Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed has lauded the efforts made to stage the IPL in the UAE, calling it “one of the best events in world sport”.
The competition starts on Saturday evening when defending champions Mumbai Indians face Chennai Super Kings at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
It is going ahead amid robust safety and security measures, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Sheikh Nahyan, the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the competition is a fine addition to the calendar of sport in the capital.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all government entities and parties involved in their tireless efforts and diligence in applying the highest global safety standards to ensure the tournament takes place in a safe and secure environment,” Sheikh Nahyan said.
“The magnificent IPL is one of the best events in world sport. Hosting it in Abu Dhabi is yet another addition to the emirate’s sporting calendar, as is further evidence of Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub for global sporting events.
“It has also showcased our ability to host and deliver elite international events successfully amid challenging circumstances.”
The first match takes place in the capital, starting at 6pm. The competition then moves to Dubai on Sunday, when Delhi Capitals play Kings XI Punjab.
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Gender pay parity on track in the UAE
The UAE has a good record on gender pay parity, according to Mercer's Total Remuneration Study.
"In some of the lower levels of jobs women tend to be paid more than men, primarily because men are employed in blue collar jobs and women tend to be employed in white collar jobs which pay better," said Ted Raffoul, career products leader, Mena at Mercer. "I am yet to see a company in the UAE – particularly when you are looking at a blue chip multinationals or some of the bigger local companies – that actively discriminates when it comes to gender on pay."
Mr Raffoul said most gender issues are actually due to the cultural class, as the population is dominated by Asian and Arab cultures where men are generally expected to work and earn whereas women are meant to start a family.
"For that reason, we see a different gender gap. There are less women in senior roles because women tend to focus less on this but that’s not due to any companies having a policy penalising women for any reasons – it’s a cultural thing," he said.
As a result, Mr Raffoul said many companies in the UAE are coming up with benefit package programmes to help working mothers and the career development of women in general.
