It was a night like no other in the recent history of the United States capital.
The assault of a violent rabble on the institutions of the US government that followed a speech by President Donald Trump and coincided with a Congressional session to confirm the new president as Joe Biden, has drawn a huge response by the world on social media, but also by prominent figures at home in America and around the world.
What were the most striking comments of Wednesday night in Washington and during Thursday's aftermath? We run a selection here:
"We love you. You're very special." - President Donald Trump to his supporters
"To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, you did not win. Violence never wins. Freedom wins." - Vice-President Mike Pence
"Today is a reminder, a painful one, that democracy is fragile. To preserve it requires people of good will, leaders with the courage to stand up, who are devoted not to pursuit of power and personal interest at any cost, but to the common good." - US President-Elect Joe Biden
"Shocking scenes in Washington, D.C. The outcome of this democratic election must be respected." - Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg
"What the mob did to our Senate Chamber today was an utter disgrace." - US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien
"Trump and I, we had a hell of a journey. I hate it being this way … all I can say is count me out. Enough is enough. I tried to be helpful." - Republican Senator Lyndsey Graham
"History will rightly remember today's violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election, as a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation." – Former US President Barack Obama
"This is a national tragedy and is not who we are as a nation." – Former US President Jimmy Carter
"This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic." – Former US President George W Bush
"Today, America looked into the abyss created by Donald Trump and my fervent hope is that even his enablers will now finally draw back in horror." - Former US Vice President Al Gore
"I have no doubt that... American democracy will prevail. It always has." – Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister
"It is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power." - Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister
"What happened today in Washington DC is definitely not American." - French President Emmanuel Macron
"Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people. Democracy in the US must be upheld, and it will be." - Justin Trudeau, Canadian Prime Minister
"Yesterday was a dark day for the United States." - Woody Johnson, US Ambassador to the UK
"Our democratic institutions have been strong for a very long period of time, our democracy will prevail and our institutions will remain strong. Now is the time for our nation to come together as one and to respect the democratic process in the United States." - US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin
Lexus LX700h specs
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Transmission: 10-speed auto
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
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- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
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Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
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.
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.
