As tensions continue to rise between the US and Iran, the UAE is working with allies to defuse and de-escalate. This approach is designed to foster stability and protect energy supplies, whose safe passage through the region is integral to the global economy. Oil prices have risen following recent attacks on tankers off the coast of Fujairah and in the Gulf of Oman, which the US has blamed on Iran. Nearly a third of the world's seaborne oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz – equivalent to 18.5 million barrels per day – and yet Tehran has repeatedly threatened to block it, particularly given US President Donald Trump's plan to reduce Tehran's oil exports to zero by cancelling waivers to eight of its top importers.
Throughout, the UAE has been taken a mature and measured stance. Speaking in London, Adnoc chief executive Dr Sultan Al Jaber said: "Now is the time for wisdom, diplomacy and the concerted efforts of the international community." The UAE is well aware that war will serve no one's interests. That is why the nation is urging de-escalation, while simultaneously reminding Iran that those who seek to destabilise regional politics and the global economy will be held to account.
Last week, the White House was poised to launch a military offensive against Iranian targets, following the downing of a US drone. Ultimately, Mr Trump called it off, fearing at least 150 civilian casualties. However, in recent days, the hostile rhetoric of both Mr Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has escalated. That is why diplomats and security experts urged the US to formulate a holistic plan to "constrain, contain and deter" Iran at a forum held by The National in London. With fresh US sanctions imposed this week, including measures specifically aimed at Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran has insisted that all diplomatic channels are now closed.
The UAE understands the need to keep them open – because war in the Middle East can only be averted with dialogue. Given their proximity, Gulf states are aware of the threat Iran poses, particularly with its proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and Iraq. But the UAE has repeatedly expressed its willingness to avert an all-out war.
In an encouraging sign, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is touring the region to build an international coalition to restrain Iran, particularly its hawkish Revolutionary Guard Corps. A cohesive approach, pursued in concert with America’s strongest allies in the region, is vital. Although France, Britain and Germany remain committed to the flawed Iran nuclear deal – from which Mr Trump withdrew last year – they have vehemently condemned the tanker attacks. With an emphasis on constraining Tehran and its proxies and deterring further assaults on shipping vessels, a global coalition is the only way to de-escalate tensions.
Brief scores:
Toss: Pakhtunkhwa Zalmi, chose to field
Environment Agency: 193-3 (20 ov)
Ikhlaq 76 not out, Khaliya 58, Ahsan 55
Pakhtunkhwa Zalmi: 194-2 (18.3 ov)
Afridi 95 not out, Sajid 55, Rizwan 36 not out
Result: Pakhtunkhwa won by 8 wickets
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ARABIAN GULF LEAGUE FIXTURES
Thursday, September 21
Al Dahfra v Sharjah (kick-off 5.35pm)
Al Wasl v Emirates (8.30pm)
Friday, September 22
Dibba v Al Jazira (5.25pm)
Al Nasr v Al Wahda (8.30pm)
Saturday, September 23
Hatta v Al Ain (5.25pm)
Ajman v Shabab Al Ahli (8.30pm)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Pakistan World Cup squad
Sarfraz Ahmed (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abid Ali, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez(subject to fitness), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Junaid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain
Two additions for England ODIs: Mohammad Amir and Asif Ali
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.
Short-term let permits explained
Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.
Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.
There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.
Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
