Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has thrown his support behind a global day of prayer to help scientists find a cure for Covid-19.
On Twitter, Sheikh Mohamed said May 14 would be a day to unite people of all faiths in the face of the coronavirus outbreak.
"However our efforts play out, we need God's grace and mercy," he said.
The day of prayer was called for by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, an international religious community based in the UAE, formed during Pope Francis's visit to Abu Dhabi last year.
On Sunday, the committee called for people of all faiths from across the world to make May 14 “a day for fasting, prayers and supplications for the good of all humanity".
"Each one, from wherever they are and according to the teachings of their religion, faith, or sect, should appeal to God to lift this pandemic off us and the entire world, to rescue us all from this adversity,” the committee said on Sunday.
It called on people to pray for scientists to be inspired and to find a cure that would “save the whole world from the health, economic and human repercussions of this serious pandemic".
It urged all religious leaders and people across the world to respond to this "call for humanity".
The date chosen is significant in Islam because it falls within the final 10 days of Ramadan – believed to be the holiest of the month.
Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed El Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, each backed the day of prayer.
On Facebook, Dr El Tayeb said: "I invite everyone to participate in this call, and to pray sincerely to Allah Almighty to lift this blight for people and to inspire scientists to find a cure that can turn back this disease."
Pope Francis added: "Because prayer is a universal value, I welcome the committee's call to believers of all faiths to be spiritually united on May 14, a day of prayer, fasting and charitable work, to pray to God to help humankind overcome the coronavirus pandemic.
"Believers of different faiths will unite to pray, fast and perform charitable work."
The committee comprises a diverse set of international religious leaders, educational scholars and cultural figures.
It was established to introduce the Document on Human Fraternity, which outlines goals for religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The document was signed by Pope Francis and Dr Ahmed El Tayeb during their visit to Abu Dhabi in February last year.
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3 - Premier League title wins, the last during an unbeaten Invincibles campaign of 2003/04.
1,549 - goals scored in Premier League matches by Wenger's teams.
10 - major trophies won.
473 - Premier League victories.
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151 - Premier League losses.
21 - full seasons in charge.
49 - games unbeaten in the Premier League from May 2003 to October 2004.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
GROUP RESULTS
Group A
Results
Ireland beat UAE by 226 runs
West Indies beat Netherlands by 54 runs
Group B
Results
Zimbabwe tied with Scotland
Nepal beat Hong Kong by five wickets
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Abu Dhabi traffic facts
Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road
The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.
Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.
The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.
The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.
Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019
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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.
Where to submit a sample
Volunteers of all ages can submit DNA samples at centres across Abu Dhabi, including: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), Biogenix Labs in Masdar City, NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City, NMC Royal Medical Centre, Abu Dhabi, NMC Royal Women's Hospital, Bareen International Hospital, Al Towayya in Al Ain, NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
