The UAE announced details of its newly adopted environmental policy on Wednesday, which includes prioritising conservation, air quality and sustainable agriculture.
Launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment last month, the new policy puts environmental protection at the forefront of the country’s priorities.
The guidelines focus on eight key pillars identified after a detailed study of the environmental situation in the country as well as the future challenges.
The policy targets climate action, environmental protection, air quality, food safety and security. It also covers sustainable local crop and livestock production, as well as the safe management of chemical and general waste.
The state is keen to ensure food safety, starting from sources of primary crops and animal products, right up to the consumer
“Over the past 49 years, environmental protection has been at the forefront of the UAE’s priorities and an integral part of its cultural heritage,” said Dr Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
“Through this policy, we aim to advance environmental action and contribute to the efforts of our beloved country to achieve sustainability across all sectors.
"In particular, the policy focuses on enhancing quality of life by preserving ecosystems and the sustainability of ecological resources and services."
Over the past few years, air quality indicators in the country registered a significant improvement, compared with previous years.
Within two decades, the country also wants to achieve a net positive impact on the four main pollutants – carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ground ozone.
This means the negative effects of the pollutants on biodiversity would be outweighed by the biodiversity gains that are achieved through conservation projects.
Reducing loss of native species was another main point highlighted in the policy. It said this would be achieved through conservation projects and initiatives under the guidance of the ministry.
Aisha Al Abdooli, director of the green development and environment affairs department at the ministry, said the Covid-19 pandemic forced the UAE to assess its food supply chain after suffering some initial disruption.
“The state is keen to ensure food safety, starting from sources of primary crops and animal products, right up to the consumer,” she said.
“We are working to ensure the continuity of diversifying the sources of food production within the country and the circulation of products within the commercial market.
“The policy hones in on sustaining local livestock production and optimising local natural resources by supporting farmers.”
She said the government is also promoting food security by supporting start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses that can accelerate the shift from traditional agriculture to sustainable practices such as urban farming.
The environmental protection pillar aims to build on the country’s achievements in protecting the environment, preserving its natural resources, and ensuring the sustainability of its biodiversity.
It focuses on reducing the loss of indigenous species, conserving habitats, managing marine and coastal protected areas, as well as protecting, developing, and regulating the use of living aquatic resources.
Targets include protecting 22 per cent of inland water areas and 20 per cent of biodiversity-rich coastal and marine areas, and rehabilitating 80 per cent of degraded land by 2030.
A vertical farm in the UAE in pictures
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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Newcastle United 1
Perez 23'
Wolverhampton Rovers 2
Jota 17', Doherty 90' 4
Red cards: Yedlin 57'
Man of the Match: Diogo Jota (Wolves)
The years Ramadan fell in May
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Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Company profile
Date started: January, 2014
Founders: Mike Dawson, Varuna Singh, and Benita Rowe
Based: Dubai
Sector: Education technology
Size: Five employees
Investment: $100,000 from the ExpoLive Innovation Grant programme in 2018 and an initial $30,000 pre-seed investment from the Turn8 Accelerator in 2014. Most of the projects are government funded.
Partners/incubators: Turn8 Accelerator; In5 Innovation Centre; Expo Live Innovation Impact Grant Programme; Dubai Future Accelerators; FHI 360; VSO and Consult and Coach for a Cause (C3)
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UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Thank You for Banking with Us
Director: Laila Abbas
Starring: Yasmine Al Massri, Clara Khoury, Kamel El Basha, Ashraf Barhoum
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Roll of honour: Who won what in 2018/19?
West Asia Premiership: Winners – Bahrain; Runners-up – Dubai Exiles
UAE Premiership: Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners-up – Jebel Ali Dragons
Dubai Rugby Sevens: Winners – Dubai Hurricanes; Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Conference: Winners – Dubai Tigers; Runners-up – Al Ain Amblers
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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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