GCC secretary general Dr Nayef Al Hajraf during a news conference at the bloc's 41st Summit in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, in January. Reuters
GCC secretary general Dr Nayef Al Hajraf during a news conference at the bloc's 41st Summit in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, in January. Reuters
GCC secretary general Dr Nayef Al Hajraf during a news conference at the bloc's 41st Summit in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, in January. Reuters
GCC secretary general Dr Nayef Al Hajraf during a news conference at the bloc's 41st Summit in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, in January. Reuters

Gulf

GCC says talks on Iran's nuclear programme must include ballistic missiles

Gulf countries confirm support for governments in Middle East and North Africa in their efforts to combat terrorism

The National

March 17, 2021

  • English
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International talks with Iran over its nuclear programme should also cover other weapons, the Gulf Co-operation Council's secretary general said on Wednesday.

"Any future negotiations with Iran must include ballistic missiles and the nuclear file," said Dr Nayef Al Hajraf during a foreign ministers' summit in Riyadh.

The council condemned the use of civilians as shields by Iran-backed Houthi militias in the conflict in Yemen's Marib province.

It also criticised the Houthis over a fire that broke out at a migrant detention centre they control in Sanaa, leading to the deaths of dozens of people, most of them from Africa.

"Iran continues to support the Houthi militia and destabilise the region," Dr Al Hajraf said.

He said the GCC was committed to Saudi Arabia's stability and supported measures the kingdom was taking to preserve its security.

"The continued terrorist activities by Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia represent serious threats – both regionally and internationally," the GCC secretary general said, highlighting the threats posed to international shipping routes and regional maritime security.

On Iraq, the GCC commended Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi's efforts to bolster security, and his swift response to terrorist activities that threaten the country's stability as it heads for elections, Dr Al Hajraf said.

Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdul Latif Al Zayani also spoke about the Gulf countries’ support for Saudi Arabia.

"The GCC stands united with Saudi Arabia in the face of the ongoing threats it faces," he said.

The declaration signed by the Gulf countries in Al Ula in January highlighted the need to maintain a united front, to ensure regional security and provide the necessary support to Yemen, Mr Al Zayani said.

A Saudi journalist is pictured in front of the logo of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at the 41st summit in the city of al-Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia on January 5, 2021.AFP.
A Saudi journalist is pictured in front of the logo of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at the 41st summit in the city of al-Ula in northwestern Saudi Arabia on January 5, 2021.AFP.

The GCC also congratulated Libya on its new government of unity led by interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and interim President Mohamed Menfi.

Hopes were high that Libya would fulfil its plans to achieve long-term stability within its borders, officials said.

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Keep it fun and engaging

Stuart Ritchie, director of wealth advice at AES International, says children cannot learn something overnight, so it helps to have a fun routine that keeps them engaged and interested.

“I explain to my daughter that the money I draw from an ATM or the money on my bank card doesn’t just magically appear – it’s money I have earned from my job. I show her how this works by giving her little chores around the house so she can earn pocket money,” says Mr Ritchie.

His daughter is allowed to spend half of her pocket money, while the other half goes into a bank account. When this money hits a certain milestone, Mr Ritchie rewards his daughter with a small lump sum.

He also recommends books that teach the importance of money management for children, such as The Squirrel Manifesto by Ric Edelman and Jean Edelman.

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Produced by: Colour Yellow Productions and Eros Now
Director: Mudassar Aziz
Cast: Sonakshi Sinha, Jimmy Sheirgill, Jassi Gill, Piyush Mishra, Diana Penty, Aparshakti Khurrana
Star rating: 2.5/5

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Director: Ayan Mukerji

Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana

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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.

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Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

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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.

Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
MATCH INFO

UAE Division 1

Abu Dhabi Harlequins 12-24 Abu Dhabi Saracens

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Gran Gala del Calcio 2019 winners

Best Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
Best Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta)
Best Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Best Goal: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria vs Napoli)
Best Team: Atalanta​​​​​​​
Best XI: Samir Handanovic (Inter); Aleksandar Kolarov (Roma), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Joao Cancelo (Juventus*); Miralem Pjanic (Juventus), Josip Ilicic (Atalanta), Nicolo Barella (Cagliari*); Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Duvan Zapata (Atalanta)
Serie B Best Young Player: Sandro Tonali (Brescia)
Best Women’s Goal: Thaisa (Milan vs Juventus)
Best Women’s Player: Manuela Giugliano (Milan)
Best Women’s XI: Laura Giuliani (Milan); Alia Guagni (Fiorentina), Sara Gama (Juventus), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Elisa Bartoli (Roma); Aurora Galli (Juventus), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Valentina Cernoia (Juventus); Valentina Giacinti (Milan), Ilaria Mauro (Fiorentina), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus)

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Electric scooters: some rules to remember
  • Riders must be 14-years-old or over
  • Wear a protective helmet
  • Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
  • Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
  • Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
  • Do not drive outside designated lanes
SERIE A FIXTURES

Friday Sassuolo v Torino (Kick-off 10.45pm UAE)

Saturday Atalanta v Sampdoria (5pm),

Genoa v Inter Milan (8pm),

Lazio v Bologna (10.45pm)

Sunday Cagliari v Crotone (3.30pm) 

Benevento v Napoli (6pm) 

Parma v Spezia (6pm)

 Fiorentina v Udinese (9pm)

Juventus v Hellas Verona (11.45pm)

Monday AC Milan v AS Roma (11.45pm)

Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

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BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

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Price: From Dh650,000

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