UAE ‘Sahebaan’ Family Get-Together brings together over a thousand community members in Dubai
Dr Safwan, Mateen Chilmi, Shafi Shaban, Iqbal Manna conferred with ‘Sahebaan Excellence Awards’
Dubai: Dubai witnessed a grand and vibrant celebration as UAE ‘Sahebaan’ organised its annual Family Get-Together on January 10, Saturday at the Al Khisais Amity School campus. The day-long event, held from 10 am to 9 pm, brought together families, children and community members in large numbers.
The programme featured a wide range of competitions, entertainment activities and cultural events throughout the day. UAE ‘Sahebaan’, a collective representing the Sahebaan community within the Urdu-speaking Muslim population from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, has been consistently organising the Family Get-Together in Dubai every year with great enthusiasm and scale. This year’s event was marked by the participation of over a thousand people, including children and families, making it particularly special.
Sahebaan Excellence Awards presented
As part of the programme, the annual Sahebaan Excellence Awards were presented to individuals who have excelled in various fields. The awards were conferred by chief guests and dignitaries including noted NRI businessman and social worker KS Nissar Ahamed, owner of Nash Engineering, Dubai; UAE Sahebaan coordinator H.M. Afroz Assadi; and special guest K.S. Imthiyaz Ahmed, President of KMES Educational Institutions, Karkala.
The Sahebaan Academic Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Safwan Ahmed, a neurologist based in Doha, Qatar. The Sahebaan Business Excellence Award was conferred on Mateen Ahmed Chilmi, Managing Director of Petrosolutions, Dubai. The Sahebaan Sports Excellence Award was given to Mohammed Shafi Shaban for his contribution to sports promotion, while the Sahebaan Community Service Award was presented to social worker Mohammed Iqbal Manna from Udupi.
On the occasion,KS Nissar Ahamed, H.M. Afroz Assadi and K.S. Imthiyaz Ahmed, Karkala, were also felicitated. Several other eminent personalities were honoured, including Nazimuddin (Nazim) Mohammed, President of Petro Gas Piping, Dubai; Yaseen Malpe, Founder Director of Vartha Bharati; Udupi District Rajyotsava awardee Dr. Sheikh Wahid Dawood; former Jamiat-ul-Falah president Abdul Latheef Saheb; Mumtaz Hussain and Ashfaq Ahmed from Qatar; and Abdul Azeez Udyavar.
Academic Excellence Awards for students
Students from the Sahebaan community residing in the UAE who achieved outstanding academic and sports performance were recognised with Academic Excellence Awards. The awards were presented by H.M. Afroz Assadi along with women organisers Farveen Assadi and Reena Altaf.
Razeena Beg (91%), a native of Vitla studying at Mayoor Private School, Abu Dhabi; Anam Aslam (95.30%), a native of Mangaluru studying at Our Own English High School, Sharjah; Mohammed Ibrahim (90.50%), a native of Udupi studying at GEMS Our Own English High School, Sharjah; Ameerah Qazi Abdul Khader Qazi (96.60%), a native of Gangolli studying at The Central School, Dubai; Simrah Khan Nadeem (91.20%), a native of Mangaluru studying at Al Ameer English School, Ajman; and Nuha Riyaz Khalife from Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, a native of Mangaluru, were honoured with the Academic Excellence Award for securing high marks in the 10th standard.
In sports, Mohammed Aiz, a football player from GEMS Legacy School, Dubai, a native of Mangaluru, was congratulated and presented with the Sports Excellence Award by the dignitaries present at the ceremony.
Financial assistance announcement
On the occasion, KS Nissar Ahamed announced financial assistance for Sahebaan community students who are unable to pursue higher education after PUC due to economic constraints. He also announced financial support for the marriage of underprivileged girls from the community. This was informed by Althaf M.S. of the Sahebaan community.
Day-long sports and cultural activities
Various sports competitions and recreational activities were organised throughout the day for senior citizens, youngsters, women and children. Participants enthusiastically took part, sharing moments of joy and togetherness.
The event included cooking competitions, quizzes, fun games for all age groups and several entertaining contests that drew large participation. Hundreds took part in these activities, making them a major attraction.
The evening cultural programme began with Quran recitation by Haroon Naveed, followed by an Islamic Nasheed sung by 22 children. A special ‘Teddy & Me’ performance by 16 young children delighted the audience, while a children’s Qawwali performance received warm appreciation. The programme also featured the national anthem, a children’s skit, and prize distribution to winners of various competitions.
Videos highlighting the journey of the Sahebaan organisation and the contributions of KS Nissar Ahamed, noted businessman Hidayatullah Abbas, Chairman of the Hidayath Group, and H.M. Afroz Assadi was screened. Gifts and raffle draw prizes were also distributed during the event.
Organisers and anchoring
The event was organised with the support of Alhtaf M.S., Akram, Ajmal Mohammed, Althaf Khalifa, Mohammed Sameeullah, Suhail Kudroli, Mohammed Asif, Nayeem Khan, and women organisers Farveen Assadi, Reena Althaf and Sahar Asif.
Althaf M.S. delivered the welcome address, while Ajmal Mohammed proposed the vote of thanks. The entire day’s programme was smoothly compered by Hisrar Tallani from Mangaluru and Aliya Imtiyaz Khan.
The UAE ‘Sahebaan’ Family Get-Together concluded on a note of unity, celebration and community bonding.
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Iran says no response to US outreach for talks amid escalating conflict
Tehran: Iranian officials have claimed that they have not responded to private communication from the United States seeking talks, even as public statements from US President Donald Trump suggest that Tehran is keen to negotiate amid the ongoing conflict.
According to a report by Drop Site News, two Iranian officials said US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had sent messages to Iranian authorities, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, last week exploring the possibility of resuming negotiations. The officials said Iran did not respond to these messages and also received communication routed through third countries.
A senior Iranian official was quoted as saying that the decision not to respond was taken at the highest level. “The message here is clear: Iran has once again closed the window for any direct negotiations,” the official said, adding that any decision on ceasefire rests with the country’s Supreme Leader.
In contrast, President Trump has repeatedly stated in public that Iran is seeking talks. “They want to negotiate. They want to negotiate badly,” he said, while also claiming that Iran’s military capabilities have been significantly weakened.
The White House, responding to the report, dismissed the claims as false and criticised the publication. It said the US operation against Iran would continue until its objectives are achieved.
Meanwhile, conflicting accounts have emerged. A US official told Axios that it was Iran that had initiated contact, a claim denied by Araghchi, who said his last communication with Witkoff took place before recent military strikes. “Any claim to the contrary appears geared solely to mislead oil traders and the public,” he said.
Araghchi also rejected the suggestion that Iran is seeking a ceasefire or negotiations, stating in an interview that the country would continue to defend itself. Iranian officials have maintained that they will not consider any ceasefire arrangement unless it ensures an end to future attacks.
The report also indicates that multiple countries have attempted to mediate between the two sides, but Iran has conveyed that efforts should instead be directed towards the US administration.
Amid the conflict, global oil markets have been affected. Iran has threatened to target vessels linked to the US and its allies passing through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a sharp drop in shipping traffic through the route. Iranian officials said the strait remains open in general but restricted for certain countries.
US officials, however, said Iranian ships have been allowed to pass through without being targeted. Rising oil prices and disruptions in supply have led to concerns among global energy companies, with industry leaders reportedly warning of severe economic consequences if the situation continues.
The US has also moved to strengthen its military presence in the region, including deploying additional troops and exploring options to secure maritime routes. President Trump has called for international participation, including from NATO countries and China, though several nations have expressed reservations.
On the ground, the conflict has intensified, with continued missile and drone strikes reported across the region. Iran has indicated that it is prepared for a prolonged confrontation and may expand its strategy to apply pressure on US and allied interests.
Iranian officials have also warned against any attempt to target key infrastructure such as Kharg Island, which handles a major portion of the country’s oil exports. They said any such move would escalate the situation further.
At the diplomatic level, divisions remain visible. While some Gulf countries have blamed Iran for the escalation, Tehran has criticised them for not condemning US and Israeli actions.
The report also notes that the conflict has led to significant casualties in Iran, with authorities claiming over 1,400 deaths and thousands injured. At the same time, regional tensions remain high, with concerns that the conflict could widen further involving other actors.
Iran has indicated that any future ceasefire would need to include broader conditions, including guarantees against further attacks and international oversight.
