In countries around the world, strict rules put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus are gradually being eased, with varying degrees of incrementalism and haste. Yesterday, the world reached the tragic milestone of 7 million infections globally, with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia both hitting the 100,000 case mark. As coronavirus cases continue to soar around the world, a cautious and sensible approach is merited.
Saudi Arabia’s infection rates have been particularly high over the last few days, in large part due to the kingdom's rigorous testing regime and an approach to public policy driven by transparency and co-operation. The kingdom has collected data about infection rates since the early days of the pandemic, with numbers available city by city and governorate by governorate made entirely public.
Saudi Arabia was also among the first of the Gulf nations to impose restrictions in heavily-impacted areas. Authorities are doing their best to use data to inform their coronavirus response, utilising facts and numbers as an essential tool in the fight against the disease instead of treating open information as a liability.
Riyadh has also provided free testing and medical care for all those infected, and has taken care to communicate its national strategy widely among the general public. Other Gulf nations have implemented a similar approach, with the UAE leading the way when it comes to mass testing and supporting vulnerable communities with free medical assistance and screenings. The UAE has also ensured regular updates on cases, recoveries and testing, providing data essential for public awareness and planning.
Elsewhere in the world, withholding this crucial information has proven to be potentially catastrophic. Brazil is a case in point. Since Friday, Brasilia stopped releasing the overall number of cases and deaths in the country, in addition to erasing past data from the government’s official website. The move was reportedly ordered by President Jair Bolsonaro and has been met with widespread criticism. The most populous Latin American nation has become a global hotspot for the coronavirus, second only to the US in total number of cases with nearly 700,000 people infected.
No matter the strength of any government response to coronavirus, responsibility also lies with the public to curb the virus’s spread and to protect one another from the disease it causes. Individual actions, including wearing masks, are crucial to the next stage in battling the virus.
Saudi authorities are using data to inform their coronavirus response, instead of treating open information as a liability
In late April, Saudi Health Minister Tawfiq Al Rabiah warned that up to 200,000 people living in the kingdom could become infected with the coronavirus within weeks if citizens and residents do not respect new public health rules meant to protect them from disease.
“We are at a critical juncture that requires a rising to responsibility as a society” Mr Al Rabiah forewarned. While it may be difficult for some essential workers to practise physical distancing or to work from home, the rest of society bears a responsibility to abide by new public health rules in order to ensure that all of the efforts gone into fighting the pandemic are not wasted. A holistic approach to this global health crisis is crucial. This includes countries tailoring their strategies to targeted areas that require more attention, as well as strengthening global co-operation through data sharing and open communication. All countries have a responsibility to fight this pandemic.
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.
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Key findings of Jenkins report
Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
