ABU DHABI // The Emirates Foundation, one of the country's largest charities, has decided to fund new research into some of the biggest problems facing Emirati families, including a rising national divorce rate.
The charity is accepting submissions for its Emirati Family Research Competition, which is also seeking entries on such topics as marriage, divorce, family values, relationships between young people and even the role of maids as care-givers.
"We felt there is a need to focus on families. Family is the backbone of the society and most problems begin there," said Kholoud al Nuwais, director of projects at the foundation.
"Issues like the high rate of divorce that we hear about could be solved if we focus on challenges facing Emirati families, we believe."
No official figures are available on how many marriages involving Emirati couples end in divorce, although the rate is understood to have increased in recent years. A 2003 study of divorce in Gulf countries found that 46 per cent of all UAE marriages ended in divorce.
The Judicial Department said it was in the process of compiling updated figures.
Mrs al Nuwais said priority would be given to proposals that could identify current challenges and predict future ones. The results would be useful for families and decision-makers, she said. The grants will be awarded in January.
According to the foundation, little research has been done on the problems facing Emirati families.
By addressing these issues, the foundation said, the competition was "an important major step towards addressing challenges facing Emirati society at large".
Last year, the foundation offered grants for studies on Emirati youth and the challenges they face.
Funds will be provided by the Emirates Foundation and Occidental Petroleum Corporation. Applications will be assessed by a committee that includes people from both organisations.
Dr Ray Irani, the chairman and chief executive officer of Oxy, said the researchers could help contribute to a better understanding of the structure of Emirati families. "The aim ... is to increase the amount of empirical, well-researched information on Emirati families and the challenges they face," he said.
The competition is open to researchers with doctorate degrees in education and social sciences. Successful applicants will be required to employ at least two Emirati researchers in social sciences, as trainees or assistant researchers.
hhassan@thenational.ae
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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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.
