I refer to your article Iranian passenger plane crashes, killing as many as 66 (February 18). The Iranian plane crashed as a result of heavy fog, and the resultant death of 66 passengers is sad and painful. This plane crash was especially difficult to read about because it came on the heels of the recent crash of a Russian aircraft. Airline authorities should be encouraged not to allow aircraft to take off when there is a heavy fog or other issues with visibility. Such a move might avert further painful loss of life.
K Ragavan, Bangalore
For some countries, there is an opportunity in crisis
At present, there are several parts of Europe and Asia, including the Arabian Gulf, that are emerging as hubs of huge investment, which will bring about stability to the world’s financial system. This will offer GCC countries rare opportunities to take advantage of this global shift in world finances. This shift is important for restructuring international relations following the problems that presented themselves almost a decade ago. The previous rules for governing economic relations were appropriate during the Cold War era, but are no longer suitable for the age of globalisation age, where new and influential economic powers are emerging. The next global financial and banking system will be strictly regulated and transparent. This in turn will allow new institutions to emerge and take over, laying the foundation for a new system in international finance. This will certainly create opportunities.
Samaoen Osman, South Africa
Iran should use its energies more wisely
I write in reference to your article, Iran applying "Hezbollah model" to other Arab countries: McMaster (February 17). Iran is home to a strange kind of politics that befuddles even seasoned political pundits.
Instead of strengthening its own house and financial position, it believes in creating problems all around the region, including in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and even Yemen.
Why does it do so, when it could use its energies to bring about peace in the Middle East?
Name withheld by request
To defeat obesity, we should attack sugar consumption
I write in reference to your article RAK residents to shed weight for cash (February 17). Severely limiting sugar and carbs is the key to keeping both obesity and diabetes at bay.
Mark Alexander, UK
Domestic workers should be afforded appropriate benefits
Your editorial, Domestic workers should be treated with proper respect (February 19), is timely. Expatriate maids and drivers are human beings too and should be accorded due consideration, appropriate financial benefits and medical benefits.
Raju Aneja, Dubai
Honeymoonish
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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
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Barcelona 3
Messi (27’, 32’, 87’)
Leganes 1
El Zhar (68’)
THE SPECS
Aston Martin Rapide AMR
Engine: 6.0-litre V12
Transmission: Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic
Power: 595bhp
Torque: 630Nm
Price: Dh999,563
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Teaching your child to save
Pre-school (three - five years)
You can’t yet talk about investing or borrowing, but introduce a “classic” money bank and start putting gifts and allowances away. When the child wants a specific toy, have them save for it and help them track their progress.
Early childhood (six - eight years)
Replace the money bank with three jars labelled ‘saving’, ‘spending’ and ‘sharing’. Have the child divide their allowance into the three jars each week and explain their choices in splitting their pocket money. A guide could be 25 per cent saving, 50 per cent spending, 25 per cent for charity and gift-giving.
Middle childhood (nine - 11 years)
Open a bank savings account and help your child establish a budget and set a savings goal. Introduce the notion of ‘paying yourself first’ by putting away savings as soon as your allowance is paid.
Young teens (12 - 14 years)
Change your child’s allowance from weekly to monthly and help them pinpoint long-range goals such as a trip, so they can start longer-term saving and find new ways to increase their saving.
Teenage (15 - 18 years)
Discuss mutual expectations about university costs and identify what they can help fund and set goals. Don’t pay for everything, so they can experience the pride of contributing.
Young adulthood (19 - 22 years)
Discuss post-graduation plans and future life goals, quantify expenses such as first apartment, work wardrobe, holidays and help them continue to save towards these goals.
* JP Morgan Private Bank
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Rocketman
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Starring: Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Jamie Bell
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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.
