Omar Ghobash Urges Muslim Youth Towards Moderation
Omar Ghobash, UAE ambassador to Russia and author of the acclaimed new book “Letters to a Young Muslim,” called for a less didactic, more open approach to Islamic education for children, at a Tamakkan seminar at twofour54.
Ghobash, who wrote the book with his sons, Saif, aged 16, and Abdullah, 12, in mind, encourages moderation in religious thinking and teaching, especially at a time of political turmoil where young Muslims can be susceptible to extremist online propaganda.
Tamakkan Hosts the First Screening of “Lemonade” in Abu Dhabi
Tamakkan hosted a screening of the Documentary Film Lemonade produced by US born Emirati author and speaker, Dedra L. Stevenson, on home schooling an adult with Autism. The movie is directed by Emirati, Sara Al Hashemi, titled after the famous English phrase: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. It follows the daily life and struggles of Dedra’s son, Ibrahim, a 23-year old adult living with Autism. The movie screening was also an awareness event on the life of people living with Autism here in the UAE, and how even those with a disability can be given a purpose in life that gives them happiness and meaning. The session was attended by family members of Ibrahim, various film personalities, guests who have an autistic relative, and fellow community members who were there to support the cause. It was heart-warming to see Ibrahim’s family there to support him and to bravely share their experience of overcoming their struggles. Tamakkan founder Sana Bagersh found the documentary film very interesting as it tackled the plight and relationship of a mother and her son with autism. “Film-making is a very powerful tool that can be used to entertain and also to educate. Dedra’s film captured my heart as it showcased a sensitive yet crucial topic that needs to be addressed here in the UAE.” The movie screening was followed by a Q&A session where Dedra L. Stevenson, the executive producer, along with the Director Sara Al Hashemi, Creative Director Sheikha Bin Jarsh, and Ibrahim’s nurses, Arden Kristoffer Onayan and Mark Vincent Salazar. They answered questions on what the struggles were in their life to come to where they are now, what more could be done to help other families in similar situations, and how people could help in making such families feel welcome and at ease in public spaces. When asked why she waited this long to show this story, Dedra Stevenson, said it was something that had been in the back of her mind for a while but it was brought out when Ibrahim’s former nurse Kaleb Habtamu, told her about a boy he met in the Al Thiqa Club. “These guys need a reason to wake up every morning just like all of us do. We go to jobs, we go to schools, we go to exercise, and all that so what about them? They need purpose”, said Dedra. About Tamakkan: Tamakkan is an initiative aimed at nurturing entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation. Established in June 2009 by BrandMoxie, a leading advertising and marketing company in the UAE, Tamakkan support s the growth of SMEs and startups by providing access to information...
A Tamakkan Special: Film Screening of “Lemonade”
Dedra L. StevensonFilm Director, Lemonade Lemonade is a short documentary about home schooling an adult with Autism in the UAE, in spite of the lack of services or support. It’s one family’s inspiring story of how they made the best of a bad situation and made their adult son, Ibrahim, very happy and productive. All people who suffer from mental disabilities should enjoy a happy and productive life which gives them a sense of purpose and belonging, and Ibrahim is a perfect example of how life can hand you lemons, but you can find the determination to turn it into Lemonade. Dedra L. Stevenson is an American born Emirati author and public speaker. Her trilogy, The Hakima’s Tale, is a fantasy fiction story set in Emirati culture and based on the lore of the region. Ms. Stevenson also conducts a vast number of writing workshops throughout the region, inspiring the writers of tomorrow. She lives in Sharjah with her husband and four children, and is an advocate for spreading Autism Awareness throughout the region. Promoted by Tamakkan About US Embassy U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi is dedicated to strengthening US-UAE partnerships in diplomacy, commerce, trade, regional security, education, art, and culture. The Embassy engages with a wide range of local partners to encourage broader and deeper understanding between the people of the United States and the United Arab Emirates. http://abudhabi.usembassy.gov/ STAY CONNECTED! Like us on Facebook Follow us on...
Tamakkan Spotlight: US Tax Lawyers
Tamakkan tax seminars on · FATCA Compliance (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) · FBAR Compliance (Foreign Bank Account Reporting) · Delinquent tax filing programs, STREAMLINED and OVDP options for late filing of Federal and State Taxes · Exclusions for Foreign Earned Income & Housing · Gift Taxes, Estate Taxes, and Tax Planning for Individuals · Tax Planning for U.S. Businesses Overseas · Tax Planning for Foreign Businesses & Investments in the U.S. Presented by: Fouad Kraishan is a CPA from the US with over 20 years of experience, a business & tax consultant. He is also former CFO for a United Nations Program in Jordan, and former CFO for an Accrediting Organization in Washington, DC, Mr. Kraishan is a graduate from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business Executive-MBA program.Business School. G.F. Joey Musmar is the Managing Partner at MillerMusmar a CPA firm in Reston VA, he is an expert in International taxes, with interest in business structure and tax planning. He is a CPA, a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), and an Accredited Business Valuator (ABV). He also holds the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation and is Series 7 securities...
Flash Fiction Awards Top Fiction Writers
The Flash Fiction Reading and Writing Awards celebrate short fiction written and performed by university students in the UAE. The event, which is organized by BrandMoxie, was held at their offices in twofour54, and was sponsored by New York University’s Literature and Creative Writing Program. Top winners won a creative residency at Art Hub in Liwa.