Screengrab: Alia bint Sultan video

Alia bint Sultan, an Emirati photographer, has initiated a campaign to encourage cafés in the UAE to include Arabic menus, timed to coincide with the International Day for Older Persons. This effort stems from concerns voiced by elderly citizens who find it challenging to navigate menus predominantly written in English. Many seniors rely on their children for translations, which curtails their independence when ordering.

Recognizing the significance of this issue, Alia bint Sultan stepped forward to urge cafés to better cater to this important segment of the community. “I wanted to challenge cafés to prepare Arabic menus, enabling seniors to enjoy their visits without obstacles,” Alia told Khaleej Times. “This initiative is about making our elders feel included and appreciated.”

On her Instagram account, Alia showcased a video where a character named Maitha expressed her discontent: “When you go to the coffee shop, the menu is all in English, and we don’t know how to order. At the very least, they should include Arabic; there’s no objection to any other language, but Arabic is crucial.” She added, “Our sheikh addresses us in Arabic.” Maitha also noted that the only item they can order is cappuccino because “it's the only thing we understand from the English menu.”

Alia emphasized the seniors' desire to enjoy more than just cappuccinos, stating, “Let’s make them happy by adding Arabic to the menu. As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, ‘I don't wait for anyone... I initiate. And others will follow me.’”

Positive Response

The campaign has garnered a positive response. Since its launch, approximately 16 cafés have willingly added Arabic options to their menus. Alia noted that businesses from across the Gulf and other Arab nations have shown interest in joining the movement, with some even offering to translate menus into Arabic for free.

“Let’s be part of ‘Together We Make Change,’” Alia urged. “The Arabic language should serve as a tool to embrace and include our elders who play a vital role in our society.” Among the supporters of this initiative is the owner of Bonsai Café in Kalba, who expressed enthusiasm about incorporating Arabic into their menu. “We are excited to take this step. It reflects our commitment to our culture and identity,” they said. “Bonsai was designed to be a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy the pleasure of coffee and fresh blooms.”

Alia’s campaign not only highlights the social issues affecting seniors but also fosters community spirit and promotes inclusivity, demonstrating that small changes can yield substantial impacts.

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