US President Joe Biden has held his first call with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The two discussed a host of regional issues and reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the US and the UAE.
The call on Tuesday, Mr Biden’s second to a Gulf country since taking office, discussed the bilateral relationship and critical foreign policy priorities for Washington.
He sought "to reaffirm the long-standing partnership" and congratulated Sheikh Mohamed on this year's 50th anniversary of the UAE's formation.
Mr Biden reflected on collaborative efforts between Washington and Abu Dhabi on issues ranging from space to climate to defence and security.
They also discussed clean energy and environmental protection.
“Our two nations continue to strengthen our strategic relations and build on strong common interests," Sheikh Mohamed said on Twitter.
They discussed regional and global challenges, including “the common quest for de-escalation and peace” in the region, the White House said.
Mr Biden "underlined the strategic importance of the normalisation of relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel" after the signing of the Abraham Accord.
He “expressed his full support for strengthening and expanding these arrangements,” the White House said.
Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the President, Sheikh Khalifa, said the call demonstrated the strong ties between the UAE and the US.
"US President Joe Biden's call with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and the visits of officials from the US legislative and executive authorities to Abu Dhabi this week shed light on the broad and distinct strategic bilateral relations," he said on Twitter.
"The essence of communication is the great appreciation for the pivotal role of the UAE in the stability and prosperity of the region."
The call follows a visit by a senior US delegation to Abu Dhabi at the weekend, led by senior White House and State Department officials Brett McGurk and Derek Chollet.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
The Lowdown
Us
Director: Jordan Peele
Starring: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Shahadi Wright Joseqph, Evan Alex and Elisabeth Moss
Rating: 4/5
About Okadoc
Date started: Okadoc, 2018
Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Healthcare
Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth
Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February
Investors: Undisclosed
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What is Diwali?
The Hindu festival is at once a celebration of the autumn harvest and the triumph of good over evil, as outlined in the Ramayana.
According to the Sanskrit epic, penned by the sage Valmiki, Diwali marks the time that the exiled king Rama – a mortal with superhuman powers – returned home to the city of Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman, after vanquishing the 10-headed demon Ravana and conquering his kingdom of Lanka. The people of Ayodhya are believed to have lit thousands of earthen lamps to illuminate the city and to guide the royal family home.
In its current iteration, Diwali is celebrated with a puja to welcome the goodness of prosperity Lakshmi (an incarnation of Sita) into the home, which is decorated with diyas (oil lamps) or fairy lights and rangoli designs with coloured powder. Fireworks light up the sky in some parts of the word, and sweetmeats are made (or bought) by most households. It is customary to get new clothes stitched, and visit friends and family to exchange gifts and greetings.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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.
SPECS
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Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Rating: 2.5/5
