ABU DHABI // Two beaches in the capital have reopened after a three-day closure.
Al Bateen Public Beach and part of the public beach on the Corniche were closed after a sewage leak.
Abu Dhabi Municipality said it closed the beaches temporarily to preserve the safety of beachgoers.
Abdulaziz Zarub, team leader of the crisis and emergency management of environment at the municipality, said tests were undertaken, which proved the waters were safe.
“We test the waters daily and analyse them based on the Blue Flag criteria. As soon as we see a difference in the tests, usually negative, we take preventive measures,” he said.
The Blue Flag criteria is a certification given to beaches worldwide that require certain standards – water quality, safety and environmental information – to be met.
Abu Dhabi is the first emirate in the country to receive the certification, said Mr Zarub. However, he said the reason for the contamination remains unknown.
“This is a beach. There are ships and dust in the wind. We cannot know the reason and our only aim is to protect the people,” he said.
He said beachgoers should be confident it is a clean and safe environment and he was happy to see many people swimming on Wednesday.
The beaches were closed from Sunday until Tuesday.
Fatima Khalfan, an Emirati mother took her children for an early morning swim on Al Bateen beach yesterday. She said she did not know the beach had been closed for the past three days.
“If I was allowed to bring my children, then I guess there is no need to worry. We were not told anything by anyone and I don’t feel the water is contaminated,” she said.
“We have been here since almost 8am and the children are happy.”
aalkhoori@thenational.ae
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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.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
