, leaving us helpless about it. I search the folds of laughs for our happiness but sensations take me to the dreams that come to our minds as a beautiful spectrum that pushes its way as a transient shadow. I see the seconds go in front of us but we still have the same feeling; our books are still filled with our childhood drawings and our seats still have the warmth of our stories.

I am telling you my little story at my place of work: the Emirates Identity Authority, which seems to me as a warm lap and a miniature home where I can find myself and feel my existence; it is the date of meeting, the fragrance of the past and the glitter of the bright future, God willing.

On one working day, specifically in the evening period, I was busy checking on ID card transactions before sending them for printing when I heard the voice of a female employee from the Registration Section asking her colleagues for change of an AED100 banknote. I checked my purse for change of AED100 and was able to collect AED100 in smaller denominations. I went to the employee’s office to give her what she had asked for. Surprisingly, I came across a customer of familiar features to me, though the elapse of a long time prevented me from remembering her name or who she was.

I tried hard to recall the place and time in which we met together. Following a deep journey to the past and after we talked together, we went back to the days of our study in the preparatory stage when we shared the same classroom. I have never seen her since the end of the last academic year in which we were together. I heard later that she got married at an early age and did not complete her studies. Many years elapsed before we could meet again at the Emirates Identity Authority: I as an employee and she as a customer. I can now remember her features despite the long years that elapsed and I am sure now that one does not forget the wonderful times he spent, that what one knew when one was young will live in one’s memory as long as one lives and that meeting the beloved and friends is possible though they had to separate for a long time.

finally, I would like to thank my beloved Emirates Identity Authority for the opportunities it offers us to meet people. I am proud of it and of being a member of its family; it is the beautiful present, the promising future and the place that embraces our happy memories, which we will proudly pass to our children and grandchildren.

14/01/2014

It must be known that the Emirates Identity Authority has recently won the “Summit International Creative Award”  in the category of ‘Best Government Website Excellence in Leadership and Development of Strategies for Digital Content and Cognitive Information’.

The award is annually organized by ‘Summit International Creative Awards’ in USA. Several entities from 9 countries across the globe competed for this year’s award, but it finally went to Emirates ID.

The winning is a new achievement to add to Emirates ID’s excellence record in all fields and at local, regional and international levels.

It is also a result of efforts exerted by those who are responsible for Emirates ID’s website and their keenness to consistently develop it for people to benefit from its services and contents easily and conveniently, as well as their commitment to implement the award’s standards.

Moreover, such an achievement is not surprising for Emirates ID who has accomplished many other successes and is continuing to do so, and thus it has become an example for others in pioneering, creativity and excellence.

Emirates ID’s primary achievement was the completion of the UAE population register and enrolling all citizens and residents in the ID card project. It was a mega civilized global achievement that adds to UAE’s achievements who excelled in all sectors, fields and domains.

This achievement was followed by another great one, which is the eTransformation in government services across country and the provision of advanced services for people and organizations, a matter which helps simplify people’s lives and comes in line with the UAE Vision 2021.

No doubt, successes are many, key projects and initiatives launched by Emirates ID are countless and these all contributed to elevating government services. However, what should be under focus now is the Authority’s new strategic plan 2014-2016, as accuracy of the population data is vital and this is what Emirates ID is concentrating on in its new plan. The Authority is seeking to provide accurate smart demographical information that can support decision makers in the country.

Additionally, the ID card should be boosted to become more adopted by individuals and organizations in public and private sectors, particularly that we are still seeing some entities who don’t interact with the ID card and insist on using passports, which is against Emirates ID’s efforts aimed to innovate in developing customer service and upgrading organizational excellence levels so as to achieve the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

 

07/01/2014

While navigating Mr. Google in search for topics on innovation at work, a magnificent phrase stopped me and I felt that I need to share with my colleagues and the visitors of the Emirates Identity Authority website. The phrase says: “Correct your mistakes instead of blaming yourself”.

The meanings of this phrase urged me to call upon myself and my colleagues to start the New Year with determination to leave our own footprints and contribute to Emirates ID’s excellence. This can be done through doubling efforts and participating each in their capabilities in supporting the Authority’s march towards pioneering. Our contributions will definitely help guide Emirates ID on the right track.

Here is a call upon every fellow within this Emirati distinguished edifice not to be careless about your mistakes. Careless people are big losers, because those who don’t learn from their mistakes will never get the opportunity to learn. It is also a call for you not to be part of the other group of people who get terrified of making mistakes, and following a mistake they severely blame themselves. Those people tend to avoid doing anything out of fear of making mistakes. Both types are wrong. Be a person who tries to avoid doing mistakes, and if it occurred; doesn’t get frustrated. Let self-blaming be constructive and encouraging.

You need to always move on steadily and be confident of your capability to be one of the loyal soldiers who drive the ship with determination and will, since the true success is measured by comparing what you do with what you can do.

You are not required to be careless about work and repeat your mistakes; but rather do your job while trying not to do mistakes, as this is the path to success and innovation. Do your tasks even if the possibility of committing mistakes exists; learn from your past mistakes to consistently develop your outcomes.

Once failed, try again and be determined to correct yourself and achieve success. There is a root cause for every failure, correct it and you will get to satisfactory results. Stop blaming yourself and always remember that “today’s seeds are the roses of tomorrow and the thorns of the day after”.

 

15/12/2013

I had the great honor to meet His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during my participation in the Youth Media Leadership Training Course organized by Kuwait’s Public Authority for Youth and Sports in collaboration with Emirates Foundation for Youth Development. It was a meeting which I would never forget as HH Sheikh Mohammed spoke with me face to face with the attention and love of a father and leader.

Today I recall the scene in full and ponder upon HH Sheikh Mohammed’s utmost attention to the younger generation and how keen he is on encouraging and urging this segment of the society to reach the highest echelons, show patience, remove the word (impossible) from their dictionary and engage in voluntary work, which is highly important for the advancement of countries.

On that day we had the opportunity to ask questions to HH Sheikh Mohammed. I raised my hand with confidence, not to ask him a question but to express our gratitude for the opportunities we – the younger generations – were being offered by our beloved country and wise leadership.

Trying to remember the events, I smile and I feel proud of the leadership of our country. At that moment, I was sitting directly behind HH Sheikh Mohammed. When I asked my question, he turned to me, smiling, and told us with an affectionate paternal tone: “stay where you are, I will turn to you and listen to what you have.”

I said to him: “It is our pride to stand in front of and behind your Highness; it is a great honor to talk with you.”

He then allowed me and my sister to stand in front of him and express what we had in mind.

We told HH Sheikh Mohammed that during the training course we wanted to leave a mark with the Kuwaiti delegation and to familiarize the visiting delegation with the importance of the UAE success in hosting the World Expo 2020. We explained to them that they could be part of the event as soon as they knew about Dubai nomination file. Then we distributed the Expo logo on all the participants in the course from both the Kuwaiti and UAE delegations. As a result, we were named the “Expo Sisters.

At that moment , we told HH Sheikh Mohammed: “We thought that Expo 2020 is the event and that the participants are part of that event, but we were mistaken, because the event is you my lord.. The event is HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid and the rest are part of the event.”

The attendees were surprised at our courage and were glad to see HH Sheikh Mohammed smiling with the modesty of a leader who previously dedicated the win of this event to our leader, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and to the UAE people.

Following those words, we talked to the Kuwaiti delegation about the sign launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed and signified (Win, Victory and Love). This sign was stuck in the minds of Emiratis, became their companion in the UAE march towards number 1 globally and was the focus of souvenir photos.

Later, I was very lucky to have a souvenir photo with HH Sheikh Mohammed. There were moments that would remain immortal in my memory. I told HH Sheikh Mohammed how happy and proud I was to be standing besides him and talking to him. I also told him that I would like my souvenir photo with him to be different from the other photos. I did not know how I dared to whisper in his ear that I wanted the photo to be taken while we were raising his own sign!

“As you like, my daughter”, he said with his usual kind smile.

It is a nice feeling beyond description; I cannot express it in words. His words truly reflected the phrase “the happiest people in the world live in the UAE”. This is why we have the right to be proud of our wise leadership.

While writing my article, I wished heartily that all the Emirates ID staff would have this opportunity and feel the positive energy that we felt while we were in the presence of HH Sheikh Mohammed, whose words were full of lessons, proverbs, love and inspiration to the younger generation.

We should not forget that promoting the spirit of love and devotion among the generations is one of the concepts that were reinforced and instilled in the hearts of citizens by our founding father the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may Allah rest his soul).

08/12/2013

Each one of us has a name, and each name has a story to tell. While the details of our names vary, each name still has a meaning that distinguishes it from the other.

A man is proud of his pedigree and origin and so he names his son after his father. Hence, the name becomes a mark and a predecessor that echoes the glory of grandfathers.. Another man names his son after a beloved person he lost in order to recall in memory the image of a good man in a beautiful time. Hence, the name brings back the old scent or part of it, leaving a nice memory.

The birth dates of some people have a story by which the stories of their names are associated. Those born in December often have the names of the founding fathers of our beloved country and hence the scents of their names are firmly established in the history of the “Union” memory.

Some others give strange names to their children. We may come across many strange names throughout our work in the Emirates Identity Authority. This is because we receive people from more than 200 countries living and working in the UAE and are sometime curious to ask a customer about the meaning of their names or search for it in a search engine. We inquire about different names and their meanings, no matter whether they are Arab or foreign names.

Out of courtesy and good reception, however, we must still call a customer by their names without clamor or doubt. No matter how familiar or strange the name is, our job is to put a smile on faces and respect our customers and their names because they are our guests and our religion necessitates us to be generous with guests and treat them respectfully.

Dec 03/2013

In his speech marking the 42^nd National Day, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan presented a comprehensive vision of the concept of progress, which was not only restricted to raising the indicators of economic growth but focused attention on its social, cultural, political, security and knowledge-related dimensions and aspects as well. This is the secret behind the excellent experience of the UAE development and advancement, where progress, as affirmed by HH UAE President, is measured by the quality of life, well-being, development and the rule of law.

HH UAE President affirmed that “no future for our development without local culture” and “Development that does not protect the family, that does not inspire the bringing together of the culture of society and its ethics, is development that is incomplete, regardless of its returns”. This  reflects one of the most important features of the UAE model of development, which is characterized by being open to the world an integrated with it while interacting with its modern achievements as part of preserving the cultural and civilized identity of the society as this is the  bond that gathers the members of the society together and preserves its cohesion and integrity. Our leadership believes that the world’s cultural diversity is a source of wealth and not a cause for hostility or confrontation and that every culture has something to offer to the human civilization.

No development without security that provides a suitable environment for it and is based on loyalty to the homeland and its leadership, respect for the constitution, abidance by the law and commitment to the values ​​of the society. This is what was affirmed in HH UAE President’s speech and demonstrated by the experiences of ancient and contemporary history; the stability of any society is the key to its progress, while the manifestations of disorder and tussle destroy all its development achievements, exhaust its efforts and take it many years back. Security, which the UAE is known for, is one of its most important sources of its excellence and supremacy in terms of development on the regional and international arenas. Based on this, the UAE prudent leadership is keen on adopting a comprehensive and modern concept of security that maintains the stability of the homeland and fortifies its internal front in the face of any tendentious attempt to penetrate or destroy it. This rendered the UAE an oasis of security and peace of mind and a model of social cohesion and the people’s belonging to their country and loyalty to their leadership.

Education was the path used by all nations in their transition from weakness to strength, poverty to affluence and backwardness to progress and urbanization. This was already understood by our prudent leadership since the inception of the UAE and was underlined by HH UAE President in his speech. Sheikh Khalifa said: “No future for development that is not based on advanced education capable of producing knowledge. This is the route used by the UAE in its development plans for the ultimate goal of becoming one of the best countries of the world in 2021.

The vision, put forward by HH UAE President in his speech marking the 42^nd National Day, is full of deep and civilized connotations that reveal one aspect of excellence of the UAE development experience and show that the UAE is on the right track towards the