Dear Ali: I'm a newcomer to the UAE, but from the photos and videos I've seen, I've never experienced such a huge celebration of a country's National Day as here. As a non-Emirati, where can I celebrate with you? MD, Dubai
Dear MD: You’re right, we’re getting ready to celebrate the 43rd National Day. Every year we feel is more special than the last, because we celebrate not only the country’s unity but also the successes and achievements of the past 12 months.
Fairly recently, our parents and grandparents moved from traditional houses to new buildings. The country became united by each emirate supporting each other, which in turn helped develop the country and its people, because of the vision of its founders. So National Day is strongly linked with gratitude and national identity – people salute and praise the country and its beloved rulers.
You don't have to be Emirati to celebrate: the UAE is home to nine million people representing 200 nationalities, so you're already part of our family, and you may enjoy any of the major events. Visit www.abudhabievents.ae for events in Abu Dhabi – I recommend the fireworks on the Corniche.
Dear Ali: I work for a new private social club in Dubai. We're preparing a big National Day event. However, more than 80 per cent of our members are from North America and Europe. Is it OK to celebrate National Day? And what would be the best way to do it? I'm thinking of taking them on a tour. Where would you recommend? KP, Dubai
Dear KP: Thank you for your question and your interest in National Day.
My advice is firstly not to worry too much, as National Day is really for us all – Emiratis, expats, visitors and everyone who loves the UAE. Whoever shows love and respect to our country and wants to celebrate National Day is free to do so.
There are some major Government-run celebrations and firework displays, but private companies, social clubs, shopping malls and so on celebrate National Day in their own ways.
For a social club, a good idea is to ask one of your members if they have Emirati friends or colleagues who could say a few words about National Day. And you could maybe provide some traditional activities for your members to experience, such as henna, a falconer or a traditional-dress corner where the members can try on Emirati outfits.
Decorate your club with Emirati flags and seal the deal with some delicious Emirati cuisine.
Another idea is to invite your members to watch an Emirati film or a documentary about the UAE.
Perhaps organise a trip to pass by the Union House in Dubai, followed by a quick stop at Al Fahidi historic district and a nice journey on an abra at Dubai Creek.
There are always events at Dubai Mall and in the surrounding area, where some of the National Day parade will take place.
And, as usual, the exciting National Day fireworks on The Palm and by the Burj Al Arab are worth witnessing.
Lastly, I’d recommend that you play the national anthem and have a translation of the lyrics printed, so that your members can read them and understand it. You can find the national anthem on my website.
Ali Al Saloom is a cultural adviser and public speaker from the UAE. Follow @AskAli on Twitter, and visit www.ask-ali.com to ask him a question.
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Always use only regulated platforms
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Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
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RESULT
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Uruguay: Suárez (10'), Cheryshev (23' og), Cavani (90')
Russia: Smolnikov (Red card: 36')
Man of the match: Diego Godin (Uruguay)
Company name: Farmin
Date started: March 2019
Founder: Dr Ali Al Hammadi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: AgriTech
Initial investment: None to date
Partners/Incubators: UAE Space Agency/Krypto Labs
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
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Company Profile
Company name: Fine Diner
Started: March, 2020
Co-founders: Sami Elayan, Saed Elayan and Zaid Azzouka
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and food delivery
Initial investment: Dh75,000
Investor: Dtec Startupbootcamp
Future plan: Looking to raise $400,000
Total sales: Over 1,000 deliveries in three months
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
