Seven killed in attack in Turkey and US expresses concern over targeting of Lebanon army - Trending

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Seven people were killed, including two assailants, after what Turkey is calling a “terrorist attack” outside the premises of a Turkish defence company in Ankara on Wednesday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin both called it a terrorist attack.

No group has claimed responsibility, but Turkish officials blame the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

Israeli strikes in Lebanon continued overnight. The US, meanwhile, expressed concern to Israel about reported strikes on the Lebanese Armed Forces.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin told Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday that Washington had deep concerns about reports of strikes against the Lebanese army.

The Pentagon said Mr Austin also urged Mr Gallant to make sure Israel takes steps to protect the safety and security of the Lebanese army and the UN peacekeeping mission there.

President Sheikh Mohamed yesterday held talks with a number of world leaders at the Brics summit in Russia, including his first meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Talks centred on efforts to advance international co-operation across economy, trade and development. The leaders emphasised the importance of fostering partnerships to drive progress and prosperity.

Sheikh Mohamed said: “Through its membership in Brics, the UAE works resolutely with member states to achieve a more stable and prosperous future for all.”

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Company name: baraka
Started: July 2020
Founders: Feras Jalbout and Kunal Taneja
Based: Dubai and Bahrain
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: $150,000
Current staff: 12
Stage: Pre-seed capital raising of $1 million
Investors: Class 5 Global, FJ Labs, IMO Ventures, The Community Fund, VentureSouq, Fox Ventures, Dr Abdulla Elyas (private investment)

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.