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Kids share love for UAE troops during Eid Al Adha

Dubai - The show is all about spreading positivity among the youth

"Thank you UAE soldiers for protecting us and our country." That was the message from four young children, speaking on behalf of thousands of youth across the country, as they recorded some 'letters of love to the UAE soldiers' in Yemen.
As part of the Pearl 102 FM 'Breakfast Club' show, which airs out from the Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children at 7am to 10am, Sunday to Thursday, Ghanim Matar (8), Salem Al Subaei (8), Maitha Almuhairi (9) and Mouza Nasr (8) joined the popular radio jockey (RJ), Saif Ali Abdullah in the studio to share their love for the UAE troops during Eid Al Adha.
The touching messages were shared as part of a wider initiative launched by the Ministry of Community Development.
"This is something we are recording for the soldiers for Eid. Children make up a huge part of our audience and they want to tell the UAE soldiers that they are thinking of them always," Abdullah told Khaleej Times, during a chat off air.
As the only dedicated radio station for children and parents in the UAE, the Breakfast Club is all about spreading positivity among the youth here.
"For me, what is so good about children is they are very good listeners. I start the show everyday with the link: 'Hey hey, it's a beautiful day', and that's my way of encouraging these children to appreciate the importance of being positive," Abdullah said.

This latest project, which hones in on the sacrifices that the UAE soldiers are making to keep the country and the region safe, is brand new to the show. It will be airing all throughout the Eid Al Adha break.
Donning the synonymous headphones of RJs, Khaleej Times sat in with Ghanim, Salem, Maitha, and Mouza last month as they began recording their messages of hope and inspiration for the soldiers.
For 8-year-old Salem, his message was short but sweet: "I want to thank the soldiers for protecting me and my country."
While 9-year-old Maitha said she wanted to thank them for "protecting" her.
"Not only is our radio show acting as an important bridge in educating our children, it is used as a way of encouraging them to appreciate not only what their parents do for them, but what their countrymen are doing for them. That's what the letters of love to the UAE soldiers is all about."
Gel with children
Presenting the show for about eight months now, Abdullah said what makes him "click" with his young audience is his love for children as well as his ability to do impressions of some of their favourite characters.
"I often impersonate the cookie monster and Batman, I want to keep on their wavelength. That's what makes us connect. I think children need attention because their creativity can do some much in driving this nation forward, so I want to be here to give them the advice they want or need."
And although the famous saying goes, 'never work with children or animals', Abdullah said he totally disagrees.
"What is great about my young audience is the fact that they just love to call in and say hi, for no reason at all. Children are so interactive so we need to engage with them at every corner. That's why I always have them as part of my daily show."

kelly@khaleejtimes.com