Saudi Arabia is reopening public access to one of its most important historical sites for the first time in a decade.
Diriyah's historical centre will open to visitors next month after being closed for redevelopment for more than 10 years.
Dating back thousands of years, the Unesco World Heritage Site of At-Turaif is widely regarded as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia.
From Sunday, visitors will be able to step back in time and wander through the region's restored mud brick palaces and buildings.
It’s the first time that the centre will be open to the public since it gained Unesco designation in 2010.
The historic region is home to some of the kingdom's best examples of traditional Najdi architecture, including a restored palace that was the original home of the Al Saud family.
As part of the opening, visitors will be able to take part in guided walking tours of At-Turaif, designed to share details about the region's importance.
There will also be a schedule of activities including theatrical performances that will offer a glimpse of what life was like in what was the first Saudi state.
Arabian horse shows, traditional coffee experiences and calligraphy workshops will also be on offer and a full calendar of events is set to be unveiled for the winter season.
Bujairi Terrace will also officially open to the public on Sunday and is set to become one of the kingdom’s most prominent luxury dining destinations.
Located in Wadi Hanifah, the upscale development overlooks At-Turaif and has been built in harmony with the region’s historic architecture. Several restaurants and cafes will open at the site including Brunch & Cake, Angelina's, Hakkasan and Sarabeth’s.
Diriyah will continue to expand, with several luxury hotels earmarked to open at the historical site, which aims to attract more than 30 million annual visitors by 2030.
Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb inaugurated the site on Monday as part of the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 22nd Global Summit.
Julia Simpson, chief executive of WTTC, and other selected delegates attended an opening gala at the historical site.
The annual travel event is taking place in Riyadh, the first time it has been hosted in Saudi Arabia. More than 3,000 tourism leaders and experts are expected to attend.
SQUADS
India
Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Manish Pandey, Kedar Jadhav, Dinesh Karthik, Mahendra Singh Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur
New Zealand
Kane Williamson (captain), Martin Guptill, Colin Munro, Ross Taylor, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Ish Sodhi, George Worker, Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Adam Milne, Trent Boult
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.
Results for Stage 2
Stage 2 Yas Island to Abu Dhabi, 184 km, Road race
Overall leader: Primoz Roglic SLO (Team Jumbo - Visma)
Stage winners: 1. Fernando Gaviria COL (UAE Team Emirates) 2. Elia Viviani ITA (Deceuninck - Quick-Step) 3. Caleb Ewan AUS (Lotto - Soudal)
Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
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KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 4 (Gundogan 8' (P), Bernardo Silva 19', Jesus 72', 75')
Fulham 0
Red cards: Tim Ream (Fulham)
Man of the Match: Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City)
All the Money in the World
Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Charlie Plummer, Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer
Four stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
OPINIONS ON PALESTINE & ISRAEL
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
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh1,100,000 (est)
Engine 5.2-litre V10
Gearbox seven-speed dual clutch
Power 630bhp @ 8,000rpm
Torque 600Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined 15.7L / 100km (est)
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
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Price: From Dh650,000
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
