Earlier this week, some friends and I were in a philosophical discussion about how, when and why it might be justified to interfere in the private affairs of a family we didn’t know. If we knew that they were engaged in wrongdoing, should we tell the authorities? If a child or a pet was being mistreated, should we talk to the family, knowing that we might bluntly be told that it was none of our business?
The matter isn't one of a simple yes or no. Merely disapproving of someone’s behaviour is very different from knowing that they may be breaking the law. It depends on the issue, and other factors must also be considered.
At one time or another, all of us may have observed the law being broken and we may have done nothing about it. In which case, we could all be law-breakers to some extent, though our infractions may be restricted to minor matters like occasionally breaking the speed limit. We don’t expect to be pulled up over such matters, and nor would we draw the attention of the authorities to similar infractions by others. If we did so, we would probably be told not to waste their time, anyway, while the view that something we may observe is "none of our business" is a powerful argument for doing nothing.
There are, however, occasions when it is right to report misbehaviour, especially if it goes beyond a mere minor misdemeanour. Reporting a hit-and-run car accident, for example, is the logical thing to do. The same would apply if one noticed a burglary underway. That’s just a matter of common sense and common decency one should display, as a responsible member of any community.
The same surely applies when the protection of vulnerable people is at stake. It was an incident of that kind that prompted the philosophical discussion a few days ago.
A friend was explaining events that had recently taken place in the compound in which she and her family live. An estranged father had come to visit his young daughter to discover that her mother had been assaulting her. Enraged, the father called the police, who came promptly. The mother was taken away for questioning; the father left with his daughter, who now lives with him.
We have a responsibility... even in malls, one can sometimes see an adult mistreating a child
My friend told me that while she herself had no idea that the daughter was being abused, she had discovered that some other neighbours were aware of this, although not privy to all details. They had apparently decided not to take any action, not even talking to the mother, because of a reluctance to get involved in the affairs of another family. They felt it was a private matter. Regrettable, sad, but not their business.
My teenage daughter, on the other hand, who overheard the conversation, was apoplectic with rage at the mother, insisting that the protection of a child being abused was, most definitely, a justification for intervening. She would, she said, have confronted the mother immediately, and would have contacted the police. She was scathing in her criticism of those who knew, and did nothing. I am rather pleased with my daughter's approach.
In the UAE, we have clear legislation on child abuse, with bodies like the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Abu Dhabi’s Early Childhood Authority working to promote the protection of our children. There is always scope, though, for more awareness and for more implementation of the laws. Occasions like Emirati Children's Day this week, for example, give impetus to the need to protect children from online exploitation.
In this regard, I was delighted to see that an important step has just been taken in terms of enforcement, with the swearing in of 127 "child protection specialists" at the Judicial Department. They now have the authority of judicial officers, empowered to take action to deal with violations of the 2016 Child Protection Act.
The objective of the training programme, developed by the Early Childhood Authority and the Abu Dhabi Judicial Academy, is to equip people working in a variety of sectors, including health, education, security and social affairs, to recognise and take action on child abuse.
There are many ways in which incidents of abuse are discovered. A teacher may notice something – a child who is unnaturally quiet or who comes to school with visible bruises. In hospitals, children may be brought in for treatment for unexplained injuries. Even in malls, one can sometimes see an adult mistreating a child, whether verbally or physically, to an unusual extent. These are areas where some of these newly-qualified judicial officers may work, and where they can take action.
Let us hope that they will be successful in their work. But even such thorough engagement by professionally-trained people cannot identify every single case of a child at risk. Relatives, neighbours and passers-by do have a responsibility. If we are to build a truly caring society, we will at times need to set aside our natural disinclination to intervene in the private lives of others. I would have no qualms about doing so to try to protect a child against abuse.
The%20Letter%20Writer
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Changing visa rules
For decades the UAE has granted two and three year visas to foreign workers, tied to their current employer. Now that's changing.
Last year, the UAE cabinet also approved providing 10-year visas to foreigners with investments in the UAE of at least Dh10 million, if non-real estate assets account for at least 60 per cent of the total. Investors can bring their spouses and children into the country.
It also approved five-year residency to owners of UAE real estate worth at least 5 million dirhams.
The government also said that leading academics, medical doctors, scientists, engineers and star students would be eligible for similar long-term visas, without the need for financial investments in the country.
The first batch - 20 finalists for the Mohammed bin Rashid Medal for Scientific Distinction.- were awarded in January and more are expected to follow.
Results
Stage 7:
1. Caleb Ewan (AUS) Lotto Soudal - 3:18:29
2. Sam Bennett (IRL) Deceuninck-QuickStep - same time
3. Phil Bauhaus (GER) Bahrain Victorious
4. Michael Morkov (DEN) Deceuninck-QuickStep
5. Cees Bol (NED) Team DSM
General Classification:
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates - 24:00:28
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers - 0:00:35
3. Joao Almeida (POR) Deceuninck-QuickStep - 0:01:02
4. Chris Harper (AUS) Jumbo-Visma - 0:01:42
5. Neilson Powless (USA) EF Education-Nippo - 0:01:45
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Business Insights
- Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
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- US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
'Skin'
Dir: Guy Nattiv
Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
Bugatti Chiron Super Sport - the specs:
Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto
Power: 1,600hp
Torque: 1,600Nm
0-100kph in 2.4seconds
0-200kph in 5.8 seconds
0-300kph in 12.1 seconds
Top speed: 440kph
Price: Dh13,200,000
Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport - the specs:
Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto
Power: 1,500hp
Torque: 1,600Nm
0-100kph in 2.3 seconds
0-200kph in 5.5 seconds
0-300kph in 11.8 seconds
Top speed: 350kph
Price: Dh13,600,000
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Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Stan%20Lee
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Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Meydan race card
6pm Dubai Trophy – Conditions(TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
6.35Dubai Trophy – Conditions(TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
1,800m
7.10pm Jumeirah Derby Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (T)
1,800m ,400m
7.45pm Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
8.20pm Al Fahidi Fort – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,400m
8.55pm Dubawi Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m
9.30pm Aliyah – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 2,000m
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
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
Spec%20sheet
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