Pioneering projects that have helped to put the UAE on the map are to be honoured as part of the country's National Day celebrations.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has called on people to show their support for landmark developments that have made the country a global player, in the fifth annual UAE Pioneers Award.
The awards were a call by Sheikh Mohammed for the people who have built the nation to be recognised.
This year, however, he wants the UAE's array of impressive projects - from Louvre Abu Dhabi to Burj Khalifa - to be celebrated.
“Brothers and sisters, this year we will celebrate the UAE’s pioneers in a different way,” Sheikh Mohammed said on his official Twitter account.
“We will not celebrate people, we will celebrate achievements. We will celebrate the projects that would leave a mark in the history of the UAE. Cultural, social, economic, scientific and infrastructure projects that will leave their mark on the march of our country.
“We have projects such as the Louvre, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Metro and Cleveland Hospital. Projects such as the Prince of Poets, the Reading Challenge and the Million's Poet. Projects such as Khalifa University, American University of Sharjah, Etihad Museum and the Mars probe.
“Nominate projects that Zayed would be happy to see. We will honour the teams who worked on the most important projects on National Day.
“We will open the door to our people to choose the most important projects themselves, the most important projects they think that will influence the march of their country. Projects they see as an extension of the commandments of Zayed and his future vision of the country.”
He asked people to nominate the projects using the hashtag #UAE_pioneers.
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Read more:
UAE's pioneers awarded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Louvre Abu Dhabi opens its doors to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed
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THREE
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The specs: 2017 Lotus Evora Sport 410
Price, base / as tested Dh395,000 / Dh420,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission Six-speed manual
Power 410hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque 420Nm @ 3,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.7L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Honeymoonish
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What is a robo-adviser?
Robo-advisers use an online sign-up process to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance by feeding information such as their age, income, saving goals and investment history into an algorithm, which then assigns them an investment portfolio, ranging from more conservative to higher risk ones.
These portfolios are made up of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to indices such as US and global equities, fixed-income products like bonds, though exposure to real estate, commodity ETFs or gold is also possible.
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Many robo-advisers charge what are called wrap fees, meaning there are no additional fees such as subscription or withdrawal fees, success fees or fees for rebalancing.
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.
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
