Saudi folklore artists perform Taashir, a traditional dance of the people of Taif, about 65 kilometres to the east of the holy city of Makkah. AFP
Saudi folklore artists perform Taashir, a traditional dance of the people of Taif, about 65 kilometres to the east of the holy city of Makkah. AFP
Taashir is a war dance performed by carrying a weapon stuffed with gunpowder, which turns into a flame under the dancers' feet. AFP
Taashir is a war dance performed by carrying a weapon stuffed with gunpowder, which turns into a flame under the dancers' feet. AFP
Barefoot and in their traditional thobe and ghutra headdress, Taashir performers dance to traditional music in Saudi Arabia's western city of Taif. AFP
Barefoot and in their traditional thobe and ghutra headdress, Taashir performers dance to traditional music in Saudi Arabia's western city of Taif. AFP
A Taashir dancer bounces up and down with his knees pressed close together, as he fires at the ground, resulting in a blast of sparks and smoke under his feet, in Saudi Arabia's western province of Taif. AFP
A Taashir dancer bounces up and down with his knees pressed close together, as he fires at the ground, resulting in a blast of sparks and smoke under his feet, in Saudi Arabia's western province of Taif. AFP
Taashir requires some degree of training as the dancer has to jump, aim and shoot while in mid air. AFP
Taashir requires some degree of training as the dancer has to jump, aim and shoot while in mid air. AFP
Young boys also take part in the Taashir dance, but train with an unloaded weapon until they are able to handle a gun. AFP
Young boys also take part in the Taashir dance, but train with an unloaded weapon until they are able to handle a gun. AFP
The Taashir dance, originally performed before battle to motivate fighters and intimidate opponents, has been passed down from generation to generation. AFP
The Taashir dance, originally performed before battle to motivate fighters and intimidate opponents, has been passed down from generation to generation. AFP
Tasshir is a popular legacy and many in Taif want their children to learn the dance to preserve their tradition. AFP
Tasshir is a popular legacy and many in Taif want their children to learn the dance to preserve their tradition. AFP
A tribal tradition believed to date back hundreds of years, Taashir is now performed at weddings, festivals and on other special occasions. AFP
A tribal tradition believed to date back hundreds of years, Taashir is now performed at weddings, festivals and on other special occasions. AFP

Gulf

Gun jumping in Saudi Arabia: dancers perform Taashir folklore dance in Taif - in pictures

The traditional war dance involves barefoot men in traditional thobes leaping and jumping over guns while firing them

The National

April 14, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

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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.

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

French business

France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Pandemic Parenting
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