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FIVE REASONS WHY SOCIAL CONNECTIONS ARE MUCH NEEDED DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES

Published

3 weeks ago

March 12, 2026

In times of uncertainty, we instinctively seek stability, in our relationships, routines, and the communities around us. When the wider world feels unpredictable, human connection becomes more than a comfort; it becomes a lifeline. Yet in fast-moving cities and digital-first lifestyles, many of us maintain large networks while lacking the deeper bonds that truly sustain us.

Research shows that strong social ties build resilience, lower stress, and improve overall health. As conversations around wellbeing become more open, there is growing recognition that the quality of our relationships matters just as much as professional achievement, and that in moments of collective unease, those ties matter even more.

Recognising the importance of real-world connection, UAE-based platform MAXION suggests five ways that building community can help protect wellbeing.

1. Prioritise depth over volume

It is easy to confuse social activity with genuine connection. Many of us interact with dozens of contacts online every day yet still experience loneliness. What safeguards wellbeing is not the size of a network, but the substance of the relationships within it. Harvard’s long-running Study of Adult Development, which has tracked participants for more than 80 years, found that warm, supportive bonds are among the most significant predictors of long-term happiness. Honest dialogue, shared values, and reliable encouragement foster belonging that broad but shallow circles rarely provide.

2. Say yes to new experiences, they could become lasting bonds

Some of the most important relationships begin simply with a chat at an event, or an introduction through a friend. What matters is allowing those early interactions to develop over time. To encourage more of us to take that step, particularly during a period when isolation can quietly take hold, MAXION is offering complimentary premium memberships to both existing and new members of its curated community until 17 March. The initiative reflects a broader belief: that lasting bonds are not built through endless scrolling, but through shared experiences and real conversation.

3. Collective experiences ease stress and build grounding

Small, purposeful activities, meeting for coffee, attending a gathering, or simply spending unhurried time together, bring stability during unsettled periods. Face-to-face interaction engages cues that screens cannot replicate, helping us feel heard and understood. Research has shown that time spent with friends or partners can significantly reduce perceived anxiety. These moments help individuals process what they are feeling and gain perspective, which becomes especially valuable when the ground beneath feels less certain.

4. Regular contact prevents loneliness from escalating

Loneliness has become a growing global concern. According to the World Health Organization, around one in six worldwide experience it, and it is linked to higher risks of depression, anxiety, elevated stress, and poorer physical health. Proactive engagement acts as an early buffer. When we make room for honest exchange and dependable contact, feelings of isolation are far less likely to take root. Even a small circle of trusted individuals can offer the reassurance needed to weather difficult stretches. Those ties also contribute to longer lives. Research across blue zones highlights that close community bonds and frequent interaction are key longevity factors, with one study noting that strong personal connections can reduce the risk of early death by up to 50%.

5. Routine builds steadiness

Community is strengthened through consistency. Whether it is weekly gatherings, group activities, or regular check-ins, showing up reliably anchors us during turbulent periods. Psychologists often point to the value of predictable social structures in maintaining wellbeing. Knowing that certain people and communities remain constant provides quiet comfort during times of change, a reminder that not everything is shifting at once.

In fast-paced cities like Dubai, carving out room for real connection is not always easy. But it has rarely been more important. By nurturing the bonds around us with care and intention, we can build the kind of networks that carry us through uncertainty and well beyond it.

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DUBAI INVESTMENTS BREAKS GROUND ON LANDMARK AL VISTA MIXED‑USE DEVELOPMENT IN MEYDAN, COMMENCES MAIN CONSTRUCTION WORKS

Published

3 days ago

March 31, 2026

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Dubai Investments breaks ground on Al Vista, its landmark mixed‑use development in Meydan Horizon. Developed through its wholly‑owned real estate subsidiary, Dubai Investment Real Estate (DIR), Al Vista is a large‑scale mixed‑use development comprising residential, commercial and retail components within a unified masterplan.

The ground‑breaking ceremony was held in the presence of Khalid bin Kalban, Vice Chairman and CEO, Dubai Investments, Obaid Salami, General Manager, Dubai Investment Real Estate along with other senior representatives and the contractor for the project.

As part of the milestone, DIR also signed the main construction contract with JV Hourie Paramount appointing the contractor to deliver the project in line with the approved execution plan.

Commenting on the ground-breaking, Obaid Salami, General Manager of Dubai Investment Real Estate, said: “Al Vista represents an important addition to DIR’s portfolio and reflects a disciplined approach to development, anchored in quality, execution certainty and long‑term value creation. With main construction now underway, DIR is committed to delivering well‑planned, high‑quality developments in key growth locations across Dubai, positioning Al Vista to emerge as a defining mixed‑use destination upon completion.”

Located within Meydan Horizon, one of Dubai’s most sought‑after mixed‑use districts, Al Vista comprises a 39‑storey residential tower featuring 312 apartments, including one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom units, alongside a 19‑storey commercial tower offering approximately 120,000 sq. ft. of shell‑and‑core office space, complemented by integrated retail components. The development is designed to support a connected urban environment, with a comprehensive range of lifestyle and recreational amenities serving both residents and commercial occupiers. Construction is advancing as scheduled, with planned completion targeted for Q1 2028

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DAMAC’S AMIRA SAJWANI: IN THE PRESENCE OF HH MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN AND HH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM, WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR

Published

3 days ago

March 31, 2026

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Amira Sajwani, Managing Director of DAMAC Properties, the UAE’s and the Middle East’s largest private real estate developer, issued a statement affirming confidence in the future of the United Arab Emirates despite the current political tensions in the Middle East and the GCC.

Sajwani emphasised that the nation’s continued stability and economic strength are underpinned by the country’s wise leadership and long-term vision, which have consistently guided the UAE through global and regional challenges while reinforcing its economic fundamentals.

Commenting on the current conditions, Amira Sajwani, said: “In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and the Ruler of Dubai, we have nothing to fear. History has taught us that the UAE always overcomes challenges and emerges stronger. We witnessed this during the global financial crisis in 2008, during COVID-19, and again following the April 2024 storm widely known as the ‘Hadeer Storm.’ With the guidance of our leadership, this time will be no different. The UAE will continue to move forward with resilience and confidence.”

Sajwani added that the strength of the UAE’s economic fundamentals, particularly in the real estate sector, continues to be reflected in record market performance. According to Dubai REST, Dubai recorded AED 246.12 billion in real estate sales in Q1 2026, compared to AED 142.7 billion in Q1 2025, representing a 72.46% year-on-year increase.

“These figures clearly demonstrate that despite political tensions across the region, the fundamentals of Dubai’s real estate market remain exceptionally strong,” Sajwani said. “Demand continues to grow, and investor confidence in Dubai remains robust, reinforcing the emirate’s position as one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations.”

Sajwani further noted that DAMAC Properties continues to play a leading role in the market’s performance. The developer ranked No. 1 in Dubai’s real estate industry by market share of sales transactions, recording a total of 3,663 units sold, further cementing its position as a key contributor to the emirate’s real estate success.

She also confirmed that construction progress across all DAMAC projects remains on track, with handover timelines continuing as scheduled without any changes, reflecting the company’s strong operational capabilities and commitment to delivering projects on time.

Sajwani concluded by reaffirming that the UAE’s leadership, economic vision, and global reputation for stability will continue to attract international investors and sustain long-term growth across key sectors, including real estate.

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MORE THAN 300,000 DAMAC RESIDENTS URGED TO SWITCH OFF LIGHTS THIS SATURDAY

Published

3 days ago

March 31, 2026

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DAMAC Properties, the largest private real estate developer in the UAE and the Middle East, has urged more than 300,000 residents staying across its communities and team members to participate in ‘Earth Hour 2026’. The annual sustainability initiativeis part of a global movement highlighting the urgent need for climate awareness and energy conservation.

On Saturday, March 28, DAMAC communities and towers across Dubai will go dark by switching off lights for one hour, starting 8.30pm. The initiative is supported by community engagement teams and sustainability champions from LOAMS, the award-winning, jointly owned property and community management company.

DAMAC’schampioning of Earth Hour reinforces its commitment to building a sustainable future. Switching off lights for one hour across 50,000 homes has an impact equivalent to planting 200 trees that thrive for a decade. It saves 10,800 kWhr, equal to 4900kg of carbon dioxide emissions.

Patricia Torres, a resident of DAMAC Hills 2, noted: “It is motivating to see our community united for a meaningful cause. Earth Hour helps us appreciate how simple actions taken together can create real and lasting change. We look forward to playing our part by switching off lights and make a positive impact in the fight against climate change.”

Earth Hour, organised by WWF, is a global grassroots movement that started as a lights-out event in Sydney, Australia in 2007. Since then, it has grown to engage millions of supporters globally. As the movement grows, the one-hour lights out event continues to be the symbol of a broader commitment toward nature and our planet.