ABU DHABI // The incidence of tobacco-related diseases continues to increase in this country, doctors said at a conference in the capital on Wednesday.
Speaking at the World Conference on Tobacco or Health, Dr Wael Al Mahmeed, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said tobacco was linked to many non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and lung problems.
“Numbers of these [diseases]are not going down in this region. I think we could do with more awareness,” said Dr Al Mahmeed, who is president of the conference. He cited the example of Turkey, which reduced the use of shisha by an outright ban in public places. “They have done a great job of controlling it. If we can follow their model, it will be great,” he said.
The conference also heard from members of the World Health Organisation.
Dr Ala Alwan, regional director of the WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean office, said many premature deaths across the globe could be prevented through tackling the four main risk factors – unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, alcohol and tobacco.
“By curbing access to and controlling, with a view to ending the addictive use of tobacco, countries will witness a dramatic reduction in premature deaths from non-communicable diseases,” he said.
Dr Margaret Chan, director general of the WHO, said: “This is an appropriate location for this conference because non-communicable diseases are such an important health concern in the Gulf.
“Unfortunately people in this part of the world suffer from diabetes, which is heavily related to obesity. Smoking is also a problem in this part of the world.”
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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.
Abu Dhabi World Pro 2019 remaining schedule:
Wednesday April 24: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-6pm
Thursday April 25: Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, 11am-5pm
Friday April 26: Finals, 3-6pm
Saturday April 27: Awards ceremony, 4pm and 8pm
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