On August 4, at least 2700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a chemical fertiliser also used to make bombs, exploded in the Beirut seaport, killing more than 150 people and wounding thousands. It was impounded in 2014 from an unseaworthy ship and unsafely stored at the port. Many Lebanese officials were informed of the fact that the explosive chemical had been stored at the port, yet they did nothing to dispose of it safely.
Nearly 3,000 kilometres to the south, in Yemen, another ticking time bomb sits in another seaport. In Hodeidah, an oil tanker has been in the hands of the Houthi rebels since the beginning of the conflict, in 2015. The FSO Safer has had almost no maintenance work or repairs, although it carries 1.1 million barrels of oil. The risk of oil spilling from the vessel, into which seawater is seeping, increases by the day. A spill would be catastrophic for the region's marine life. It would disrupt trade and deprive thousands of fishermen of their livelihoods. The oil could also explode, putting lives at risk.
Although the ship belongs to the Yemeni government, the Houthis wish to sell the oil, which was valued as high as $40 million before prices took a nosedive. The Iran-backed rebel militia long prevented the UN from inspecting the ship in order to assess the damage and make small repairs, despite repeated requests to do so since 2015. Last month, the Houthis agreed in principle to let the UN inspect the ship, but such permission has been granted in the past only to be revoked at the very last minute. And in all cases, access should have been granted years ago.
In Aden, reports have emerged of nearly 5,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate lying abandoned in the city's port for the past three years. The government has denied the existence of this highly hazardous material, but concerns are high among residents of the city. Yemen's attorney general Ali Ahmed Al Awash has ordered prosecutors to launch a swift investigation into these claims, but as the tragedy in Beirut shows, time is of the essence. Authorities must act to either secure any such materials, or end rumours about them so that the people of Yemen have one less danger to worry about.
In a region that has long been rife with war and corruption, the Beirut blasts should serve as a wake-up call for leaders of conflict-stricken nations
In Iraq, meanwhile, authorities appear to be taking stock of Lebanon’s devastating blasts to better protect the population. Baghdad announced on Thursday that an emergency committee had been set up to create an inventory of hazardous materials stockpiled in airports and ports, to prevent a repeat of the Beirut explosions.
In a region that has long been rife with wars and corruption, the Beirut blasts should serve as a wake-up call for leaders of conflict-stricken nations. It is not only armed conflict that can destroy cities and lead to a mass loss of life. Incompetence and negligence can also wreak havoc on the region’s people.
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.
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
An arms embargo
A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Scores in brief:
New Medical Centre 129-5 in 17 overs bt Zayed Cricket Academy 125-6 in 20 overs.
William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana 188-8 in 20 overs bt One Stop Tourism 184-8 in 20 overs
Alubond Tigers 138-7 in 20 overs bt United Bank Limited 132-7 in 20 overs
Multiplex 142-6 in 17 overs bt Xconcepts Automobili 140 all out in 20 overs
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE) Where: Allianz Arena, Munich Live: BeIN Sports HD Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
