The Kingfisher Issue 1

KING FISHER THE

Celebrate UAE culture by making your own Luqaimat!

Turn to Page 04 for our recipe.

Kings’ Magazine

The First Issue

05.02.2024

from the

editors

First, debuts and inaugural moments of any journey are particularly special. Undoubtedly, it is the same for us as we bring you the first issue of The Kingfisher!

This magazine was born out of a small groups of students’ love for journalism, art and photography but has now flourished into a school-wide movement with its only aim being expression of student talent. From thoughtprovoking essays to captivating artwork, this issue is a testament to our school’s collective spirit of innovation and excellence. I have thoroughly enjoyed working personally with students to develop their writing as well as collaborating with our amazing team of editors. We hope you enjoy the magazine!

Sara Ahmed

Editor in Chief

Editor in Chief

Sara Ahmed Deputy Chief Editor

Laila Elshahawy Graphic Designer

Natalie Machado News & Politics Editors

Salah Fahad Hussain Zarah Rhea Drego Lifestyle Editors

Saira Kalra Albina Ali Science Editor Michael Hardcastle Arts Managers

Emma O’Brien Kamila Najib Sports Editor

Monish Phoolwani Writers, Artists, Photographers Nancy McElroy

As we stride further into this academic year, it is with great pride to be a part of presenting the creativity and dedication of our talented team.

In the first issue, we aim to stimulate critical discussions and awareness, not stopping at our school community, but delving beyond that as well. Working alongside students that are writers, photographers, and designers has been a thrill, and as a team, we have been able to fulfill our mission: to amplify the voices of our community and spark conversations that really matter, whether that’s celebrating student achievement, tackling issues of local or global importance, or shedding a light on diverse stories that should be heard. Enjoy and happy reading!

Laila Elshahawy Deputy Chief Editor

Hadi Marji Mia Gibson Aamira Yousef Fatma Almulla Michael Hardcastle Ayanna Wawulagala Rakan El Sadek Olivia Abdallah Aanya Gupta Zarah Rhea Drego Moaza Al Habtoor Vikrant Shankar Muna Suhail Al Habtoor Jana Alsakkaf Laila Elshahawy Bissan Kadi Sara Ahmed Isabella Erin van Zynl Amna Al Fardan Denise Cosmai Zayed Mahoney

LIFESTYLE 04 | UAE’S NATIONAL DAY: LUQAIMAT RECIPE

10 |international corner: in search for my tongue

06 | national day

08 | FASHION TRENDS

tribute

THIS WINTER

12| MENTAL HEALTH & STUDY TIPS FOR EXAM STRESS

34 | PUZZLES & GAMES

16 | THE SUDAN WAR CRISIS EXPLAINED

14 | BOOK corner

NEWS 19 | A TALK WITH KINGS SPEECH

20 | the cost of convenience: fast fashion

SCIENCE 22| ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHT: THE COVID VACCINE

28 | WHat actually happened at cop28?

23 | UAE MARS HOPE PROBE: a milestone for the middle east

24 | PLASTIC BAGs BANNED IN THE UAE

30 | A GUIDE TO CARING FOR CORN SNAKES!

SPORTS & ARTS 32 | “HE WAS JUST A BOY” - BISSAN KADI

35 | DENISE COSMAI’S PHOTOGRAPHY

26 | NATURAL BEAUTY BY NANCY MCELROY

32 | GLENN MAXWELL & THE INTL CRICKET CUP

LUQAIMAT the emirati delicacy

by Hadi Marji Y8

E

veryone loves Luqaimat. Crunchy and sweet on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside and drenched in the honeylike date syrup. Not only is the dish itself amazing but also the history behind it.

Luqaimat, more commonly known as the ‘Emirati Donuts’, are originally from Saudi Arabia and Egypt but spread to the UAE later.

They date back to the medieval times and are also mentioned in the world-famous story of Alf Layla Wa Layla (One Thousand And One Nights). Luqaimat are best enjoyed on occasions such as Eid al Fitr, after Iftar or just on a nice weekend.

They are usually served with a sweet date syrup, a traditional condiment and my personal favourite but can also be drizzled with different syrups like cardamum, pistachio or even chocolate.

We are truly lucky to live in such a diverse and internationally welcoming country where we can celebrate and appreciate one another’s cultures.

However, it is also crucial that we celebrate the country we live in!

Here is the recipe.

Bring a taste of the UAE into your homes.

INGREDIENTS & EQUIPMENT 1 tablespoon yeast 1 and ½ tablespoons sugar (any will do) ¾ cup water 1 cup all-purpose flour Large bowl Whisk Zip lock bag

1 tsp powdered milk 1 tablespoon cornstarch 3 cups vegetable oil (1 tablespoon for batter) Date syrup Large pot Small bowl

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METHOD

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Mix the yeast, sugar and water in the large bowl with the whisk.

Add the flour, powdered milk, cornstarch and 1 tbs of the vegetable oil to the mixture. Make sure the batter is slightly thick.

Pour into the large zip-lock bag and remove all the air from inside.

Leave it in a warm place for at least 2 ½ hours or until it completely inflates like a balloon becoming completely full of air.

Open it and release all the air.

Heat up the rest of the oil in a large pot until it is sizzling. Also, fill up a small bowl with room temperature water.

Drop the batter by spoonful. Take a spoon of the batter and gently drop it into the oil slowly. Dipping the spoon in water in between prevents the batter from sticking to the spoon and makes it easier to drop.

Fry it until golden brown, regularly stirring and flipping them.

Once they are done, put them on a plate in between 2 paper towels so that the excess oil is absorbed.

Place on a clean plate, drizzle with date syrup, sprinkle some sesame seeds and enjoy!

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Created by ...

Created by Amna A-level Photography Al Fardan 12G

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Created by ...

Created by Amna A-level Photography Al Fardan 12G

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T

he colour pink dominated all clothing brands after the release of the Barbie movie, giving everyone a trendy new style to try during the summer. Get ready for the new colour of the year: red. And its staying for a while as it has appeared not only in the fall/winter collections 2023 but also on some of the spring/summer 2024 runways such as Gucci and Miu Miu. The fall/winter collection 2023 red was everywhere. Some fashion designers, such as Ferragamo, incorporated various forms of the colour red across their collections. In contrast, brands like Tibi opted for a more restrained approach, featuring it selectively through items like a vibrant cardigan or a pointed-toe ballet flat.

“I think red is trending as a fall-appropriate version of Barbiecore pink as people are looking to continue experiencing feelings of dominance, power, and enthusiasm in their wardrobe,” says Shakaila Forbes-Bell. Red is the new pink.

WINTER FASHION TRENDS

“Red takes no prisoners. It is emphasis itself, the double underline, the stop sign, the alert, the roadblock, the alarm, the danger, the oomph, the passion, the incitement, the excitement. It’s the colour of kings and queens, war and empire, theatre and power. Red is adrenaline, fireworks, the break with convention. It is shame and violence and blushing and rage.”

Charlotte Sinclair states in an essay on the hot hue.

RED IS MAKING A FIERY C O M E B A C K T H I S By Jana Al Sakkaf Y12 WINTER. 08

By Jana Al Sakkaf Y12

THE WORKING GIRL STYLE

T

he fashion of the '80s, particularly in suiting, has made a comeback and is here to stay. Large shoulder pads have been seen on the runways of Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and Stella McCartney . These boxy shoulders are a runway statement. The giant shoulders represent the way women literally had to shove their way into the boardroom by outmanning the men as these large shoulders definitely announces ones presence in a room and was a way to help establish women as a powerful force professionally. “I definitely wanted a bigger shoulder this season,” Stella McCartney said given that the shoulders of her coats and jackets grew from 16.5 inches to 22 inches as she wanted to draw attention towards the body. “I wanted to take ownership of it,” Ms. McCartney said, “and be powerful in my choices, to bring back ownership of our voice.” This fashion trend was invented by fashion designers Elsa Schiaparelli and Marcel Rochas as they included it in their designs in 1931.

Bows, bows, bows!

T

he women’s fashion trends of 2023 have largely revolved around embracing the nostalgia of girlhood. With the fast-paced world we live in, fashion can provide an escape, a retreat to the fuzzy, rose-tinted memories of youth. This can be primarily seen in the growth of fashion trends such as bows, which have been a staple of women’s fashion for millennia and have grown to become synonymous with girlhood. From Marie Antoinette to Aubrey Hepburn to myself in primary school, ribbons and bows have an iconic symbol for femininity, expressing a reunification with the innocence and nostalgia of childhood. This trend has exploded this year, pioneered by brands such as Sandy Liang and Simone Rocha whose runways and collections have featured bows as a primary accessory. The growth of this trend signifies a societal shift towards embracing hyperfemininity. As Christine Geiger, senior designer at the brand Cupshe suggests:

By Mia Gibson Y13

As always, the cycle of fashion trends often means that one extreme will be followed by its opposite.

Looking to the future, this hyper-feminine, nostalgic trend may be followed by an alternation in the opposite direction, inciting a rise in more mature, masculine imagery in fashion.

“Power and style can coexist in any form.”

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International Corner

In Search For My Tongue The Language Movement of Bangladesh which fought to keep Bangla as a state language.

By Aleya Akhtar (English Teacher)

S

ujata Bhatt, in her poem ‘Search for my Tongue’ takes the reader into a journey of her exploration of the link between language and identity.

Bhatt was born in Gujarat, India, but immigrated to the United States

with her family when she was 12. The poem combines English and Gujarati, Bhatt’s mother tongue, as it explores what it is like to be an immigrant in a new culture, the pressures of fitting in and whether language is linked to identity. Search for my Tongue was first published in 1988 as part of Bhatt’s first collection of poems, Brunizem.

Teaching this poem at Kings’, and perhaps being in such a diverse setting, made me reflect on my own mother tongue and the role it has played in my identity. Like Sujata Bhatt, I too am an immigrant. I was born in Bangladesh, a small country to the east of India - it was once a part of India when the British colonised it. I migrated to the UK when I was 5 years old. As an immigrant child, my native language of Bangla played a large part in my life; in my identity. My parents only spoke Bangla. My extended family only spoke Bangla. My siblings and I attended both Arabic and Bangla classes after school (it was very clear that maintaining our cultural identity was very important to my parents). So what happened in the decades since then?

Where I am now embarrassed to use my extremely weak level of Bangla when I am communicating within my community? How have I forgotten how to even write my name in Bangla? Like Sujata Bhatt, it was mostly to assimilate myself within British culture that I slowly started to let go of my mother tongue.

The colour of my skin immediately set me aside as someone different in the 90s and so I refused to let any language barriers support the racial profiling that was happening. My love of reading (7 books a week as that was the maximum the library would allow), my excellent primary school teachers and a few TV shows weaved the English language into me. I also, at a very young age, became the translator for my family. I made the phone calls, wrote the letters and took my family to their appointments. Bangla soon started to weaken. My Bengali culture remained a huge part of my identity but the language not so much.

So. after teaching the poem, I too decided to ‘search for my tongue’. I delved into the history of Bangladesh and its language, and what I found has made me feel extremely proud to be Bangladeshi.

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It began with The Language Movement of Bangladesh (1948- 1971) which encapsulated the conflict between East and West Pakistan. Pakistan and India had become independent from British rule in 1947 based on a two-nation theory with the Muslim majority areas falling under Pakistan and the Hindu majority areas under India. The Muslim majority region of Bengal, which following Partition was to form East Pakistan, showed overwhelming support to be with the new nation of Pakistan though the Bengalis were geographically, linguistically and culturally many miles apart from their West Pakistani compatriots. However, a lot of the ruling elite class lived in West Pakistan and declared Urdu as the official language while a lot of people who lived in East Pakistan were speaking Bangla. Tensions grew as Muhammed Ali Jinnah, the Governor General of Pakistan, refused to acknowledge Bangla as a state language as he believed that one language was key to a strong sense of nationalism and a strong state. He announced that people would either have to speak Urdu or English at assembly meetings. Tensions escalated as Bangla speaking people felt left out of politics and in Dhaka (the capital city of Bangladesh), language action committees formed to fight for representation of their language.

Muhammed Ali Jinnah, came to Dhaka and infamously said that “Urdu and Urdu alone will be the state language of Pakistan”, which made matters worse. In February of 1952 people from all across East Pakistan and Bangla speaking people protested and fought to keep their mother language and to hold on to their identity. The likes of poets, professors, educators and a lot of young people fought to have their mother tongue recognised. While attempting to arrest them, police shot and killed several students from the University of Dhaka which sparked widespread civil unrest. These people would later be known as the martyrs of the Language Movement. A monument in their honour called the Shaheed Minar which translates to Monument of the Martyrs was erected in Dhaka. The movement served as a catalyst for the development and protection of Bengali language and culture, which soon developed into a strong Bengali nationalist movement. The heroics, sacrifices, passion for the mother tongue, and patriotism to the motherland made the powerful rulers of the then Pakistan yield to public demand and accept Bangla as one of the official languages of the country.

After a lot of struggle and four years later in 1956 on the 16th of February, the National Assembly of Pakistan finally passed that both Urdu and Bangla were state languages. Bangladeshis observe the 21st of February as National Martyrs Day and UNESCO, in 1999, officially declared it as International Mother Language Day. Given the lengths my grandparents and even my parents went to to fight for and keep my mother tongue alive, it is not just out of respect but also a huge amount of pride that my generation and future ones continue to keep our mother tongue alive.

So, on that note: জয় বাংলা - Joy Bangla

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how to deal with exam stress mental health tips

written and illurstrated by

fatma almulla & aamira yousuf y12

Exam season is fast approaching! It’s time to brace yourself for the upcoming tests and work diligently to achieve those top scores. In order to secure highlevel grades, you must first learn how to manage your studies without sacrificing your mental health and well-being. Allowing yourself time for breaks and a full night of sleep is instrumental in performing well in exams. Also, maintaining a consistent self-care routine as well as remaining physically active is also crucial.

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here’s some tips...

Take frequent breaks and sleep.

We’re not saying you should sleep and take breaks all the time, but you should be mindful of how many hours you spend revising and practising, because you don’t want to burn yourself out. Not only will lack of sleep affect your mental health, but it will also affect your grades as well.

Choose specific time periods for resting so you don’t get completely demotivated.

Remain physically active.

Exercise is an efficient way of making you feel more energised and refreshed. Your body releases endorphins (happy hormones) after a workout leaving you more content. It also helps form a rational mindset when learning, helping you focus and get motivated to study.

Also, it also increases your concentration levels, bettering your mood and lengthening your attention span.

Self-care is a vital. If you are a student who is studying for hours on end, without any form of self-care you enjoy, then you’ll need to consider applying it to your daily routine. It can be anything from reading to meditating, because during this stressful time self-care is critical for stress relief and overall well-being.

Need a helping hand? Email Niyanta or Haya, the Wellbeing Committee Leaders.

Created By Isabella Erin van Zyl Y10

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by Olivia Abdallah Y8

book recs book recs book recs

10+ ADVENTURE

The Explorer by Katherine Rundell Fred is on a six-seater plane heading to England from Manaus when the pilot stops breathing. The airplane crashes into the canopy of the Amazon jungle, and Fred later wakes in the wreckage to discover that he and three other children are alive but lost. With no hope of being found or getting home, they go in search of food and shelter. Before long they discover something that suggests they’re not alone in the jungle.

10+ FANTASY

A Tale of Magic by Chris Colfer Fourteen-year-old Brystal Evergreen’s only escape are books, but since it's illegal for women to read in her country, she has to find creative ways of acquiring them.

Even though she knows Magic is outlawed throughout the world, Brystal’s curiosity gets the better of her when she finds a book that changes her life.

13+ DYSTOPIAN

The Maze Runner by James Dashner When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers, boys whose memories are also gone. Outside the towering stone walls that surround them, is a limitless and ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out and no one’s ever made it through alive. Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying: Remember. Survive. Run.

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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

14+ COMING-OF-AGE

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Identity, activism, and the importance of speaking out against injustice are explored themes.

14+ FANTASY

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black Jude was seven when her parents were murdered, and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, as Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life to save her sisters, and Faerie itself.

15+ HISTORICAL

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys In 1945, World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia. Four refugees with four stories. Each one born of a different homeland; each one hunted, and haunted, by tragedy, lies, war. As thousands desperately flock to the coast during a Soviet advance, four paths converge, vying for passage aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety and freedom.

15+ COMING-OF-AGE

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger The novel details two days in the life of 16-year-old Holden Caulfield after he has been expelled from prep school.

Confused and disillusioned, Holden searches for truth against the backdrop of New York City. Holden passes through it like a ghost, thinking always of his kid sister Phoebe, the only person who really understands him, and his determination to escape the phonies and find a life of true meaning.

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SUDAN’S CIVIL WAR

By Ayanna Wawulagala Y11

T

he civil war between the SAF and the RSF in Sudan has rapidly escalated in the last 7 months. Since April 5th, 2023, the Sudanese people have been trapped in a perilous and traumatic environment, leaving an estimated 9,000 dead and a further 12,000 injured, according to the UN. But how did a people’s rebellion transform into one of the most devastating humanitarian crises in modern history?

Sudan has an extensive past of unreliable and corrupt government systems. Although the leaders of both the RSF and SAF (military groups) overthrew their unstable government years ago, they became engaged in a power struggle to take over Sudan. Political and economic turmoil overtook the country, affecting millions of people as the military groups battled it out.

Sudan is currently facing one of the world’s most catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Since mid-April, an estimated 5.8 million people have been displaced, marking Sudan as the country with the largest amount of displaced people globally. 20% of these people are refugees, fleeing to neighbouring countries in a desperate attempt to find shelter.

Many have lost their family in the treacherous journey to escape, leaving them alone and scared.

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Conflict Troubles Within Sudan, over 7 million people have been grappling with hunger due to the widespread food insecurity and destruction of crops and livestock.

Furthermore, the dangers of the war left 19 million children without schooling, according to UNICEF, with at least 10,400 schools closed due to the war. Additionally, the limited access to medical supplies and aid has led to major disease outbreaks such as cholera and dengue, affecting over 700,000 people.

Essentially, a history of corruption and destabilising military rules has been further worsened by resource scarcity and natural disasters like droughts caused by rising climate change. On a global perspective, the Institute for Economics and Peace predicts that 1.2 billion people will be displaced by climate change as of 2050, illustrating how severe the repercussions for our unsustainable actions will be.

The people of Sudan are trapped. They are suffering and letting out a cry for help to escape from the horrifying conflict. The UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) are currently on ground supporting the Sudanese people and are accepting donations that go directly to the affected.

Additionally, donations towards organisations such as Save the Children will go towards the ‘children’s emergency fund’, which directly supports children in Sudan.

Both the World Food Programme and UNICEF have emergency appeals to help aid and support Sudan through this vital time.

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Created By Bissan Kadi Y7

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TALK WITH KINGS' our school‘s platform for student expression

Zayed Mahoney (Year 8): “I stand before you today not to talk about my story, or her story but our story that will make his story. See what I did there? History! Who cares? Do we really need to know what happened hundreds of years ago when we don't even know what is going on today?

Now, I get it – this might seem like a bunch of "Why do we need to know this?" But let me tell you why diving into the happenings of today is not only relevant but downright essential.

Firstly, lets address the elephant in the room. I know, history might seem like a bunch of old stories about people who wore funny clothes and fought in wars with even funnier names. But guess what? The decisions made back then shaped the world we live in today! And that's where current affairs come into play.

We're living in a fast-paced, ever-changing world where information is at our fingertips. Being aware of what's happening right now gives us the ability to understand how the decisions made today will become the history we study tomorrow. If we want to be active participants in shaping the future, we need to know what's going on around us.

We should be learning about the Palestine/Israel war because it is much more important for teenagers like me to learn about that because it is happening now and that is when it is most important. Lots of teenagers are familiar with this war and lots also have a strong opinion about this. However, lots of their opinions come from social media or the news which doesn’t let them actually have their own opinion as they don’t always know the full story. Or they are only shown one side of the story dependent on what their country thinks or what the influencers they follow, think. If students studied what is happening now, they would know the full story about this and could develop an opinion that they believe not just what the government believes.

Moreover, let's talk about the perks of being the "know-it-all" in the room. Imagine acing that debate or discussion, not because you memorised a bunch of dates and names from the past, but because you understand the issues that affect us right now. Being well-versed in current affairs gives you the power to have meaningful conversations, to be informed voters, and to make a real impact in your community.

You see, learning about the present is not about abandoning history; it's about building on it.

It's about understanding the threads that connect the past, present, and future. History provides us with a roadmap, but current affairs give us the GPS navigation for the twists and turns of the modern world.

Now, I know it's easy to get lost in the sea of information out there – fake news, social media drama, and all that jazz. But that's precisely why we need to be discerning learners. Learning about current affairs teaches us critical thinking, fact-checking, and the ability to form our own opinions. It empowers us to navigate through the noise and find the signal.

So, my fellow teenagers, let's not dismiss the importance of staying informed. The world is waiting for us to be the change-makers, the leaders, and the influencers. And to do that, we need to know what's happening in the world right now. Yesterday was history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift! That’s why it is called present.

So, let's put down the time-travel goggles for a moment, embrace the power of the present, and get ready to shape the future!”

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By Laila Elshahawy Y12

The Cost of Convenience: Fast Fashion and Its Impacts

T

he fashion industry has under gone dramatic transformations ever since the age of hyper-consumerism arose.

100 billion clothing items are produced annually, which is an extreme increase of 50% in the last 15 years. Hence, the driving force of fast fashion is this exponential surge in production.

What is Fast Fashion?

“Fast Fashion” is a term coined to describe the business model focused on the rapid and cheap production of clothes. Whilst it make the latest trends accessible to the regular person, it does not come without its pitfalls.

Sara Ahmed / Dubai Mall Crowds

fashion brands use. For instance, labour exploitation and the environmental harm caused by production are some of the significant drawbacks to fast fashion.

Sara Ahmed / Rush Outside Fast Fashion Brand American Eagle

The Rising Popularity of Fast Fashion: Brands like Zara, H&M, and Shein are the major giants within the industry, and they offer something that makes it ever so appealing to consumers: the latest trends made affordable. Due to the sheer speed at which clothes are produced, there are always new items to buy for cheap prices.

Not only does this lead consumers away from sustainable and high quality brands, but also expands the harmful practices that fast

Yet, instead, consumers lean into the instant gratification received from these inexpensive purchases and further the cycle of harm.

What are the environmental impacts?

The industry contributes to 20% of water waste worldwide, essentially 10,000 litres of water is required to produce 1 kilogram of cotton. Moreover, many garment productions require toxic chemicals to be used, eventually ending up in oceans and polluting them.

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Sara Ahmed / Mall of the Emirates Crowds Outside Fast FashionBrand American Eagle

Also, synthetic materials are often used to allow for low-cost production of clothes. However, within these materials are millions of microplastics, which emit high amounts of carbon dioxide into the environment, furthering climate change.

The excessive consumption of clothes, and hence, the constant discarding of them, is extremely hurtful to the environment, as the clothes end up in landfills. When incinerated, they release toxic gases.

Labour Exploitation.

Globally, around 75 million factory workers are employed in the industry.

Many of which, are children. Moreover, it is estimated that less than 2% of people employed earn an adequate salary. Also, the health of labourers is at risk due to poor working conditions, exposure to harmful chemicals, and long working hours without breaks. Labor exploitation should never be an acceptable price to pay for rapid consumerism.

The Brighter Side: Fortunately, many are beginning to advocate for a more sustainable future in the fashion industry. Technology in industries aids the manufacturing of products so that labourers don’t have to, and stricter investigations are being carried out into child labor. Although we have a long way to go, we are beginning to take a step in the right direction.

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Academic Spotlight

COVID-19 Vaccine Pioneers Win Nobel Prize

By Zarah Rhea Drego Y11

“A Nobel Breakthrough”

D

ecember 30th 2022. This day marked the beginning of a transformative chapter in battling the COVID-19 pandemic - which had already inflicted catastrophic damage. This moment was authored by the introduction of a pivotal tool; mRNA technology developed by the minds of Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman. Through their groundbreaking research on the intricacies of mRNA technology, their collaboration with pharmaceutical companies to develop COVID-19 vaccinations, and for laying the foundation for other mRNA vaccines, they received the Nobel Prize in Medicine. This thereby placed Kariko as the 5th woman to receive this award, propelling not only medicine forwards but also serving as an inspiration for women in STEM. Prior to this invention, vaccines relied on inactivated and weakened viruses which stimulate an immune system response. This is as when a pathogen, like the coronavirus 2, enters the bloodstream, B&T-lymphocytes and phagocytes multiply; to ‘fight off’ and ‘kill’ the pathogen through processes like phagocytosis and agglutination while simultaneously neutralising toxins produced. Memory lymphocytes are also formed which ‘remember’ the pathogen and cause a rapid response upon subsequent exposure to this same pathogen, reducing the severity of your symptoms.

However, thanks to the progress in the field of molecular biology, vaccines based on smaller individual viral components had been developed and the due to ability to transfer viral genetic code to harmless carrier viruses, known as vectors, a similar immune response is achieved.

However, despite these advancements, the production of vaccines remains a resource-intensive process, which struggles to meet the vast demand and budget required.

Within our cells, genetic material is encoded in DNA which is then transferred to mRNA- messenger RNA. This then moves

to the ribosome from the nucleus, where polypeptide chains are formed which then fold uniquely into proteins. This process is then employed to form a vaccine; attempted first during the 1980s. It is an efficient method which produces mRNA without cell culture (growth of cells externally in the lab) called in vitro. This not only allowed for the development of vaccines but also cancer immunotherapy, gene editing, therapeutic processes and other research tools. However, at this stage, it was too unstable and challenging to deliver and required further development of a lipid carrier system. Lipid carrier systems are essential to shield the mRNA ensuring that it stays stable, enters the cell efficiently and ensures that it is released at the correct time for protein production. Moreover, in vitro-produced mRNA gave rise to inflammatory reactions.

Despite these challenges, Karikó and Weissman persevered, they then recognized that dendritic cells identified in vitro transcribed mRNA as foreign, which led to the release of these inflammatory signaling molecules however mammalian cells did not exhibit such a reaction. This puzzled the duo until their realisation that RNA in mammalian cells frequently undergo chemical alterations whereas in vitro transcribed mRNA doesn't. To further ensure this was the cause of the inflammatory reactions, they began an investigation involving the production of different variants of mRNA and their results confirmed their theory. This allowed them to use in vitro mRNA to produce viral proteins, such as the spike protein of the virus responsible for COVID-19 within the human body, stimulating an immune response.

When the pandemic struck, the pair worked quickly to develop the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines using their mRNA technology. In the USA alone, these vaccines made up more than 655 million doses, saving 2.2 million lives (2022). It is therefore undeniable that both scientists deserved recognition for these brilliant advancements.

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O

n July 19, 2020, the United Arab Emirates successfully launched its latest space

mission, the Hope Probe from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. The unmanned spacecraft is currently orbiting Mars. The main objective of the mission is to study the Martian atmosphere using advanced scientific instruments. The Hope Probe is particularly noteworthy as it represents a collaborative effort between the UAE and international partners like University of California, Berkeley.

The discoveries made by the Hope Probe and other missions like NASA's probes have contributed significantly to our knowledge of Mars and the potential for future space exploration. The mission also demonstrated that space exploration is not limited to a select few countries but is a global endeavor that can bring countries together in pursuit of scientific knowledge and progress.

AI, machine learning, and robotics are critical for space exploration.

They played a vital role in the success of the Hope Probe mission by enabling the spacecraft to autonomously control its trajectory and adjust its position with precision. The probe's AIpowered sensors and machine learning algorithms were used to collect and analyse vast amounts of data about the Martian atmosphere. These technologies are essential for developing space shuttles that can support human

life for extended periods, necessary for future exploration.

The Hope Probe used gravitational slingshots, which is where the gravity of other planets is utilised to propel and ‘slingshot’ the probe forward, allowing faster speeds to be reached.

Analyzing the Martian atmosphere could provide valuable information about the mechanisms behind climate change on Earth.

Hecne, by studying the similarities and differences between the two planets, researchers may be able to identify patterns and gain insights that could aid the climate crisis.

The Hope Probe mission is a crucial milestone for the UAE, as it has highlighted its prowess in science and technology. Moreover, it has also stimulated economic growth and promoted innovation across various sectors.

With its groundbreaking insights and contributions to our understanding of the universe's mysteries, this mission promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.

By Aanya Gupta Y8

UAE HOPE PROBE A Milestone For The Middle East 23

UAE PLASTIC BAG BAN

In the United Arab Emirates, 11 billion plastic bags are used annually, the equivalent of 1,182 plastic bags per person per year. This is an alarming amount of plastic being used in a single country. The aim of this new measure is to reduce the amount of plastic pollution and plastic waste.

By Moaza Al Habtoor Y9

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s of January 1, 2024, no single-use plastic bags are allowed in UAE. Authorities have announced that they will prohibit the usage of plastic bags as a prelude to a new law coming in 2026 which will ban all usage of single use plastic and foam products. This will include items such as cups, plates, cutlery, containers and boxes.

These include spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, straws and stirrers.

Let us consider the benefits of reducing single use plastics.

According to Jane Marsh from environmentalist.com, by reducing plastic waste and plastic use, companies that manufacture those products will have less demand so less plastic will be put on the market. Therefore, there would be a reduction in harmful carbon dioxide emissions that are warming the planet. If plastics affect animal health, they most definitely affect human health as well. As previously stated, the food you eat most likely contains some amount of plastic. People consume, whether

through eating or inhalation, micro plastics each year.

Ingesting micro-plastics increases the risks of chemical exposure and severe health problems. By reducing plastic usage, we are also reducing our exposure to harmful chemicals in plastic. According to the ICUN, 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, and plastic makes up 80% of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments. If we can reduce this amount, we will be able to prevent Marine species ingesting or getting entangled by plastic debris, which causes severe injuries and death as well as preventing threats to food safety/quality, human health and climate change.

So as UAE citizens, we have a responsibility to make sure the country’s initiatives are followed. Therefore, avoid using single use plastic, and help the world to convert to a more sustainable, and green way of living.

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By Nancy McElroy Y11

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Look at the beauty of our environment. How can one deem this not worth protecting? On that note, lets look at what actually happened at COP28...

By Nancy McElroy Y11

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What Actually Happened At COP28?

By Michael Hardcastle Y12

Every year, the United Nations (UN) host a global climate conference to discuss and implement international environmental laws. In 2023, this was hosted by the UAE. Here’s a look at how it worked and what exactly was established by the conference this year.

The Blue Zone This zone was specifically for the attendees interested in the politics of the conference. It is the hosting site of the main meetings, consisting of country pavilions, and other discussion areas.

The Green Zone The zone was focused on the public and making sure everyone in the country is aware of how important the climate crisis is to solve. The schedule for themed days was as follows: 3 - Health / Relief, Recovery and Peace 4 - Finance / Trade / Gender Equality / Accountability 5 - Energy and Industry / Just Transition / Indigenous Peoples 6 - Multilevel Action, Urbanisation & Built Environment / Transport 7 - Day of Rest 8 - Youth, Children, Education and Skills 9 - Nature, Land Use, and Oceans 10 - Food, Agriculture, and Water

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OP28 resulted in many important environmental findings, as well as ways

THE ACHIEVEMENTS & CHALLENGES AT COP28

ways to resolve these issues.

Firstly, a loss and damage fund was established, to provide financial support for countries affected by climate change, natural disasters, rising sea levels, and the loss of biodiversity. This fund was discussed and agreed upon on the first day of the conference, coming up to 700 million US Dollars by wealthier nations.

Whilst this will massively ease the effects on the countries most hit by climate change, it is only the beginning, and much more is needed to solve this issue.

The conference also stressed the importance of the private sector, and how their industrial processes massively contribute to the carbon emissions causing global warming. Hence, a 30billion-dollar investment into low/neutral carbon projects for the private sector was agreed upon.

Countries also committed to phasing out fossil fuel consumption. However, simply banning fossil fuels is not realistic, therefore the idea of gradually replacing them with renewable energy sources was appealing. Net-zero emissions should be reached by 2050.

However, the summit did come with some challenges, most notably some countries with the highest carbon emission levels such as China, Russia, and India did not seem as onboard with the plan to phase out fossil fuels.

COP28 was also criticised by many civil society and youth groups, claiming hypocrisy on the basis of the president of COP28, who is also the CEO of the oil company Adnoc. However, it needs to be understood that Sultan Al Jaber is showing the world that change must come from within and does not happen overnight.

Michael Hardcastle and Mia Gibson were interviewed by the Sky News Reporter Tom Heap about the school’s Environment Committee and how we are sustainable in Kings’. Our use of solar panels and energy were displayed as a role model for other schools in Dubai.

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By Muna Suhail Al Habtoor Y11

Who Knew Snakes Were so Loveable!

A Guide to Caring for Corn Snakes

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s a child, my aunt owned many unusual pets, including a chameleon, a ferret and (Heaven help us) a tarantula. I preferred a cuddly critter like a hamster, cat or pug... once or twice I even considered a moon jellyfish. Now, my sister owns an adorable Chocolate Scottish Fold Shorthair, who looks like a teddy bear (those folded ears convinced me!). However, I can't take care of our cat due to allergies, so I’m thinking of adifferent pet: a quiet one that never sheds sneezeinducing dander but still makes a good companion. A pet who may snuggle up to you and guarantee no stray hairs on your favourite t-shirt; one that isn’t furry, but strangely majestic.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: Pantherophis guttatus – the corn snake! (Sorry, ophidiophobes.) If you want to look after one, I’m giving you a 101!

Feeding Remember that Biology lesson? Carnivores and herbivores and all those other ‘vores?

Recap: A carnivore is a meat-eating animal, while herbivores eat plants like algae and grass. Naturally, snakes are carnivores, so expect to feed your snake livestock – mice, usually. Now, I know what the compassionate kids are thinking: I can’t imagine feeding live mice to a snake! That's just cruel!

Well, you can’t argue with that...

There are articles on introducing your snake to frozen, pre-killed prey – much more humane, if you ask me... but I’ll tell you right off the bat to spare the Googling:

Snake won’t eat? Maybe it doesn’t want you watching. Give your pet a special, private place for feeding time and make sure it’s quiet.

This is a rule: Don’t feed the snake when it’s about to shed! You'll know when its eyes look filmy with dull scales on its body, which happens once a month. When the snake’s shedding, it won’t have much of an appetite.

Before serving, warm your prey to room temperature. Snakes use heat vision to spot their prey, which is tricky when their food’s temperature is below 0 degrees!

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Keep your snake warm – it’s a coldblooded reptile, so staying warm means they’ll have a fast metabolism, which gives them a good appetite!

Still don’t like feeding a snake small prey? No need to worry: according to Allan’s Pet Centre, they’re very fond of small eggs, so do yourself a favour and buy some quail eggs! They'll make a good treat every few weeks to diversify your snake’s diet, and you can watch your snake eat its food without feeling sick. One more thing: always keep clean water with the snake!

Conditions Natural lighting’s ideal for your snake, but don’t place it in direct sunlight that's grounds for overheating! To regulate the temperature of its terrarium, I’d recommend an undertank heat pad or a heat lamp to provide a constant source of warmth at around 30°C. Obviously, if you’re okay with handling it, you could be its source of warmth... just kidding!

Snakes also need to stay cool, but never make the tank too humid! Some people mistakenly mist the terrarium before putting their snake inside, promotes the growth of fungus.

Not the best way to keep your snake healthy!

Handling!

Wash your hands before and after: It removes germs or parasites on you, plus any scent that might be mistaken for food.

Let your snake notice you. If it’s new, you may need to train it to do that. Try placing your hand in the terrarium for a few minutes, twice daily, so that the snake recognises your scent and stops viewing you as a threat.

Move slowly so your snake isn’t startled. Approach from the side of the terrarium, not from above.

Handle when it’s relaxed, but alert.

Hissing means it’s stressed, so leave it be.

Never handle a snake before or after it’s eaten or after its shed.

Wear protective gloves and boots while handling.

Conclusion Overall, snakes make the ideal friend for anyone who’s allergic to pets with dander. If you care for it properly, that corn snake can live for a good 20 years.

If you really want a snake, try convincing your parents first – show them this article and let them know that corn snakes are very friendly, nonvenomous, and easy to care for. I’m rooting for you!

Good luck, Mona

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Glenn Maxwell & The 2023 Cricket World Cup The batsman who showed immense resilience in a cutthroat competition.

By Vikrant Shankar Y8

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he International Cricket Council (ICC) headquartered in Dubai conducts a tournament in the ODI format once in 4 years. The 2023 World Cup was held in India across various cities and international teams like England, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Australia amongst others played against each other in a series of heated games.

At a crucial point in the competition, a game between Afghanistan and Australia would determine who would qualify for the semi-finals. In this match, Afghanistan batted first and scored 291 runs and to win this game, Australia needed to score 292 runs by the end of the match.

Initially, Australia played disastrously, barely scoring 91 runs with 7 out of 11 of their batsmen already out. The only recognised batsman left on the Australian team was Glenn Maxwell. By this point, the win probability was strongly in favour of Afghanistan and the entire cricketing community believed that Australia’s defeat was written on the wall. But miracles do happen in the cricketing world just like in any other field.

When he entered the field, Glenn Maxwell hit boundary after boundary allowing Australia to gain runs at a rapid speed. For Australia to win, the team had to score 201 runs, seemingly impossible

at that stage, but when Maxwell walked onto that pitch, everything changed. Despite his injuries, and inability to run, Maxwell stood firm at one end, playing one of the greatest innings of world cricket. He showed resilience, battling his cramps whilst also carrying Australia on his back and at the end of the game, he finished with a staggering 201 runs not out from 128 balls.

Maxwell scored the only doublecentury (200 runs) in the 2023 World Cup and due to this masterclass, Australia was able to move on to the semi-finals.

The top 4 teams to qualify for the World Cup Semi-finals were India, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia and after two nailbiting semi-finals, the final players were set: India and Australia. After a long and exciting game, Australia took home the cup, defeating India, the host of the tournament.

Some would argue that Australia won in part due to Maxwell's key performance in the league phase and some would argue not. What do you think?

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As international day fast approaches, it’s important we are open and knowledgable about all the different nationalities of the world.

Here are some games to expand your knowledge!

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“Non avere peli sulla lingua” translates to “Not to have hair on your tongue” but essentially what it means is to speak your mind and not beat around the bush.

The Italian phrase was chosen by Denise as it connected with her Italian heritage and perfectly described her philosophy for life - express yourself!

By Denise Cosmai Y12

As a last note from the magazine, we encourage all of you to speak your minds! Let this be a sign for you to reach for those opportunities, attain those top grades or try that new sport. You have our support!

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The Kingfisher Team

How did you like our magazine? Let us know your thoughts at ka1884@kingsalbarsha.com If you would like to see your artwork, writing, stories, poetry etc. featured in the magazine, then join the team or email us your work!

Kings’ Magazine

The First Issue

05.05.2024 36