ABU DHABI // We would never urge our readers to do something we don’t do ourselves.
So on the eve of #cycletoworkuae day on Tuesday, meet the staff of The National who do just that every day.
“I’ve been working in different countries and it’s become a habit,” said Alvaro Sanmarti, a graphic artist. “When it’s possible, because of the weather, I cycle to work.”
Sanmarti advised vehicle drivers to understand that cyclists are vulnerable on the road, and said cyclists must always be aware of what was around them.
“Be conscious, I know sometimes I do really crazy things,” Sanmarti said. “Know that you are the first one to be conscious and know that if anything is going to happen, it’s going to happen to you. You have very little protection.”
Wearing helmets and lights are a must for him. Once safety becomes a priority, he said that in terms of practicality it made more sense for him to cycle to work.
“It takes five minutes more but costs Dh15 less each way, and also I’m doing some sport and staying active,” said Sanmarti, from Spain.
His commute, which takes 20 minutes from Reem Island, is a daily ritual in which he uses the same path and methodical movements. He will continue to cycle until the weather gets too hot.
To make the switch from cycling gear to office clothing, Sanmarti carries what is essentially a “package to take a shower” – wet wipes, deodorant and other hygiene products. He also keeps a pair of jeans at his desk to wear after he arrives.
He has been cycling to work for eight years and said the campaign to encourage more people to follow his example could improve safety on the roads.
Sanmarti started cycling at his old job in Madrid in 2007 at a time when many people thought it was too dangerous.
“People were asking me, ‘What are you doing, you are crazy’,” he said. “But you could see the difference in the four or five years, you could see the drivers were not the same.”
He said part of the problem was that drivers in the UAE rarely encountered cyclists, and when they did it presented a new obstacle. The only way to change that was to get more people on bicycles.
“I think it’s very good. The more people who cycle, the more that others will take care of the cyclists.”
Another veteran cyclist at the newspaper, Michael Barnard, commutes even during the hottest months. He said cycling for him was a way he could control the road.
“It’s a little bit crazy,” he said. “I like being the master of my own destiny. When I first came here I would only take cabs.”
He used to spend about Dh600 a month on taxis to work before making the switch. He rides a Fuji roadbike now.
“Initially, it would intimidate me, but once you grow attuned to it, it’s not so challenging any more. You tend to know what’s coming.”
As he has adjusted to the lifestyle in the capital, so too have his ambitions with his bike. Now he feels completely comfortable on two wheels.
Barnard, from the UK, has cycled in some of the world’s busiest cities – London and New York – and said every city had its own set of challenges when it came to cycling.
“You learn what to expect, and develop a kind of sixth sense and anticipation,” he said. “My advice for car drivers is be aware that you are sharing the road.”
nalwasmi@thenational.ae
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
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.
Why are you, you?
Why are you, you?
From this question, a new beginning.
From this question, a new destiny.
For you are a world, and a meeting of worlds.
Our dream is to unite that which has been
separated by history.
To return the many to the one.
A great story unites us all,
beyond colour and creed and gender.
The lightning flash of art
And the music of the heart.
We reflect all cultures, all ways.
We are a twenty first century wonder.
Universal ideals, visions of art and truth.
Now is the turning point of cultures and hopes.
Come with questions, leave with visions.
We are the link between the past and the future.
Here, through art, new possibilities are born. And
new answers are given wings.
Why are you, you?
Because we are mirrors of each other.
Because together we create new worlds.
Together we are more powerful than we know.
We connect, we inspire, we multiply illuminations
with the unique light of art.
Ben Okri,
RESULTS
Manchester United 2
Anthony Martial 30'
Scott McTominay 90 6'
Manchester City 0
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
All or Nothing
Amazon Prime
Four stars
The biog
Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.
Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption stands out as his favourite movie, a classic King novella
Favourite music: “I have a wide and varied music taste, so it would be unfair to pick a single song from blues to rock as a favourite"
Results
4pm: Maiden; Dh165,000 (Dirt); 1,400m
Winner: Solar Shower; William Lee (jockey); Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
4.35pm: Handicap; Dh165,000 (D); 2,000m
Winner: Thaaqib; Antonio Fresu; Erwan Charpy.
5.10pm: Maiden; Dh165,000 (Turf); 1,800m
Winner: Bila Shak; Adrie de Vries; Fawzi Nass
5.45pm: Handicap; Dh175,000 (D); 1,200m
Winner: Beachcomber Bay; Richard Mullen; Satish Seemar
6.20pm: Handicap; Dh205,000 (T); 1,800m
Winner: Muzdawaj; Jim Crowley; Musabah Al Muhairi
6.55pm: Handicap; Dh185,000 (D); 1,600m
Winner: Mazeed; Tadhg O’Shea; Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Handicap; Dh205,000 (T); 1,200m
Winner: Riflescope; Tadhg O’Shea; Satish Seemar.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
Results
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Rawat Al Reef, Adrie de Vries (jockey), Abdallah Al Hammadi (trainer)
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Noof KB, Richard Mullen, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Seven Skies, Bernardo Pinheiro, Qaiss Aboud
6.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Jabalini, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7pm: UAE Arabian Derby – Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Dergham Athbah, Richard Mullen, Mohamed Daggash
7.30pm: Emirates Championship – Group 1 (PA) Dh1,000,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle
8pm: Abu Dhabi Championship – Group 3 (TB) Dh380,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Irish Freedom, Antonio Fresu, Satish Seemar
