In keeping with social distancing measures, and aiding our government in combating the Covid-19 crisis, many of us are celebrating Eid at home without family or friends for the first time in our lives.
The UAE government took significant measures to ensure the safety of everyone in the country but like other countries around the world, we still have some way to go before resuming a pre-pandemic “normal” routine.
Over the past few months, the pandemic disrupted economies and businesses, constrained social interaction and as a result also led to increased concerns about the mental well-being of people as a result of what the International Monetary Fund calls the Great Lockdown.
Yet amid all the doom and gloom there are some celebrations for small businesses. Celebrating small wins, whether on a professional or a personal level, is important now more than ever. It can help us become less anxious and maintain our mental well-being.
Research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows people who incorporate a daily habit of practicing gratitude and some form of celebration, are less anxious and have overall better physical health.
When I looked back on the past three months, I noticed that in the middle of missing those dear to me and amid the uncertainty about the future, I achieved a number of goals that I didn’t stop to acknowledge or celebrate.
Prior to the pandemic, I broke down my ultimate goals into smaller mini-milestones and I always made time to celebrate achieving them. That helped me stay motivated, focused, and reminded me of the importance of my ultimate goals.
This Eid, with many of us stuck at home without family or friends, I urge you to take the time to reflect on your career or life and reviewing your achievements prior to the pandemic that you didn’t get a chance to celebrate, and do so now.
The moment for pause to celebrate can start with making it a habit to recognise small wins. Jotting down things, I am grateful about in my journal helped me personally. In some cultures, eating desserts are a popular way to mark celebrations. One can engage in everything from retail therapy to baking to mark a milestone - the idea is to do something that can help you mentally recognise this as a celebration.
Celebrating with others is also not something to overlook. We are fortunate to be living in an era where though our physical movements are restricted, we can connect virtually.
Schedule a video-call with your colleagues or friends. Reflect on the past, the challenges, on opportunities and the lessons learnt while also supporting one another by recognising each other’s accomplishments and the value of relationships.
Last but not least, try to maintain a positive outlook. Even though it’s hard and a human instinct to focus on the negative aspects during a crisis, dedicate this Eid to focus on the good things that happened to you lately and being grateful.
Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati journalist and entrepreneur, who manages her marketing and communications company in Abu Dhabi.
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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.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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Six large-scale objects on show
- Concrete wall and windows from the now demolished Robin Hood Gardens housing estate in Poplar
- The 17th Century Agra Colonnade, from the bathhouse of the fort of Agra in India
- A stagecloth for The Ballet Russes that is 10m high – the largest Picasso in the world
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Kaufmann Office
- A full-scale Frankfurt Kitchen designed by Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky, which transformed kitchen design in the 20th century
- Torrijos Palace dome
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More on animal trafficking
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results
International 4, United States 1
Justin Thomas and Tiger Woods (US) beat Marc Leishman and Joaquin Niemann (International) 4 and 3.
Adam Hadwin and Sungjae Im (International) beat Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay (US) 2 up.
Adam Scott and Byeong Hun An (International) beat Bryson DeChambeau and Tony Finau (US) 2 and 1.
Hideki Matsuyama and C.T. Pan (International) beat Webb Simpson and Patrick Reed (US) 1 up.
Abraham Ancer and Louis Oosthuizen (International) beat Dustin Johnson and Gary Woodland (US) 4 and 3.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
