When it comes to where UAE residents are looking to head when leaving home, it seems we can expect wallets to be getting a workout.
According to a new YouGov survey, while residents are less likely to visit leisure and entertainment venues compared to this time last year, when they do, it's the shopping malls the majority are bound for.
The study, which uses data from YouGov's daily brand tracker, BrandIndex, discovered that 64 per cent of survey respondents were very or somewhat likely to visit malls in the near future.
Fifty-six per cent of participants were likely to visit beaches, while 53 per cent were keen to visit parks and gardens.
More than half of respondents (52 per cent) were also very or somewhat likely to dine in a restaurant in the near future.
When it comes to the venues that UAE residents were least likely to visit in the current climate, however, enthusiasm was the lowest for concerts, shows or music events, with 56 per cent of those surveyed saying they were somewhat or not at all likely to attend.
Art galleries fared a little better, but 48 per cent of people surveyed said they were not planning to visit such venues in the near future.
YouGov collected data from 1,090 respondents in the UAE between June 29 and July 5 for the study, in a bid to ascertain residents' intent to visit attractions as restrictions around the country ease and businesses reopen.
Of those surveyed who said they were likely to visit shopping malls, 49 per cent have already done so in the past month, while an additional 25 per cent said they would during July. Thirty per cent of respondents had eaten out in restaurants in the past month, while 22 per cent had already visited a beach.
While interest may currently be lower for museums and exhibitions, the future looks bright, as 33 per cent of those surveyed said they would be more likely to visit come August or September.
Respondents were also asked about which safety measure gave them added confidence when visiting a leisure venue or attraction.
The mandatory wearing of face masks and gloves came out on top, with 57 per cent of people citing it as their top requirement, while 55 per cent of respondents said increased sanitisation of shared spaces and equipment.
Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.
Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.
The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Jawan
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
MATCH DETAILS
Barcelona 0
Slavia Prague 0
SCHEDULE
6.30pm Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
7.05pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 1,600m
7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 1,200m
8.50pm: Handicap Dh210,000 (D) 2,000m
9.25pm:Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,400m
Amith's predicted winners:
6.30pm: Down On Da Bayou
7.05pm: Etisalat
7.40pm: Mulfit
8.15pm: Pennsylvania Dutch
8.50pm: Mudallel
9.25pm: Midnight Sands
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