Across the UAE, families are navigating a prolonged period of uncertainty shaped by geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, and rapid change. While much of this instability exists outside the home, its psychological impact is increasingly being felt inside it, particularly in the relationship between parents and children.

According to Dr Rita Figueiredo, clinical psychologist and managing director at Peninsula Psychology, uncertainty disrupts one of the most fundamental human needs: a sense of control. When that stability is shaken, stress and anxiety begin to influence how parents show up emotionally.

“When everything feels unclear and unpredictable, our sense of control is disrupted, which naturally generates stress and anxiety,” she explains. “These tend to show up in two main ways: some parents become more rigid and hypervigilant… others begin to disconnect, appearing physically present but emotionally unavailable.”

For children, these shifts rarely go unnoticed. Even without fully understanding the external triggers, they are highly sensitive to changes in parental behaviour and emotional tone. “Children, regardless of age, pick up on these shifts… They tend to interpret them as a signal that something is not right,” she says.

Stress that speaks without words

One of the key challenges for families is that children do not always express anxiety directly. Instead, it often appears through behavioural changes—many of which can be subtle or easily overlooked.

Dr Figueiredo notes that signs can include regression in sleep patterns, increased dependency, irritability, or physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches. In many cases, these behaviours are misunderstood.

“These behaviours are meaningful forms of communication,” she says. “It is important to remember that children are not trying to give parents a hard time, they are having a hard time.”

However, parents themselves are often under significant pressure—balancing work, financial concerns, and caregiving responsibilities—which can make it harder to identify these signals early.

A common expectation placed on parents is the need to remain calm and composed, even during periods of heightened stress. While well-intentioned, this pressure can have unintended consequences.

“Attempting to regulate oneself while also maintaining the emotional capacity to co-regulate others is demanding and often exhausting,” Dr Figueiredo says.

Suppressing emotions entirely, she explains, can increase internal strain and reduce a parent’s ability to support their child effectively. Instead, emotional honesty—expressed in a contained and manageable way—can be more beneficial.

“Children do not need perfect parents; they need parents who are predictable and emotionally honest,” she adds. Sharing feelings of worry while demonstrating the ability to manage them can help children develop their own emotional regulation skills.

How stress travels within the household

Parental stress does not need to be explicitly communicated to affect children. It is often transmitted through tone, behaviour, and consistency.

“It can be heard in a sharper tone of voice, seen in reduced patience, or felt in inconsistency around rules,” Dr Figueiredo explains. “Children are highly attuned to these signals… Their nervous system mirrors what is happening around them.”

This creates a feedback loop where anxiety within the household can escalate, leading to increased conflict or a stronger need for reassurance from children.

“In an unpredictable world, the family can become either a stabilising space or another source of uncertainty,” she says. “The difference lies in the consistency and emotional availability within the relationship.”

The rise of hybrid learning and homeschooling has added another layer of complexity, blurring the boundaries between roles within the household.

“Parents are simultaneously expected to function as professionals, educators, caregivers, and emotional regulators,” Dr Figueiredo notes. “This level of role overlap creates significant pressure and increases the likelihood of conflict.”

As a result, relationships can become overly task-focused, centred on performance and responsibilities rather than connection. To counter this, she emphasises the importance of intentionally creating non-task-oriented time.

“Time for play, conversation, or simply being together helps maintain the relational bond,” she says, adding that maintaining familiar routines can also provide a sense of stability.

Communicating uncertainty without fear

When children sense uncertainty but lack full understanding, communication becomes critical. The way parents explain situations can either reinforce anxiety or provide reassurance.

Dr Figueiredo recommends keeping communication simple, honest, and age-appropriate, while avoiding overwhelming detail or unrealistic guarantees.

“More important than the information itself is the emotional experience that accompanies it,” she says. “Children need to feel that they are safe and that they are not facing uncertainty alone.”

Alignment between caregivers is also essential. A shared narrative helps create consistency, while visible conflict can undermine a child’s sense of security. Rather than attempting to eliminate stress entirely, the focus for families should be on managing it through structure and connection. Research-backed strategies include maintaining routines, naming emotions, offering children small choices to build a sense of control, and limiting exposure to distressing news.

“Resilience is not about avoiding stress, but about maintaining connection, regulating emotions, and continuing to function as a family,” Dr Figueiredo explains.

Even small daily interactions—playing a game, having a conversation, or sharing a routine—can reinforce emotional stability.

When tension or disconnection begins to emerge, early intervention is key. Small gestures of repair can prevent issues from escalating.

“Acknowledging when something did not go well, offering an apology, or initiating physical closeness… can help restore connection,” Dr Figueiredo says. Regular check-ins and moments of genuine presence can shift the emotional tone within the household, reinforcing trust and communication.

“The goal is not to win an argument, but to reduce emotional intensity within the family,” she adds.

The defining factor

As uncertainty continues to shape daily life, one insight stands out: the most protective factor for children is not the absence of stress, but the quality of their relationship with their parents.

In an environment where external conditions remain unpredictable, emotional consistency, openness, and connection within the family become the foundation for resilience.

For parents, that may mean letting go of the pressure to be perfect, and focusing instead on being present, predictable, and emotionally available.

In the aftermath of intense rainfall across the UAE, a sharp spike in motor insurance inquiries is exposing a critical knowledge gap among drivers: what actually makes a flood-damaged car claim valid.

According to industry estimates, claim-related inquiries surged by as much as 70 per cent following last week’s rains, underscoring both the scale of disruption and the widespread uncertainty around policy coverage.

The first checkpoint: Coverage vs conduct

At the heart of every claim lies a fundamental distinction between policy type and driver behavior. As Toshita Chauhan, chief business officer, General Insurance, Policybazaar.ae, explains, the UAE market is dominated by two types of coverage: third-party liability and comprehensive insurance.

“Third Party Liability Insurance does not cover damage to your own vehicle,” she said.

“Comprehensive Car Insurance covers third party liabilities as well as damage to your own car, with coverage often extending to risks such as accidents, theft, fire, and certain natural events depending on the policy terms.”

Read more-UAE weather alert: Rain, dust and rough seas expected until April 8

However, even comprehensive policies come with caveats. “Standard comprehensive car insurance can cover damage related to floods or heavy rain, provided the policy has an add-on for natural disaster/peril cover,” Chauhan noted.

Critically, coverage alone is not enough. Insurers also scrutinise driver decisions in the moments leading up to the damage.

“For instance, if your vehicle was parked properly but got damaged due to floods, your comprehensive plan can cover the damage,” she said. “However, if you drive your car on flooded roads, your claim is likely to be rejected.”

Inside the claims process: Evidence is everything

Once a claim is filed, insurers shift into investigation mode, led by adjusters trained to reconstruct events in detail.

Ashmy Arackal, operations manager and head of Travel Insurance, describes the process as evidence-driven and methodical. “Insurance adjusters focus on facts and evidence. In the UAE, they usually start with a police report, which is required for most claims,” she said.

From there, the vehicle undergoes inspection at an approved workshop. “The vehicle is then inspected to understand how the water entered and what parts have been affected, especially the engine and electrical systems,” Arackal added.

Adjusters also cross-check the physical damage against the policyholder’s account. The goal: to confirm that the incident qualifies as “sudden and accidental”, a key requirement for claim approval.

This is where causation becomes critical. Water damage caused by external flooding may be covered, but damage worsened by driver intervention, such as attempting to restart a submerged vehicle, can invalidate the claim.

“Do not try starting the car if submerged under water,” Chauhan warned. “Rather, file a police report, take pictures and videos of the vehicle, and inform the insurer.”

Negligence vs nature: The fine line

One of the most contested aspects of flood-related claims is the definition of negligence. Across the industry, there is broad consensus: knowingly exposing a vehicle to risk can void coverage.

Amit, general manager at Thrifty Car Rental, highlights a common scenario. “Insurers may reject claims in cases where the engine is damaged due to the vehicle being driven through flooded underpasses or waterlogged roads,” he said. “Such instances are typically classified as negligence.”

Even renters, often assumed to be shielded by fleet insurance, are not exempt.

“In general, renters are not held responsible for rain-related damage if the vehicle has been used responsibly,” Amit explained. “However, renters may be held liable if damage occurs due to preventable actions.”

Examples include leaving windows or doors open during heavy rain, or driving into flooded zones despite warnings. “Such damage is typically not covered and the cost must be borne by the renter,” he added.

Dominic, general manager at Dollar Car Rental Dubai and Oman, echoed this stance. “Our rental agreements don’t cover damages caused by heavy rains or flooding if the customer drives the vehicle intentionally in water-clogged areas,” he said.

Parking decisions under scrutiny

Even stationary vehicles are not automatically eligible for claims. Insurers increasingly examine where and how a car was parked.

“A claim may be rejected only if it is determined that the vehicle was exposed to risk due to negligence, for instance, being parked in an area known to be prone to flooding,” Amit noted.

However, simply parking outdoors does not constitute negligence. “Provided reasonable precautions were taken,” he said, claims may still be valid.

This nuance is particularly relevant in urban areas, where flash flooding can occur unpredictably. Insurers must determine whether the driver could reasonably have anticipated the risk.

Some of the most complex cases involve subtle or indirect water intrusion. Arackal points to unusual claims where damage occurs without visible flooding.

“Water can enter through drainage systems like a sunroof or door seals and cause internal damage,” she said. “These cases can be complex to identify how the water got in and whether the damage meets the conditions for a valid claim.”

Such cases often require detailed technical inspections, reinforcing the importance of expert assessment in claim decisions.

Premiums and post-storm recalibration

While flood-prone geography is not typically a direct pricing factor in the UAE, large-scale weather events can still influence insurance costs.

“Car insurance premiums are not usually based on specific flood-prone areas,” Arackal explained.

“However, after major rain events, insurers may adjust pricing across the market to reflect higher overall claims.”

Chauhan adds that risk assessment operates across two stages: underwriting and claims. At underwriting, policy structure determines baseline coverage. At the claims stage, insurers evaluate “coverage, cause of loss, severity of damage, and driver conduct.”

As climate volatility increases, the UAE’s motor insurance ecosystem is evolving into a system that balances protection with accountability. Comprehensive coverage may offer a safety net, but only when paired with responsible behavior.

The message from insurers is clear: documentation, caution, and adherence to advisories are as important as the policy itself. Or, as industry insiders put it, flood damage alone doesn’t determine your payout, your decisions do.

The UAE’s sovereign rating remains unchanged at Aa2 with a stable outlook following a periodic review by Moody’s Ratings, the Ministry of Finance said on Saturday.

Moody’s completed the review on March 30, reassessing the appropriateness of the current rating.

The agency said the exercise does not constitute a credit rating action but reflects an updated assessment of the UAE’s credit profile based on recent developments and its established methodologies.

The review highlighted the country’s high per capita income, robust institutional frameworks and effective policymaking that supports economic diversification and competitiveness.

Moody’s also highlighted the federal government’s very low debt burden and strong financial position, supported by substantial fiscal reserves built up through years of budget surpluses.

Despite ongoing regional geopolitical tensions, the unchanged rating and stable outlook signal continued international confidence in the UAE’s fiscal strength and the sustainability of its economic policies.

UAE’s strong institutional framework, effective governance are key factors

Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said the review outcome reflects the UAE’s strong institutional framework and track record of effective governance.

He said the country’s fiscal resilience is anchored in its low federal debt levels and balanced budgets, supported by prudent financial management and substantial fiscal buffers.

Al Hussaini said the rating demonstrates the effectiveness of economic policies based on diversification, fiscal discipline and sustainability, adding that maintaining strong investment-grade ratings reinforces the UAE’s position as a reliable global economic hub.

Al Hussaini noted that the Ministry of Finance continues to enhance public financial management, support productive sectors, and advance the development of the UAE dirham sovereign yield curve, contributing to greater transparency and strengthening the country’s appeal in global capital markets.

Moody’s said the UAE’s credit profile remains resilient despite regional developments, supported by strong institutional backing and significant fiscal reserves.

The review also reflects the country’s progress in expanding non-oil revenues and advancing its economic diversification strategy, supported by effective risk management and prudent financial policies.

Separately, S&P Global Ratings on March 6 affirmed the UAE’s AA/A-1+ sovereign rating for both local and foreign currency debt with a stable outlook, citing the strength of the government’s consolidated financial position and substantial fiscal and external reserves.

S&P said these buffers provide policy flexibility to navigate geopolitical and economic challenges while reinforcing investor confidence in the UAE’s stability and attractiveness as a destination for global capital.

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Dubai South has introduced a new support package for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within its Business Park, as part of broader efforts to strengthen business resilience across the emirate.

The initiative comes shortly after the Dubai government unveiled a Dhs1bn economic incentives package to support businesses and individuals, with measures taking effect from April 1 for a period of three to six months.

Dubai South’s package is designed to provide immediate financial relief while reinforcing long-term tenant relationships. Key measures include rent-free incentives tied to contract renewals, flexible payment deferral options, and the waiver of minor administrative penalties. Rental rates will also be maintained for eligible renewals during the support period.

The move underscores Dubai South’s focus on supporting SMEs, which are considered a key driver of economic growth and innovation in Dubai. The developer said the measures will be continuously reviewed and refined in line with market conditions.

Nabil Al Kindi, group CEO of Dubai South, said: “SMEs are at the heart of Dubai’s economic fabric, and supporting their continuity and growth remains a priority. This initiative reflects our commitment to enabling our business community by providing practical and timely support, while reinforcing a stable environment for long-term success. At Dubai South, we remain focused on delivering value-driven solutions that align with the vision of our wise leadership to sustain economic momentum and further strengthen Dubai’s competitive business landscape.”

Read: How business leaders are reacting to Dubai’s Dhs1bn stimulus plan

The Ministry of Electricity and Water and Renewable Energy Kuwait has announced a series of planned power outages as part of scheduled maintenance works across secondary substations, aimed at enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the national grid.

In a statement, the ministry said these routine upgrades may result in temporary electricity disruptions in affected areas. According to The Times Kuwait, Outage durations will vary depending on operational conditions, with authorities urging residents and businesses to cooperate and follow official updates. The public has also been advised to report any faults via the dedicated hotline (152).

The maintenance programme will be carried out in phases, with outages typically starting from 1:00am and lasting up to four hours.

On Sunday, April 5, outages will affect parts of Jaber Al-Ahmad (Block 7), Al-Oyoun (Block 1), Al-Wafra Residential (Block 6), Mubarak Al-Kabeer (Blocks 7 and 1), Salwa (Block 2), and Qortuba (Block 2).

On Monday, April 6, the schedule includes Qurtuba (Block 2), Salwa (Block 2), Al-Oyoun (Block 1), Jaber Al-Ahmad (Block 2), Al-Qusour (Block 1), Abu Ftaira Suburb (Block 1), Al-Wafra Residential (Block 6), and Al-Rai (Block 1).

On Tuesday, April 7, affected areas include Al-Rai (Block 1), Al-Qusour (Block 1), Abu Ftaira Suburb (Block 1), Al-Wafra Residential (Block 6), Al-Oyoun (Block 1), Jaber Al-Ahmad (Block 5), Salwa (Block 4), Shamiya (Block 8), and Qortuba (Block 3).

On Wednesday, April 8, outages are scheduled in Qurtuba (Block 3), Bneid Al-Qar (Block 2), Salwa (Block 5), Al-Oyoun (Block 4), Al-Wafra Residential (Block 6), Mubarak Al-Kabeer (Block 7), Abu Ftaira Suburb (Block 1), and Al-Rai (Block 1).

On Thursday, April 9, the affected areas include Al-Rai (Block 1), Al-Wafra Residential (Block 6), Mubarak Al-Kabeer (Block 7), Abu Ftaira Suburb (Block 1), Salwa (Block 12), Bneid Al-Qar (Block 2), and Qurtuba (Block 3).

On Friday, April 10, outages will impact Salwa (Block 5), Hawally (Block 9), Jaber Al-Ahmad (Block 5), Al-Rai (Block 1), and Sharq (Block 3).

On Saturday, April 11, scheduled outages will cover Sharq (Block 3), Al-Rai (Block 1), Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh (Blocks 3 and 4), Al-Wafra Residential (Block 6), Al-Naeem (Block 2), Salmiya (Block 4), and Hawally (Block 1).

Additional outages are planned later in the month, including Bneid Al-Qar (Block 1) on April 20 and 24; Keifan (Block 5) on April 21 and 23; Sharq (Block 1) on April 25; and Mirqab (Block 3) between April 28 and 30.

In early May, outages will extend to Qibla (Block 13) on May 1, Daiya (Block 5) on May 2, and Salmiya (Block 11), Bayan (Block 11), and Al-Rai (Block 1) on May 3, with continued maintenance works in Al-Rai through May 8.

The ministry said the phased schedule is part of proactive measures to strengthen grid resilience ahead of peak summer demand.

Late last month, the ministry had reported disruption to the power network after seven overhead lines were taken out of service due to damage caused by falling debris following air defence interceptions. The incident led to partial outages in several areas, with technical teams deployed to restore services as quickly as possible, according to a statement carried by Kuwait News Agency.

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