SIGN OF THE TIMES- We’ve collectively become so attached to our electronic devices that there’s a name for the anxiety of being without your mobile phone: “Nomophobia” — short for “no mobile phone phobia” — is a term coined to describe the anxiety people experience when they are separated from their devices, according to research published in BMC psychiatry. Individuals suffering from anxiety, poor self-esteem, and low emotional intelligence are the hardest hit by this phobia. It manifests as a range of symptoms including sweating, restlessness, anxiety, disorganization, quicker breathing and Tachycardia (accelerated heartbeat). Any age group can experience this, but younger ones are hit the most.

THE HOMETOWN ANGLE- Across the Arab world, Egyptian college students have the highest levels of mobile dependence, while those in Lebanon showed the lowest levels of dependence. Female university students are the largest group with the possibility of suffering from nomophobia.

Go old school: It may seem counterintuitive today, but going back to the age-old written planner and old-fashioned analog watch is the first step to regain control over the relationship with a phone, CNBC writes, citing psychologists. Going phoneless while trying to relax and seeking non-phone activities will also help overcome this new phobia, while incorporating more mindfulness and breathing exercises to control anxiety are also options. If an individual struggles with this matter they should seek professional help as nomophobia can significantly compromise the ability to concentrate, be a cause of distraction, and eliminate work efficiency levels — a detrimental loss for both the individual and the employer, the psychologists say.

The UAE could be the first Gulf state to legalize casinos after setting up a commercial gaming authority,according to a statement. While officials did not confirm the issuance of gambling permits, people with knowledge of the situation reported preliminary negotiations as the move is being taken into consideration, Bloomberg wrote. The construction of a USD 3.9 bn casino by Wynn Resorts Ltd is one factor pointing in the direction of prospective permits. The new General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) will be chaired by former MGM Resorts International CEO, Jim Murren.

Competition is fierce: In order to maintain its position in the region, Dubai has implemented reforms in response to growing competition from neighbors like Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the tourism and trade industries. If gambling is legalized, the UAE could pocket up to USD 6.6 bn yearly and significantly boost its tourist influx, according to Bloomberg.

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