Esther Ravenor holds up a Kenyan flag while waiting to watch the queen's coffin pass by along The Mall. Photo: The National
Esther Ravenor holds up a Kenyan flag while waiting to watch the queen's coffin pass by along The Mall. Photo: The National
Sharon Chlouk, left, and her daughter Riya, centre, with photos of the queen on The Mall. Photo: The National
Sharon Chlouk, left, and her daughter Riya, centre, with photos of the queen on The Mall. Photo: The National
Royal fan 'Uncle Mick' on The Mall while waiting for the procession. The National
Royal fan 'Uncle Mick' on The Mall while waiting for the procession. The National
Derek Derdivanis from California said he was impressed by the dedication of royal fans after stumbling on the scenes in The Mall on Wednesday morning. Photo: The National
Derek Derdivanis from California said he was impressed by the dedication of royal fans after stumbling on the scenes in The Mall on Wednesday morning. Photo: The National
Bertrand Philibert from Mauritius, left, with fellow royal fan Lewis from Newcastle wait on The Mall before the ceremonial procession. Photo: The National
Bertrand Philibert from Mauritius, left, with fellow royal fan Lewis from Newcastle wait on The Mall before the ceremonial procession. Photo: The National
Valerie Garnerone travelled to London from Nice in France to witness the historic royal procession Buckingham Palace to Westminster. Photo: The National
Valerie Garnerone travelled to London from Nice in France to witness the historic royal procession Buckingham Palace to Westminster. Photo: The National
Chantelle Cahill and her six children rose at 5am to secure front-row positions on The Mall to watch the procession. Photo: The National
Chantelle Cahill and her six children rose at 5am to secure front-row positions on The Mall to watch the procession. Photo: The National

UAE

Education

Some British schools in Dubai to close early for Queen Elizabeth II's funeral

Others will observe two minutes of silence to pay homage to UK's late monarch

Anjana Sankar
Anjana Sankar

September 14, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Some British schools in Dubai will close early on Monday to allow families to watch the televised funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

Others will observe a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the country's longest-serving monarch.

The funeral service will take place at 2pm UAE time.

Dubai College said in a letter to parents it would close early on Monday after securing permission from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the regulator of private schools in the emirate.

To be a part of this, albeit from afar, and join their families at home for this sad but iconic moment, will be important to many in our communities
Jared Nolan,
director of UK curriculum schools at Taaleem Education

"Queen Elizabeth II was for all of us the only British monarch that we will have known during our lifetimes. Wherever you sit on the political spectrum, the emotional impact that this news had on members of our community should not be underestimated," the letter read.

"For many who have expatriated from the UK, this will be one of the most culturally significant events in the country’s history and it is important to allow community members to share in this event."

The school said it was proposing to close at the start of lunch at 12.25pm, "so that those interested and invested in the cultural life of the UK can watch the queen’s state funeral from the comfort of their homes in the company of their families. All extra-curricular activities and events on that day will be postponed."

Children who do not leave early will watch the broadcast live in the auditorium in place of regular lessons.

The UAE is home to an estimated 240,000 Britons and there are about 165 schools offering the British curriculum in the UAE.

Taaleem Group, which has three British curriculum schools in Dubai, said its pupils would have the option to finish the school day earlier on Monday.

"We recognise that some of our parents and pupils in Taaleem’s British Schools will want to finish the school day earlier than usual to mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and watch as her life and service to the nation and the Commonwealth is celebrated," Jared Nolan, director of UK curriculum schools at Taaleem, told The National.

"To be a part of this, albeit from afar, and join their families at home for this sad but iconic moment, will be important to many in our communities."

Mr Nolan said all British schools had immense respect for Her Majesty's leadership and legacy and the special bond the UAE leaders had with the former monarch.

Some other schools such as Horizon and Regent International told The National they do not have early dismissal, but instead will observe two minutes of silence.

Some have sent out letters to parents, saying they have approached the education authority to allow them to finish early on Monday.

The early finish will help many people to connect with their family and friends in the UK, the letters stated.

Schools said the authority has asked them to secure the vote of parents in favour of or against the early closure. The support of the majority will influence the final decision.

The state funeral

In the UK, there will be a national bank holiday to allow as many people as possible to watch the queen's funeral.

The lying-in-state will continue until 6.30am (9.30am UAE) on the day of the funeral when the coffin will be taken in a grand military procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey.

Senior members of the royal family are expected to follow behind the queen's coffin and the military will line the streets and also join the procession.

A national two minutes' silence are expected to be held.

After the service, the coffin will be taken to Wellington Arch and then travel to Windsor, where the hearse will travel in a procession to St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle via the Long Walk.

A televised committal service will take place in St George's Chapel.

Later in the evening, there will be a private interment service with senior members of the royal family.

The queen's final resting place will be the King George VI Memorial Chapel, an annex to the main chapel — where her mother and father were buried, along with the ashes of her sister, Princess Margaret.

Prince Philip's coffin will move from the Royal Vault to the memorial chapel to join the queen's.

Is it being televised?

In Britain, yes. Further afield, it will be down to local decisions but international news channels are expected to broadcast live services.

The St George's Chapel committal will also be televised but there will be a private interment service away from the cameras.

Queen Elizabeth British School Al Khubairat - in pictures

Queen Elizabeth II visits the British School Al Khubairat in February 1979. All photos: BSAK
Queen Elizabeth II visits the British School Al Khubairat in February 1979. All photos: BSAK
The institution is one of the oldest schools in Abu Dhabi and is a cultural melting pot.
The institution is one of the oldest schools in Abu Dhabi and is a cultural melting pot.
The British School Al Khubairat has long been considered one of the best schools in the country.
The British School Al Khubairat has long been considered one of the best schools in the country.
The institution was the result of a merger between the British Political Agency school and the Abu Dhabi Petroleum Company school.
The institution was the result of a merger between the British Political Agency school and the Abu Dhabi Petroleum Company school.
Thirty one years after Queen Elizabeth's first visit, the school performed a music recital in her presence in Abu Dhabi in 2010.
Thirty one years after Queen Elizabeth's first visit, the school performed a music recital in her presence in Abu Dhabi in 2010.
The queen, in a mint green outfit with matching hat, is presented with a bouquet by four-year-old Victoria Evans, the youngest female pupil, in 1979.
The queen, in a mint green outfit with matching hat, is presented with a bouquet by four-year-old Victoria Evans, the youngest female pupil, in 1979.
The queen greets a teacher at the school as pupils look on.
The queen greets a teacher at the school as pupils look on.
Queen Elizabeth arrived aboard the royal yacht, 'Britannia', and was greeted by UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the Rulers of the Emirates.
Queen Elizabeth arrived aboard the royal yacht, 'Britannia', and was greeted by UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the Rulers of the Emirates.
The visit would last three days, beginning with a tour of the city, including the Corniche Hospital and a stop at the British School Al Khubairat.
The visit would last three days, beginning with a tour of the city, including the Corniche Hospital and a stop at the British School Al Khubairat.
There was a holiday atmosphere as pupils at the British School Al Khubairat lined up to greet the queen.
There was a holiday atmosphere as pupils at the British School Al Khubairat lined up to greet the queen.
A pupil at the British School Al Khubairat celebrates the queen's platinum jubilee this year.
A pupil at the British School Al Khubairat celebrates the queen's platinum jubilee this year.
A pupil at the school poses with a Minnie Mouse stuffed toy as she celebrates the queen's platinum jubilee this year.
A pupil at the school poses with a Minnie Mouse stuffed toy as she celebrates the queen's platinum jubilee this year.
Pupils at the school wait for the queen to arrive in 1979.
Pupils at the school wait for the queen to arrive in 1979.
Pupils at the British School Al Khubairat celebrate the queen's platinum jubilee.
Pupils at the British School Al Khubairat celebrate the queen's platinum jubilee.
The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm

Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km

Price: from Dh94,900

On sale: now

Transgender report
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

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.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Whiile you're here
Brief scoreline:

Manchester United 2

Rashford 28', Martial 72'

Watford 1

Doucoure 90'

SOUTH%20KOREA%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EGoalkeepers%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKim%20Seung-gyu%2C%20Jo%20Hyeon-woo%2C%20Song%20Bum-keun%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDefenders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKim%20Young-gwon%2C%20Kim%20Min-jae%2C%20Jung%20Seung-hyun%2C%20Kim%20Ju-sung%2C%20Kim%20Ji-soo%2C%20Seol%20Young-woo%2C%20Kim%20Tae-hwan%2C%20Lee%20Ki-je%2C%20Kim%20Jin-su%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMidfielders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPark%20Yong-woo%2C%20Hwang%20In-beom%2C%20Hong%20Hyun-seok%2C%20Lee%20Soon-min%2C%20Lee%20Jae-sung%2C%20Lee%20Kang-in%2C%20Son%20Heung-min%20(captain)%2C%20Jeong%20Woo-yeong%2C%20Moon%20Seon-min%2C%20Park%20Jin-seob%2C%20Yang%20Hyun-jun%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStrikers%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHwang%20Hee-chan%2C%20Cho%20Gue-sung%2C%20Oh%20Hyeon-gyu%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Three tips from La Perle's performers

1 The kind of water athletes drink is important. Gwilym Hooson, a 28-year-old British performer who is currently recovering from knee surgery, found that out when the company was still in Studio City, training for 12 hours a day. “The physio team was like: ‘Why is everyone getting cramps?’ And then they realised we had to add salt and sugar to the water,” he says.

2 A little chocolate is a good thing. “It’s emergency energy,” says Craig Paul Smith, La Perle’s head coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer, gesturing to an almost-empty open box of mini chocolate bars on his desk backstage.

3 Take chances, says Young, who has worked all over the world, including most recently at Dragone’s show in China. “Every time we go out of our comfort zone, we learn a lot about ourselves,” she says.

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Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
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Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE

Looking for a new family pet? Here are the links to visit when it comes to adopting... 

Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi

Rescue of Abu Dhabi

Feline Friends Abu Dhabi

Adopt-a-Cat UAE

Naema's Kittys 

Jackie's Cats UAE

Animal Action UAE

Animal Welfare Al Ain

Yanni Animal Welfare

Animals and Us Fujairah

Arabian Saluki Center of Dubai (Ascod)

38 Smiles

Emirates Animal Welfare Society

Red Paw Foundation 

KittySnip

Saluki International Rescue

K9 Friends Dubai 

Amanda's Animal Rescue UAE

Ahmed's Animal Rescue

Al Mayya K9 Adoptions 

New Life Rescue

Rescue Animals in Need United Arab Emirates

Stray Dogs Center UAQ

Sniff - Strays Needing Interim of Furever Friends

PARA UAE - Protection of Animal Rights Association

Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre

Shepherd Rescue Arabia

Friends of Rakawc 

UAQAC Umm Al Quwain Animal Care

10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

Towering concerns
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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
Episode list:

Ep1: A recovery like no other- the unevenness of the economic recovery 

Ep2: PCR and jobs - the future of work - new trends and challenges 

Ep3: The recovery and global trade disruptions - globalisation post-pandemic 

Ep4: Inflation- services and goods - debt risks 

Ep5: Travel and tourism 

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

On Women's Day
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
On Women's Day
Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Results

United States beat UAE by three wickets

United States beat Scotland by 35 runs

UAE v Scotland – no result

United States beat UAE by 98 runs

Scotland beat United States by four wickets

Fixtures

Sunday, 10am, ICC Academy, Dubai - UAE v Scotland

Admission is free

In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
  • Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000 
  • Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000 
  • Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000 
  • HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000 
  • Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000 
  • Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000 
  • Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000 
  • Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000 
  • Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000 
  • Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
  • Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
  • Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
BMW%20M4%20Competition
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.0%20twin-turbo%20inline%20six-cylinder%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20eight-speed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E503hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20600Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20from%20Dh617%2C600%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULT

Huddersfield Town 2 Manchester United 1
Huddersfield: Mooy (28'), Depoitre (33')
Manchester United: Rashford (78')

 

Man of the Match: Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield Town)

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

The Uefa Awards winners

Uefa Men's Player of the Year: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Uefa Women's Player of the Year: Lucy Bronze (Lyon)

Best players of the 2018/19 Uefa Champions League

Goalkeeper: Alisson (Liverpool)

Defender: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Midfielder: Frenkie de Jong (Ajax)

Forward: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Uefa President's Award: Eric Cantona

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo

Transmission: CVT

Power: 170bhp

Torque: 220Nm

Price: Dh98,900

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

While you're here
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Friday (UAE kick-off times)

Cologne v Hoffenheim (11.30pm)

Saturday

Hertha Berlin v RB Leipzig (6.30pm)

Schalke v Fortuna Dusseldof (6.30pm)

Mainz v Union Berlin (6.30pm)

Paderborn v Augsburg (6.30pm)

Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund (9.30pm)

Sunday

Borussia Monchengladbach v Werder Bremen (4.30pm)

Wolfsburg v Bayer Leverkusen (6.30pm)

SC Freiburg v Eintracht Frankfurt (9on)

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Honeymoonish
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Five films to watch

Castle in the Sky (1986)

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Only Yesterday (1991)

Pom Poki (1994)

The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)

The Buckingham Murders

Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu

Director: Hansal Mehta

Rating: 4 / 5

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home. 

Updated: September 14, 2022, 1:07 PM`
UAESchoolsQueen Elizabeth II