Warm tributes have been paid to a long-serving Federal National Council member who died on Monday.
Ali Jassem Ahmed represented Umm Al Quwain on the consultative body and was general manager of Umm Al Quwain Broadcasting Network.
The Court of Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, expressed its deepest condolences to his family, in a statement carried by state news agency Wam.
His age and cause of death were not stated.
Ahmed was first elected to the FNC in February 1990, serving as an important voice for his emirate for more than 32 years.
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President, said he was a loyal servant of the nation.
“I knew him as a brother, a friend, a patriotic man who persevered in the service of his country and a loving, honest, kind-hearted, good-natured, and pure-hearted person,” Dr Gargash said on Twitter.
Praise for a man generous with his knowledge
Yousef Al Batran, FNC member for Ras Al Khaimah, said Ahmed was always happy to share his wealth of knowledge with others.
“Whatever I say will not do him justice. He was a father and a brother to all,” said Mr Al Batran.
“We were constantly learning from him and he used his knowledge to teach, mentor and advise us.
“He will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”
Mr Al Batran said his colleague would send out morning greetings each day to his friends.
“I would respond with a thank you," he said. "He spoke to all of us and treated us like his children. He’s left a void in our hearts and lives.
“[He was] a gentle and experienced father figure, who dedicated his life to serving his country and people.”
Khalfan Rashed Al Shamsi, an FNC member for Abu Dhabi, echoed those sentiments.
"He was a man who dedicated his life to serving his country and his people. He supported everyone with his advice and guidance,” he said.
“He was a champion of Emirati rights and would work on public policies and laws. I’ve rarely met a more esteemed and knowledgeable man than him. He will be missed by all. “
Sara Mohammad Falaknaz, an FNC member for Dubai, said Ahmed's loss had brought great sadness.
She said he was a colleague fellow FNC members had learnt much from due to his many years of parliamentary experience.
FNC honours parliamentary stalwart
The FNC offered its sympathies over the death of a man it described as the "doyen of Emirati parliamentarians".
It said Ahmed had enjoyed a "life full of giving".
Saqr Ghobash, FNC speaker, said Ahmed made valuable contributions to parliamentary diplomacy and hailed his dedication to the UAE's leadership and its people.
During a distinguished political career, Ahmed served as second deputy to the FNC Speaker and under-secretary of the Executive Committee for the Emirati Parliamentary Division.
He also chaired several FNC committees and was appointed the Inter-Parliamentary Union Vice President for the Arab Group Affairs, as well as being a representative of the Arab Group at the IPU Executive Committee.
He also received the Arab Parliamentary Excellence Award in 2017.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Juventus v Napoli, Sunday, 10.45pm (UAE)
Match on Bein Sports
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The five pillars of Islam
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
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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.
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Thanksgiving meals to try
World Cut Steakhouse, Habtoor Palace Hotel, Dubai. On Thursday evening, head chef Diego Solis will be serving a high-end sounding four-course meal that features chestnut veloute with smoked duck breast, turkey roulade accompanied by winter vegetables and foie gras and pecan pie, cranberry compote and popcorn ice cream.
Jones the Grocer, various locations across the UAE. Jones’s take-home holiday menu delivers on the favourites: whole roast turkeys, an array of accompaniments (duck fat roast potatoes, sausages wrapped in beef bacon, honey-glazed parsnips and carrots) and more, as well as festive food platters, canapes and both apple and pumpkin pies.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Address Hotel, Dubai. This New Orleans-style restaurant is keen to take the stress out of entertaining, so until December 25 you can order a full seasonal meal from its Takeaway Turkey Feast menu, which features turkey, homemade gravy and a selection of sides – think green beans with almond flakes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole and bread stuffing – to pick up and eat at home.
The Mattar Farm Kitchen, Dubai. From now until Christmas, Hattem Mattar and his team will be producing game- changing smoked turkeys that you can enjoy at home over the festive period.
Nolu’s, The Galleria Mall, Maryah Island Abu Dhabi. With much of the menu focused on a California inspired “farm to table” approach (with Afghani influence), it only seems right that Nolu’s will be serving their take on the Thanksgiving spread, with a brunch at the Downtown location from 12pm to 4pm on Friday.
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Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
The specs
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Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
Director: Scott Cooper
Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 4/5
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Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
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