The Emirates Red Crescent has distributed about 1,500 school bags and stationery kits to pupils in Latakia province in Syria as part of Operation Gallant Knight 2.
The plan is to distribute more than 10,000 school kits in Syrian areas struck by the earthquake on February 6, state news agency Wam reported.
Rasha Ahmed, assistant director of education at the Directorate of Education in Latakia province, praised the UAE's humanitarian efforts and its support for education in Syria.
"The delegation of the UAE and the Red Crescent has stood with us since the dawn of the second day," Ms Ahmed said.
Dr Muhammad Al Junaibi, representative of Emirates Red Crescent in Syria, said the group would continue to provide aid and assistance to those affected by the earthquake, in co-ordination with the Ministry of Education in Syria.
Majd Muhammad Ali, the principal of Martyr Shaaban Ali Ahmed School, said it had “gradually returned to approximately 55 per cent of the attendance rate, and we have begun to rehabilitate students and children, especially after their recent suffering".
Syrian pupils expressed their joy and gratitude towards the UAE for its humanitarian stance and providing educational supplies.
One eighth-grade pupil called Sarah thanked the UAE and said: "We are proud of you, the people of the Emirates. We welcome you to your second home, Syria."
Another Syrian girl, Maryam Saleh, presented a poem that she wrote specifically for the Emirati delegation, titled 'Thank you'.
The UAE is continuing with its efforts to support people in Syria by providing food, medical supplies and medicine.
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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.
