Ayman Alansary, a 47-year-old Egyptian living in Dubai, recently left a senior role as a chief supply chain officer and decided to micro-retire after working for 20 years. The reason: he wants to travel frequently and spend more time with his family.
Mr Alansary has taken a freelance licence and takes on consulting jobs. He works for two to three companies a few days a week now, but on his own terms.
Micro-retiring is a term used to describe the practice whereby employees take planned, extended breaks from their professional duties, often through sabbaticals or unpaid leave, typically ranging from several weeks to several months or resigning from employment with the intention of returning to the workforce later.
“It's a lot of pressure to be in such senior roles for a long time. I also want to spend more time with my wife and kids,” he says.
“But I am used to getting a consistent salary for many years, which gave me a sense of security. However, I'm not making much less than what I used to on a full-time job.”
Although the lack of a stable income stream worries Mr Alansary, the freedom of this lifestyle offsets it. He depends on his savings and investments to fund his expenses but wonders how long he can sustain this lifestyle.
Banks’ lack of approval
However, banks do not understand this trend, Mr Alansary complains. When seeking a loan or mortgage, lenders cite a far higher interest rate, even though he earns an income and has savings.
Mr Alansary says he is thinking of going back to work full time. But while this would make things easier in his dealings with banks, he admits that there's lots about his current arrangement he would miss.
“It’s no longer about the salary, but more about the flexibility and lack of office politics,” he says.
He isn’t alone. Rania Khuffash, a 29-year-old Briton, moved to Dubai from London this year after taking a nearly nine-month break from her advertising and marketing career because she was tired and had not taken a break since she was 21.
“My job was getting repetitive, and I needed a change. I was bored and needed a clear mind, so I took some time off to travel. I went to Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, and switched off. I also visited Jordan for some time to visit extended family. I had money saved up for all this,” she says.
After three months off, she studied skills such as video editing and graphic design. Ms Khuffash also volunteered for a local charity in Jordan – things she “couldn’t do while on a full-time job”.
Now, Ms Khuffash wants a full-time job but since she is new to the UAE, freelancing offers her flexibility. Meeting new people and getting out of her comfort zone and usual routine have helped offer more clarity, she says.
It’s easier to adapt to working after a sabbatical in a new country. But if you go back to the same job, it can be difficult to adjust to the same routine, Ms Khuffash says.
Reasons for micro-retirement
This year, 10 per cent of Americans are planning to take a micro-retirement, with many funding their break with the help of savings or side hustles to rest, travel or explore personal and career goals, according to a poll by SideHustles.com, a platform for side jobs and part-time gigs.
On average, Americans take four months off work for a micro-retirement and aim to save around $15,000 beforehand, according to a poll of 1,000 people in the US.
Their top reasons for taking a micro-retirement include mental health recovery, travel, life experiences and relief from work stress. Professionals working in areas such as technology, health care, retail, hospitality and finance plan to micro-retire in 2025, the survey found.
Tanaya S, a 27-year-old Indian living in Dubai, has been working since the age of 22 but wants to micro-retire as she feels burnt out and does not enjoy her current job in sustainability.
“I feel that life can't be spent working a 9 to 5. It makes me think about what I want to do with my life and my purpose,” she says.
“The job I'm currently in doesn't align with where I want to be. I want to focus on my mental and physical health during the break or even consider starting my own business.”
She has savings to cover her necessities, such as therapy, gym and going out with friends, for up to a year. Living with her father and brother helps her to not worry about paying for rent or food.
Focus on purpose and well-being
Micro-retiring is still in its early stages across the UAE, but the signs of change are unmistakable. There is growing interest, especially among younger professionals who are rethinking traditional career timelines and placing greater emphasis on balance, purpose and well-being, according to Pedro Lacerda, country head UAE at recruitment company TASC Group.
“The increasing availability of sabbatical leave across UAE organisations reflects a workforce that’s looking for structured ways to pause, recharge and realign, without stepping away from long-term career goals,” he says.
“Government initiatives are also reinforcing this shift. Emirati nationals in federal roles now have the option to take up to a year off at half pay to start a business.”
Nicki Wilson, owner and managing director of Genie Recruitment, a Dubai-based consultancy that specialises in hiring across the consumer industry, says there is a significant rise in Gen Z and younger millennials taking intentional breaks between jobs, freelancing or opting for a slower paced career path far earlier than previous generations.
It’s not unusual to see young professionals leaving the 9-5 to retrain as a Pilates instructor, a personal trainer, offer coaching or become content creators. A lot of people will utilise their expertise in consultancy or freelancing, too, she points out.
“We also see a number of very senior profiles who in previous generations may have worked continuously to retirement, adopting a softer approach and taking breaks at their peak to spend time on their own ventures, travel or spend time with family,” she says.
It’s not unusual now to see young professionals leaving the 9-5 to retrain as a Pilates instructor, a personal trainer, offer coaching or become content creators
Nicki Wilson,
owner and managing director, Genie Recruitment
Driving forces
The change is being driven by factors such as mental health prioritisation, an anti-hustle culture, access to online income through freelance work, a cultural shift towards minimalism, wellness and slow living, and no loyalty to outdated systems, according to Ms Wilson.
Some step away after just one to five years of work. Unlike older generations, Gen Z doesn’t feel they need to “earn” rest after decades. If they’re unhappy, they’re more likely to pause early, explore something new or prioritise their well-being. Whereas millennials and boomers may opt to do this later in life after 10 to 15+ years working, she explains.
Micro-retiring is gaining traction as part of a broader shift in how people think about work and life, Mr Lacerda says.
“Younger professionals have a clear expectation that work should adapt to life, not the other way around,” he says.
“There’s also growing recognition of the link between employee well-being and business performance. More organisations are looking at policies like sabbaticals and planned career breaks not as risks, but as ways to improve engagement, reduce burnout, and boost long-term productivity.”
Which sectors are seeing this trend?
Industries with high pressure and rapid pace are leading the way in micro-retirement, according to recruiters.
Mr Lacerda cites sectors such as technology, finance, and professional services across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
“For example, in the UAE’s tech sector, rapid growth combined with intense work demands has led to higher burnout risk. Similarly, the financial services industry − including banking and FinTech − faces strong retention challenges,” he says.
“In addition, sectors like health care and education, where the emotional and physical demands are high, are beginning to explore more structured sabbatical or phased-retirement options.”
Ms Wilson says micro-retiring is also visible in creative industries like marketing, public relations, design, fashion and content, as well as start-ups, events, hospitality and retail − where “long hours and high stress” are all contributory factors.
What do micro-retired people do?
People who choose to micro-retire often use this time to focus on what matters to them, whether that’s personal growth, family or recharging. Many take the opportunity to travel or pursue passions and hobbies they’ve set aside, according to Mr Lacerda.
“In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, we’ve seen a growing number of professionals using micro-retirement to start their own businesses or engage in freelance and consulting work. This allows them to maintain some income while enjoying greater flexibility,” he says.
“Others invest time in upskilling or further education, preparing themselves for the next phase of their career with new skills and fresh perspectives.”
Ms Wilson says those who micro-retire pursue solo travel or do something wellness-related, start a side hustle (fashion, food, digital products, coaching), study something new (tech bootcamps, design, online courses), freelance on the side or go inward: therapy, meditation or personal growth.
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.
Is it hard to rejoin the workforce?
Some progressive employers value life experience, clarity and self-driven motivation, while traditional corporates may misinterpret breaks as flakiness, Ms Wilson says.
Gen Zs with strong portfolios or freelance projects during breaks tend to bounce back easier, she says.
When it comes to millennials and boomers, it is often much harder to re-enter the workforce as often they do not keep up with the latest technology or upskill quick enough, she adds.
Meanwhile, Mr Lacerda says concerns about skill gaps or being “out of the loop” are common. But when micro-retiring is planned well, with clear intentions and ongoing development, many find the transition back smoother than expected.
“It often helps to stay connected through part-time projects, upskilling or networking during the break,” he suggests.
“Some sectors and companies remain more traditional and cautious. The key for employees is to communicate openly about their plans and for employers to offer structured return-to-work programmes that reduce friction.”
Disadvantages
Financial preparedness is often a key hurdle, Mr Lacerda warns. Many professionals feel they cannot afford extended breaks, especially in regions with high living costs. Organisations need to support this with tailored financial planning and flexible benefits, he suggests.
Ms Wilson adds that employers may view micro-retirement as a lack of commitment.
The%20specs
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Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fasset%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mohammad%20Raafi%20Hossain%2C%20Daniel%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%242.45%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2086%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-series%20B%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Investcorp%2C%20Liberty%20City%20Ventures%2C%20Fatima%20Gobi%20Ventures%2C%20Primal%20Capital%2C%20Wealthwell%20Ventures%2C%20FHS%20Capital%2C%20VN2%20Capital%2C%20local%20family%20offices%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now
Coffee: black death or elixir of life?
It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?
Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.
The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.
The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.
Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver.
The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.
But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.
Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.
It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.
So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.
Rory Reynolds
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh100,000 (estimate)
Engine 2.4L four-cylinder
Gearbox Nine-speed automatic
Power 184bhp at 6,400rpm
Torque 237Nm at 3,900rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.4L/100km
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
The Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
Where to buy
Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com
TRAINING FOR TOKYO
A typical week's training for Sebastian, who is competing at the ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon on March 8-9:
- Four swim sessions (14km)
- Three bike sessions (200km)
- Four run sessions (45km)
- Two strength and conditioning session (two hours)
- One session therapy session at DISC Dubai
- Two-three hours of stretching and self-maintenance of the body
ITU Abu Dhabi World Triathlon
For more information go to www.abudhabi.triathlon.org.
What is graphene?
Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.
It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.
It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.
It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.
Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.
The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
If you go...
Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
Flights from Dubai start at Dh4,000 return with Emirates, while Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi start at Dh2,000. Local buses can be booked in Chiang Mai from around Dh50
Fanney Khan
Producer: T-Series, Anil Kapoor Productions, ROMP, Prerna Arora
Director: Atul Manjrekar
Cast: Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai, Rajkummar Rao, Pihu Sand
Rating: 2/5
T20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
Results
UAE beat Nigeria by five wickets
Hong Kong beat Canada by 32 runs
Friday fixtures
10am, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – Ireland v Jersey
7.30pm, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – Canada v Oman
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
What is the FNC?
The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning.
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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.
