President Sheikh Mohamed held a phone call with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs / Getty Images
President Sheikh Mohamed held a phone call with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs / Getty Images
President Sheikh Mohamed held a phone call with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs / Getty Images
President Sheikh Mohamed held a phone call with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs / Getty Images

President Sheikh Mohamed holds talks with President of Iraq


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President Sheikh Mohamed on Friday received a phone call from Abdul Latif Rashid, President of Iraq.

The two men discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and stressed the importance of enhancing dialogue to find diplomatic solutions to regional issues, state news agency Wam reported.

Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the importance of consolidating peace, maintaining security and stability, while Mr Rashid stressed the same.

They also discussed the possibility of developing joint action between the UAE and Iraq, before exchanging seasonal greetings for the Islamic New Year.

It comes as the Emirates joins the Muslim world in celebrating what is known as Hijri New Year, which heralds the beginning of Muharram, the first of 12 months on the Islamic calendar.

On Thursday, Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X: "Congratulations to the people of the UAE and Muslims everywhere on the occasion of Hijri New Year.

"I pray that the year ahead brings lasting peace and stability to the region and the world, and advances progress and prosperity for all."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also said he hoped the start of the new year would bring "peace, stability and prosperity" in a message on X.

THE SPECS

Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 3.9 seconds
Price: Dh230,000
On sale: now

The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe


Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km

BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES

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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.

Specs

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

Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

Cultural fiesta

What: The Al Burda Festival
When: November 14 (from 10am)
Where: Warehouse421,  Abu Dhabi
The Al Burda Festival is a celebration of Islamic art and culture, featuring talks, performances and exhibitions. Organised by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, this one-day event opens with a session on the future of Islamic art. With this in mind, it is followed by a number of workshops and “masterclass” sessions in everything from calligraphy and typography to geometry and the origins of Islamic design. There will also be discussions on subjects including ‘Who is the Audience for Islamic Art?’ and ‘New Markets for Islamic Design.’ A live performance from Kuwaiti guitarist Yousif Yaseen should be one of the highlights of the day. 

Updated: June 27, 2025, 1:00 PM`