The AlUla Wellness Festival in the historical Saudi city is set to return this year, taking place from October 19 to November 4.
Organised by AlUla Moments, the two-week festival features an array of workshops and activities aimed at promoting wellness, inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the ancient city.
This year's festival, which is its third, will include the Five Senses Sanctuary, a retreat curated to “engage and stimulate all five senses, immersing attendees in a holistic journey of self-discovery and personal transformation”, the organisers said.
Corporate groups, friends and families are all welcome to attend the retreat.
AlUla, located in the Hejaz region in western Saudi Arabia, is known for its picturesque landscapes, prominently showcasing Islamic structures as well as pre-Islamic Semitic civilisations. Its focus on nature makes it an apt location for a wellness festival.
Aside from the signature retreat, other activities include detox packages, with a combination of spa, exercise and eating plans for three or five days, as well as a four-night retreat for couples.
A dose of culture is also on the cards. At the AlJadidah Arts District, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama will showcase an art installation called Brilliance of the Souls. Guests can also partake in a heritage restoration experience, where they will learn about mud brick dwellings and the people who once called them homes.
Then there are workshops on gardening and other environment-related activities. The last part of the festival is a 4km silent hike traversing the breathtaking stretch of the AlUla desert.
A full calendar of events and details of the international wellness coaches who will be leading the various workshops is yet to be revealed.
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“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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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
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