For the past 53 years, the UAE has come alive every 2nd December with vibrant colours, cultural celebrations, and a spirit of unity, marking This day stands as a tribute to the vision, resilience, and progress that continue to define the nation.
As we celebrate the 54th UAE National Day in 2025, let’s take a moment to look back at its history, reflect on its significance, and explore the path ahead.
UAE National Day marks the birth of a sovereign nation, when the seven emirates united with a shared vision after the British withdrawal from the Gulf region. On 2nd December 1971, the UAE was officially founded under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Since then, the nation has achieved remarkable milestones across sectors such as economy, architecture, finance, and science, becoming a global hub for trade, tourism and innovation. Guided by Sheikh Zayed’s visionary leadership, the UAE has continued to evolve while upholding the values of unity, tolerance, justice, compassion, and coexistence. You can read more about how these values shine through in our Emirati Women’s Day reflections here.
UAE’s national day celebrates the shared roots and values that bring communities together to honour the nation’s remarkable journey. From traditional activities like the Al Ayyala dance, falconry, and Emirati cuisine to modern festivities such as fireworks, parades, and community events, the national day inspires everyone to come together in celebration.
Check out how everyone at Salama comes together to mark the UAE National Day here.
Today, with over 200 nationalities calling the UAE home, UAE National Day serves as a powerful reminder of how diversity strengthens unity. As we mark the 54th National Day, we not only celebrate how far we have come, but it also gives us the opportunity to look ahead to a future built on sustainable progress, harmony, and shared purpose.
With a focus on strengthening communities and supporting families across the UAE, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2026 as the Year of the Family. This initiate aims to reinforce familial bonds, promote values of unity, empathy, and cooperation, enhance policies supporting housing, education, and well-being and address emerging challenges faced by families in the UAE.
As we celebrate the 54th UAE National Day, a day rooted in unity and progress, the Year of Family provides each one of us the opportunity to spotlight the vital role families play in sustaining cultural identity and national prosperity, ensuring these values are passed on to future generations. At Salama, we focus on strengthening families in this wondrous nation, by empowering them with long-term financial protection also becomes essential. Learn more about our Life Takaful solutions here.
]]>Every November, men worldwide put down their razors for No-Shave November. However, beyond the beards and moustaches, this global movement conveys a powerful message: raising awareness about men’s health and sparking long-overdue conversations about mental, physical, and holistic wellbeing.
The Movember movement began in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia, when 30 men decided to grow moustaches to start conversations about men’s physical and mental health. What began as a small initiative has now grown into a global movement, championing a mission to change the face of men’s health, encouraging men to talk, move, and care.
Today, men’s health needs attention. On average, men die 4.5 years earlier than women – largely due to preventable causes. Movember reminds us that small actions and open conversations can make a big difference. It gives each one of us the opportunity to take the right steps, offer the right support, and prioritise men’s wellbeing beyond November.
Visit our social media channels today to learn more and show your support for this global movement.
When it comes to health behaviour, a noticeable gap exists. Many men face social pressure, stigma, and limited resources, preventing them from seeking help or prioritising regular health check-ups or mental health support.
That is why it is important to break the stigma by using something as simple as a moustache as a conversation starter about mental and physical health. Movember also encourages early diagnosis and regular screenings, helping men to take charge of their wellbeing.
Check out our social media for more eye-opening facts about men’s health.
Taking care of health doesn’t necessarily mean making drastic changes. Small and simple habits can make a lasting difference.
Here are some ways, highlighted by the Movember initiative, to help men live healthier and longer lives:
Movember reminds us that connection and prevention go hand-in-hand. A quick chat, a check-up, or sharing your own story could encourage someone else to do the same.
As an organisation that sees first-hand how unexpected events affect people and families, we believe in the value of being proactive about wellbeing. Health isn’t just about treatment – it’s about prevention, awareness, and support.
Having a comprehensive health insurance plan in place ensures access to regular health check-ups, preventive care, and diagnostic tests – further protecting your peace of mind.
While Movember shines a spotlight on men’s health, the message goes beyond the month. It’s a reminder to keep prioritising conversations around men’s mental health, positive masculinity, and overall wellbeing, all year round.
Join the movement. Share your Movember look, tag us, and help spread awareness about men’s health and stand a chance to win an exciting prize.
Together, let’s all make one small change for ourselves, our families, and our communities starting this Movember.
]]>Every year nearly 400,000 children are diagnosed with cancer globally. Cancer in children is one of the most complex health challenges that is often difficult to detect and can have deep emotional impact on families.
As part of the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, symbolised by the golden ribbon, we join hands with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to raise awareness, foster understanding, and create better support systems for affected families.
This blog will explore key aspects associated with childhood cancer, and the role insurance plays in supporting families during these challenging times.
Unlike cancer in adults, childhood cancers, especially in young children aged 0-14 years, are biologically different and have no known causes. This makes it difficult to prevent, diagnose, and treat.
Awareness of symptoms can be crucial with early detection and lead to timely treatments. Some of the symptoms to watch out for are:
According to the WHO, some of the most common types of childhood cancers are:
Many of these cancers can be effectively treated with medication, surgery, and radiotherapy.
While advancements in treatments have significantly improved survival rates, there is still a striking disparity across regions. In high-income countries, more than 80% of children with cancer survive, while it is close to 30% in low- and middle-income countries. These differences are due to delayed diagnosis, limited access to care and a shortage of essential medicines.
To bridge this gap, the WHO and IARC are working to achieve at least 60% survival rates for children with cancer worldwide.
In the Middle East, childhood cancer is one of the growing paediatric health concerns. In the UAE, the government and the healthcare system are prioritising paediatric oncology by supporting early diagnosis and treatment services.
Initiatives such as Al Jalila Foundation’s The Child Fund, which provides medical support for children in need; Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP)’s Ana program, dedicated to childhood cancer and Basmah by DHA, offering full coverage for breast, colon, and cervical cancer screening and treatment for Dubai residents with Basic health insurance coverage, play a crucial role in advancing childhood cancer care in the UAE.
Health insurance is not just about financial cover, it is about ensuring no child misses the chance for timely treatment. With the right health protection in place, families can:
Our Health Takaful solutions are designed to support families during these critical times so that they can focus on their child’s recovery, not financial stress. Learn more about the different health insurance covers offered by Salama here.
Treatment is only part of the journey. Families also need emotional, psychological, and financial support. With the right protection and community care, parents can focus on healing and providing strength to their children.
At Salama, we stand beside families, enabling them to face challenges with confidence and shape healthier tomorrows together.
Take action this September, join us in raising awareness.
]]>This summer, as you switch into vacation mode, don’t forget to prepare your home before you head out. Whether you are planning a weekend staycation or an overseas trip, taking a few precautionary measures can keep your home summer-ready and safe.
In this blog, we will walk you through five smart steps to keep your home protected while you are away.
Extreme temperatures and humid conditions in the UAE don’t just take a toll on us but also put an immense strain on your home’s electrical systems, especially air conditioners. The increased usage of air conditioners leads to issues such as compressor failures, refrigerant leaks, and malfunctioning of electrical components. Additionally, a lack of proper AC maintenance can increase the risk of household fires.
Booking a professional maintenance service can improve cooling efficiency, enhance indoor air quality, and help save on energy consumption, and money.
Most importantly, while you are travelling, it will give you peace of mind by reducing the chances of returning to unwanted surprises such as a broken or leaking AC in a hot, musty home.
Warm weather invites unwanted guests such as cockroaches, ants, mosquitoes, and termites. Aside from being a nuisance, these pests can pose serious health risks. To keep them out while you’re away:
These simple steps can drastically reduce the risk of infestations and ensure you return to a clean, pest-free home.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your home from leaks or potential flooding is by turning off your main water supply. This is important because the risks of pipe bursts increase in summer due to high water pressure. Here is what you can do:
By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage, especially while you are travelling. Planning to travel soon? Here is a summer travel checklist to keep you prepared.
Summer heat, flammable materials, and the frequent use of electrical appliances can increase the risk of fire in your home. Minimise these risks by following a few simple but essential steps:
For any maintenance, ensure you are seeking help from licensed technicians. Also, authorities like Abu Dhabi Police and Civil Defence continue to raise awareness and take proactive measures to prevent fire through their Safe Summer campaign.
Like your home, ensure that your vehicle is also summer-ready. Here is a quick guide to keep your vehicle protected this summer.
Even with the best preventive measures, things might still go wrong. Therefore, updating your home content insurance is a smart move before your travel.
With Salama’s Home Takaful cover, you can attain financial protection for your home and gain peace of mind with coverage for:
With the right protection in place, you can travel stress-free knowing your home is secured. Contact us to learn more about how we can protect your home.
]]>Whether you are off on a new adventure or relaxing on a sandy beach, a little preparation can go a long way in making your trip smooth and memorable.
From planning your itinerary to protecting yourself with the right travel insurance cover, here are a few key things to remember before you travel.
Whether you are at home or exploring new places, health is always a top priority. However, while you are travelling, it is essential to take extra measures as you are in an unfamiliar environment with different food, water, climate and daily routine.
Here are a few things to ensure your health while travelling:
Men’s health is often overshadowed by stigma, stereotypes, and societal pressures that emphasise strength, independence, emotional resilience, and success. As a result, many men tend to remain silent about their health issues and postpone seeking medical or emotional support.
This June, let’s come together to stand shoulder to shoulder and build awareness on improving men’s health — physical, mental, and emotional.
Each of us is responsible for creating safe spaces to initiate open conversations about men’s health. Sometimes, even a small gesture, such as asking, “How are you doing today?” can make all the difference.
Many men are raised with the belief that expressing emotions is unmanly, which often makes them hesitant to open up. As a result, using creative approaches – such as participating in shared activities – can be an effective way to encourage open and honest conversations.
Starting this dialogue helps break down the barriers of men’s health, and normalises men expressing their feelings, seeking help, and being honest about their overall well-being.
Early detection saves lives, and this is no different for men. Yet, as per a recent study from The Cleveland Clinic, 60% of men do not consult doctors even when they suspect a severe health problem.
Health is about taking proactive measures, which include performing routine doctor visits, annual health checkups, and taking vaccinations, to ensure everything stays right. As Anup Vashist, Deputy Manager Bancassurance at Salama, adds, ” Get regular cholesterol and blood pressure checks, especially as you age or if you have a family history of heart disease. Also, focus on your nutrition by including different types of fruits and vegetables to your diet.”
To support men’s health and well-being, government organisations have various initiatives. For example, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) runs campaigns like Basmah Awareness for colon and cervical cancer screening, and Hepatitis protection program. Many health insurance packages also provide free annual health checkups, further early detection and action.
A little bit of research can help you learn about the right health insurance coverage to receive medical assistance when needed.
Men are more prone to cardiovascular issues, but studies show that men who participate in regular aerobic exercises, like brisk walking, jogging, or cycling, can significantly improve their heart and mental health.
Despite having a busy schedule, prioritising movement can be beneficial in the long run. Taking part in moderate physical activities for 30 minutes daily could improve mood, sleep patterns, and overall well-being.
Work often makes it hard for men to slow down and prioritise their well-being, resulting in increased stress levels, high burnout rates, and reduced productivity. Focusing on health not at home and work can help overcome these hurdles.
Practices like taking short breaks, trying walking meetings, desk exercises, and staying hydrated throughout the day – can go a long way in helping men reenergise. Learn more about how you can make health a workplace priority here.
Together, by taking meaningful action, we can break the silence around men’s health and drive lasting change. This Men’s Health Week and beyond, let’s keep the momentum going by standing shoulder to shoulder and continuing to look out for the men in our lives.
In May, we took a step back to recognise and honour a vital part of our lives: holistic health. Under the banner of #MindFulMay, we highlighted the priority of taking small, intentional steps to help ourselves and our loved ones lead stronger, healthier lives.
As we approach the end of this month, here is a quick recap of the global health awareness pursuits we emphasised upon and how we can continue to enhance our well-being with momentum.
Health is more than being illness-free—it’s the freedom and energy to live life to the fullest. We can all do our part as a community to commit to achieving good health, including raising awareness, adopting preventive health measures, performing regular health checkups, and being mindful of warning signs of unexpected or chronic conditions like asthma, hypertension, and stroke.
When it comes to stroke, it is important to act FAST by recognising symptoms like face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties, and seeking help immediately.
Similarly, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms associated with other health conditions like cancer and performing regular self checkups like screening for painless lumps, unexplained anaemia, non-healing ulcers, and taking medical consultation to avoid any complications.
Early detection plays a crucial role in saving lives. Programs like DHA’s Basmah initiative offer early screening for breast, colorectal, and cervical cancers, and are covered in the basic health plan. Additionally, there are other initiatives by DHA like the Hepatitis program that can support those in need.
This is the moment to equip ourselves with knowledge and act when it matters most to protect our well-being.
Mental health, like physical health, is a key component of holistic well-being. It focuses on our emotional, psychological, and social well-being that shapes how we think, feel and act.
This May brings us the opportunity to challenge misconceptions associated with mental health, take charge, and encourage ourselves to make concrete yet mindful changes in our lives.
This can be bite-sized initiatives like practising mindful eating, focusing on relaxation and recharging, engaging in creative activities like writing, art, journaling, setting boundaries, and reaching out for help when needed.
Being mindful of our well-being also means looking out for those around us, such as our loved ones, colleagues, or the people who help us every day.
Well-being begins at home. There are many simple yet effective ways to enhance the health and holistic well-being of our loved ones. One way is to incorporate fun yet healthy habits within our families. This could be cooking a healthy meal together, engaging in outdoor activities like cycling, or having game nights. These joyful activities don’t just improve well-being but also be a great way to bring families together.
And beyond these habits, it is beneficial to ensure that the right health insurance cover is in place to ensure they receive the protection they deserve. Timely access to medical care can prevent small issues from escalating to major concerns and provide peace of mind.
Since May is also Global Employee Health and Fitness Month, it provides us with the opportunity to foster fitness and prioritise well-being at work. This can range from taking part in short breaks to creating a space for open mental health conversations.
As employees, we can always take active measures like staying hydrated, going on short walks, conversing with colleagues, stretching and performing desk-based exercises. Find out what our employees at Salama have to say about well-being here.
Workplaces that focus on improving employee health by providing the right employee health benefits coverage and resources have seen increased employee retention and engagement rates.
Learn more about practical, everyday steps to improve well-being at work from our blog here.
As #MindfulMay comes to a close, it’s clear that prioritising our holistic well-being through small, positive actions can lead to significant long-term impacts. Whether it’s spending quality time outdoors with family, practising mental relaxation, implementing small wellness measures at work, or ensuring timely access to medical care with the right insurance coverage—every effort counts for our overall health and happiness in the long run.
Discover more on how to support your family with the right health insurance over here.
In today’s fast-paced world, employee wellness is no longer an optional perk. It is a strategic driver for sustainable business growth. Businesses that prioritise employee well-being report a remarkable increase in employee engagement, productivity, retention, and lower rates of absenteeism.
A recent McKinsey survey conducted in the Middle East found that one in three employees face symptoms of burnout and other physical health concerns, contributing to low performance.
As Yasar Khan, Assistant Manager, Human Resources at Salama, shares: “A healthy workforce isn’t just a happy workforce; it’s the engine of productivity, innovation, and lasting success. Investing in employee health and fitness is investing in the very heart of your organisation.”
Working long hours without rest can impact work-life balance, lead to high burnout rates, and even push employees into a negative spiral of exhaustion, mistakes, stress, and more work. Therefore, raise awareness among your employees to take micro-breaks, do stretches, go on short walks, and unplug from the screen to reset their mood and improve energy levels.
Sometimes, swapping traditional sit-down meetings with standing or walking meetings can be a great way to stimulate creativity, productivity and meaningful exchanges. These forms of meetings can reduce sitting time as sitting for a long time can be detrimental to health and result in sedentary behaviour. Furthermore, a research report from Stanford University shows that walking increases creative thinking, thereby, making walking meetings perfect for brainstorming or quick catch-ups.
Dehydration can result in fatigue, lack of focus, and impact overall productivity. Encourage your employees by communicating the benefits of staying hydrated through internal communication channels. Along with this, it will be beneficial to have inspirational quotes, wellness posters, and messages that promote healthy eating habits among employees.
Sitting at a desk for long hours can take a toll on the body. Therefore, encouraging employees to perform desk exercises like shoulder rolls, neck and triceps stretches, or even providing standing/treadmill desks can boost physical and mental well-being at work.
Additionally, conducting staff wellness sessions and challenges through platforms like Wellx can motivate your employees.
As Hanady Ali, Senior Administration Officer, Human Resources at Salama adds: “Move your body, refresh your mind, stay positive, and build strong connections with your colleagues — these small habits create energy, focus, and a thriving workplace every day.”
Focusing on building small and sustainable healthy habits, further supported by thoughtful wellness programmes can drive lasting change in your organisation.
Upon setting up the foundation, you can further scale up your efforts by opting for broader, strategic, organisation-wide initiatives. This includes:
Explore how you can provide your employees with the right benefits to improve productivity, achieve long-term success, and help your employees thrive here.
The best part is that small steps can go a long way in supporting a happier and healthier workplace and ultimately, a more thriving business.
As you wind down for the day, and scroll through your phone, an exciting deal grabs your immediate attention. Instantly, you see yourself making an impulsive purchase to avoid that feeling of FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out.
This digital convenience offers instant gratification and time efficiency, but it could also hamper your journey towards achieving your financial goals. However, with a few mindful steps, you can turn this around while reaping the benefits of the digital era.
Remember, FOMO looks different to everyone. For some, it would be associated with purchasing a product to stay relevant based on social media trends or supporting their favourite influencer. For others, it would be fuelled by an instant pop-up notification of a flash sale or the most common trigger, peer pressure.
Regardless, it is essential to tackle them. One of the first steps is to understand if your FOMO is really costing you more than you think. Here are some signs to watch out for:
If you notice any of these warning signs, it is time to pause and take necessary preventive measures, including identifying and tracking your personal FOMO triggers, unsubscribing to channels, using ad-blockers, and adjusting your financial behaviours accordingly.
Upon identifying your personal FOMO triggers, take a step back and investigate your broader financial behaviours, from splurging on online shopping to relying heavily on credit cards. However, before making any drastic changes, focus on building small yet smart money habits, including:
Inculcating these habits and practicing them regularly can improve financial behaviours, help tackle FOMO and lead the way towards financial freedom. Explore more about financial freedom with practical tips from our specialists at Salama here.
The rise of banking apps, e-payment methods, and online financial technology or fintech services has made digital spending easier but can also make financial discipline difficult. It’s easier than you think to take control of your digital spending habits by making the best out of fintech and other solutions. Here’s how:
By making these small yet powerful changes, you can move away from impulse purchasing due to FOMO towards an intentional journey to achieving financial freedom.
While Global Money Week may have passed, its message stays relevant. This Financial Literacy Monthly and beyond, let us continue to take small, positive steps towards building a secure and empowered financial mindset.
Financial security is becoming more accessible in the UAE with the developments in mobile banking, online payment solutions, and digital wallets. This creates an opportunity for each one of us to take control of our financial future.
As a step towards achieving financial freedom, financial planning acts as a roadmap, helping us navigate through the twists and turns that might come our way. Although we all possess a unique financial appetite, here are five fundamental steps to guide us through our financial journey.
As a first step toward financial planning, it is essential to have a clear picture of our current financial status. This involves:
These insights will help us understand our financial strengths, weaknesses, areas of improvement, and also aid with better wealth management.
A financial goal is similar to setting the destination for a journey and it takes into account our financial situation, priorities, and values.
Generally, financial goals can be divided into three broad categories:
It is also beneficial to consider the SMART framework– specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-centric- while setting goals for your financial plan to help make them practical and even attainable.
Life is unpredictable. Therefore, it is essential to be prepared for any roadblocks. To ensure stability during setbacks such as loss of employment or an unanticipated expense, we need to have:
Allocating a percentage of the income towards emergency funds and insurance coverage can help you stay on track when it comes to achieving your financial goals. Find out about how Salama can protect you and your loved ones here .
This Financial Literacy Month, let us take charge of our financial wellness with Salama’s #LetsMakeAprilCount drive. Follow us on our social media for valuable insights and exciting financial challenges to stand a chance to win exciting rewards!
Investing is key for making your money work for you. Based on income, age, personal commitments, values, beliefs, financial goals, and risk appetite, we can explore different wealth management options.
Low-risk options include fixed deposits and savings accounts which are a more secure way to invest while high-risk investments are more volatile and offer higher and quicker returns.
Investing in a blend of low-risk savings and high-return investment options like mutual funds, and stocks provides a mix of security and risk can create a balanced approach while investing.
To gain a thorough understanding of investment options, it is ideal to consult a financial advisor to gain more expert advice that aligns with your financial appetite. Whether it’s based on your own research or from professional advice, it is integral to constantly review and evaluate investment strategies to make sure we are not deviating from our path toward financial security.
Thus, by taking charge, we can confidently optimize our financial planning to achieve our wealth management goals. Start today- assess your financial situation, set SMART goals, seek expert advice and take small yet consistent steps towards a secure financial future.