Come September UAE residents, regardless of nationality, will be allowed to participate in all official sports in this country. This historic opening is the culmination of a directive promulgated last November by President Sheikh Khalifa, which cleared the way for the children of Emirati mothers and foreign fathers to participate in official UAE sporting competitions. On Monday, the Federal National Council approved regulations drafted by the UAE General Sports Authority, designed to grant all expatriates the privilege of competing for this country's many successful sports clubs. But more significantly, the decree could pave the way for UAE residents to compete in the very colours of the Emirates. To say that the effect of this decision on sport will be salutary would be an understatement. The UAE Football Association, along with the volleyball, handball and basketball federations – the first bodies to trial the new regulations – will soon be able to draw from a vastly expanded pool of talent. And the diversity that has enriched this country in every other sphere could soon enhance its performance in the international sporting arena.
The spectacle of foreign players representing the UAE would be a powerful testament to the country's historical commitment to inclusiveness. As Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithy, president of the General Sports Authority, said on Tuesday: "The expatriate community that has helped us to build the nation is now provided the opportunity to play a role in sports." The move will deepen, in the words of Abdulla Naser Al Junaibi, vice-president of the Football Association, the UAE's "engagement of all nationalities" who are proud to call this country their home. George Orwell once described sport as "mimic warfare". In the UAE, it will instead become the bridge that unites people.
Picture, if you will, expatriate players being cheered on by residents and citizens alike as they score goals for the national team. It is hard to imagine a more powerful affirmation of the multiculturalism, co-existence and tolerance that Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father of the UAE, championed his entire life. It is fitting that this historic decision should come into effect in the Year of Zayed.
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
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MATCH INFO
Inter Milan 2 (Vecino 65', Barella 83')
Verona 1 (Verre 19' pen)
MATCH INFO
Mainz 0
RB Leipzig 5 (Werner 11', 48', 75', Poulsen 23', Sabitzer 36')
Man of the Match: Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
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
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.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
