• Overall winner, Ben Thouard, from French Polynesia. A surfer battles with the underwater turbulence created by the ‘heaviest wave in the world’. All photos: photographer / Ocean Photographer of the Year
    Overall winner, Ben Thouard, from French Polynesia. A surfer battles with the underwater turbulence created by the ‘heaviest wave in the world’. All photos: photographer / Ocean Photographer of the Year
  • Third place overall, Brook Peterson, from the US. A cormorant dives through a huge school of baitfish, creating a series of shapes that mimic that of a human face.
    Third place overall, Brook Peterson, from the US. A cormorant dives through a huge school of baitfish, creating a series of shapes that mimic that of a human face.
  • First place, Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year, Tom St George, from Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. A cave diver surveys an underwater cave system, surrounded by gigantic formations that have taken millennia to form.
    First place, Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year, Tom St George, from Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. A cave diver surveys an underwater cave system, surrounded by gigantic formations that have taken millennia to form.
  • Second place, Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year, Franco Banfi, from Dominica. A freediver swims with a matriarchal pod of five sperm whales.
    Second place, Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year, Franco Banfi, from Dominica. A freediver swims with a matriarchal pod of five sperm whales.
  • Third place, Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year, Martin Broen, from Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. A diver moves through an abandoned sinkhole-like cenote, like floating through a haunted forest.
    Third place, Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year, Martin Broen, from Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. A diver moves through an abandoned sinkhole-like cenote, like floating through a haunted forest.
  • First place, Conservation Photographer of the Year (HOPE), Nicolas Remy, from Australia. An aggregation of critically endangered grey nurse sharks off the coast of New South Wales.
    First place, Conservation Photographer of the Year (HOPE), Nicolas Remy, from Australia. An aggregation of critically endangered grey nurse sharks off the coast of New South Wales.
  • Second place, Conservation Photographer of the Year (HOPE), Andreas Schmid, from the Maldives. A pink whipray swims amid schooling bannerfish.
    Second place, Conservation Photographer of the Year (HOPE), Andreas Schmid, from the Maldives. A pink whipray swims amid schooling bannerfish.
  • Third place, Conservation Photographer of the Year (HOPE), Renee Capozzola, from Hawaii. Three green sea turtles gather under the sun in Maui.
    Third place, Conservation Photographer of the Year (HOPE), Renee Capozzola, from Hawaii. Three green sea turtles gather under the sun in Maui.
  • Second place, Conservation Photographer of the Year (IMPACT), Rafael Fernandez Caballero, from Mexico. A dead sperm whale, beached and bloody, its tail showing signs of entanglement.
    Second place, Conservation Photographer of the Year (IMPACT), Rafael Fernandez Caballero, from Mexico. A dead sperm whale, beached and bloody, its tail showing signs of entanglement.
  • Third place, Conservation Photographer of the Year (IMPACT), Dmitry Kokh, from Russia. Polar bears make a ‘home’ of an abandoned station on Kolyuchin Island.
    Third place, Conservation Photographer of the Year (IMPACT), Dmitry Kokh, from Russia. Polar bears make a ‘home’ of an abandoned station on Kolyuchin Island.
  • Winner, Female Fifty Fathoms Award, Brook Pyke, Western Australia. A manta ray cruises above a sandy seabed off Coral Bay.
    Winner, Female Fifty Fathoms Award, Brook Pyke, Western Australia. A manta ray cruises above a sandy seabed off Coral Bay.
  • Winner, Female Fifty Fathoms Award, Brook Pyke, Western Australia. A bloom of bell jellyfish, and a whale shark.
    Winner, Female Fifty Fathoms Award, Brook Pyke, Western Australia. A bloom of bell jellyfish, and a whale shark.
  • Winner, Female Fifty Fathoms Award, Brook Pyke, Western Australia. A whale shark, and company.
    Winner, Female Fifty Fathoms Award, Brook Pyke, Western Australia. A whale shark, and company.
  • Second place, Fine Art Photographer of the Year, Dr Nick More, from Indonesia. A porcelain crab feeds in the current.
    Second place, Fine Art Photographer of the Year, Dr Nick More, from Indonesia. A porcelain crab feeds in the current.
  • Third place, Fine Art Photographer of the Year, Martin Broen, from Mexico. A blue whale and her calf.
    Third place, Fine Art Photographer of the Year, Martin Broen, from Mexico. A blue whale and her calf.
  • First place, Human Connection Award, Steve Woods, from Dominica. A freediver interacts with a sperm whale amid a cloud of Sargassum weed.
    First place, Human Connection Award, Steve Woods, from Dominica. A freediver interacts with a sperm whale amid a cloud of Sargassum weed.
  • Second place, Human Connection Award, Simon Lorenz, from Sri Lanka. A dive guide cuts an Olive Ridley turtle free from plastic debris.
    Second place, Human Connection Award, Simon Lorenz, from Sri Lanka. A dive guide cuts an Olive Ridley turtle free from plastic debris.
  • Third place, Human Connection Award, Radim Klimes, from Australia. A surfer floats atop a calm sea.
    Third place, Human Connection Award, Radim Klimes, from Australia. A surfer floats atop a calm sea.
  • Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. A split-shot of a great white shark.
    Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. A split-shot of a great white shark.
  • Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. An abstract portrait of a small bay squid.
    Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. An abstract portrait of a small bay squid.
  • Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. A White’s seahorse makes a home of an old swimming net.
    Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. A White’s seahorse makes a home of an old swimming net.
  • Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. Anemone fish at home in their colourful anemone.
    Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. Anemone fish at home in their colourful anemone.
  • Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. A male cuttlefish, still displaying its courting colours, is photographed next to the ink of two other males that had been fighting over a female.
    Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. A male cuttlefish, still displaying its courting colours, is photographed next to the ink of two other males that had been fighting over a female.
  • Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. A humpback whale calf visits the surface to breathe.
    Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. A humpback whale calf visits the surface to breathe.
  • Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. A family portrait of Australian sea lions.
    Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. A family portrait of Australian sea lions.
  • Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. Schooling fish gather under a rocky outcrop at sunset.
    Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. Schooling fish gather under a rocky outcrop at sunset.
  • Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. A pregnant leafy sea dragon.
    Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. A pregnant leafy sea dragon.
  • Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. Great white sharks cruise above a swaying seagrass bed.
    Winner, Portfolio, Matty Smith. Great white sharks cruise above a swaying seagrass bed.
  • Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. An HDR panorama stitching of the Dos Pisos cave system in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
    Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. An HDR panorama stitching of the Dos Pisos cave system in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
  • Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. A frog fish “fishes” with its lure in the Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.
    Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. A frog fish “fishes” with its lure in the Lembeh Strait, Indonesia.
  • Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. A whale shark photographed off Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
    Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. A whale shark photographed off Isla Mujeres, Mexico.
  • Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. A swarm of jellyfish around a sunken ship.
    Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. A swarm of jellyfish around a sunken ship.
  • Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. The alien-like textures of the 'Hell Bells' of Cenote Zapote in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
    Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. The alien-like textures of the 'Hell Bells' of Cenote Zapote in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
  • Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. A five-shot horizontal panorama captures the size of the mobula ray aggregation in La Paz, Mexico.
    Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. A five-shot horizontal panorama captures the size of the mobula ray aggregation in La Paz, Mexico.
  • Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. A split-shot showcasing the size of the mobula ray fever passing below a dive boat, Mexico.
    Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. A split-shot showcasing the size of the mobula ray fever passing below a dive boat, Mexico.
  • Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. Tannic acid creates a rainbow effect in an underwater cave system in Mexico.
    Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. Tannic acid creates a rainbow effect in an underwater cave system in Mexico.
  • Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. A diver descends into the 'Blue Abyss' sinkhole, which sits within an underwater cave system.
    Second place, Portfolio, Martin Broen. A diver descends into the 'Blue Abyss' sinkhole, which sits within an underwater cave system.
  • Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A mother and calf dugong pass by the edge of the Ningaloo Reef and enter the lagoon in search of seagrass.
    Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A mother and calf dugong pass by the edge of the Ningaloo Reef and enter the lagoon in search of seagrass.
  • Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A blue spotted lagoon ray feeds in the shallows of Coral Bay during sunset.
    Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A blue spotted lagoon ray feeds in the shallows of Coral Bay during sunset.
  • Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A leopard shark swims through the shallow lagoon of the Ningaloo Reef.
    Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A leopard shark swims through the shallow lagoon of the Ningaloo Reef.
  • Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A southern giant petrel tries to peck at Jake’s camera as pulls the camera downwards from the surface.
    Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A southern giant petrel tries to peck at Jake’s camera as pulls the camera downwards from the surface.
  • Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A whale shark moves through a baitball on the Ningaloo Reef.
    Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A whale shark moves through a baitball on the Ningaloo Reef.
  • Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A school of spangled emperor and other reef fish gather at the surface while a mackerel cloud passes overhead.
    Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A school of spangled emperor and other reef fish gather at the surface while a mackerel cloud passes overhead.
  • Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A tiger shark cruises the sand flats of the Maud’s lagoon just north of Coral Bay.
    Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A tiger shark cruises the sand flats of the Maud’s lagoon just north of Coral Bay.
  • Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A humpback whale rises from the Indian Ocean into the golden glow of a Western Australia sunrise.
    Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A humpback whale rises from the Indian Ocean into the golden glow of a Western Australia sunrise.
  • Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A green sea turtle cruises the abundant coral gardens of the Ningaloo Reef.
    Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A green sea turtle cruises the abundant coral gardens of the Ningaloo Reef.
  • Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A school of yellowtail scad fish surround a manta ray as it cruises the coastline of the Ningaloo Reef.
    Third place, Portfolio, Jake Wilton. A school of yellowtail scad fish surround a manta ray as it cruises the coastline of the Ningaloo Reef.
  • First place, Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Rafael Fernandez Caballero, from Spain. A pod of pilot whales pose for a family portrait.
    First place, Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Rafael Fernandez Caballero, from Spain. A pod of pilot whales pose for a family portrait.
  • Second place, Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Martin Broen, from Mexico. A seemingly giant blue crab feeds in the current.
    Second place, Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Martin Broen, from Mexico. A seemingly giant blue crab feeds in the current.
  • Third place, Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Juan Mizael Palomeque Gonzalez, from Mexico. A manta ray, and beautiful symmetry.
    Third place, Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Juan Mizael Palomeque Gonzalez, from Mexico. A manta ray, and beautiful symmetry.
  • First place, Young Ocean Photographer of the Year, Ryuta Ogawa, from Japan. A green turtle hatchling takes a breath before its first great journey.
    First place, Young Ocean Photographer of the Year, Ryuta Ogawa, from Japan. A green turtle hatchling takes a breath before its first great journey.
  • Second place, Young Ocean Photographer of the Year, Nicolas Hahn, from Mexico. An orca mother and calf play in the open ocean.
    Second place, Young Ocean Photographer of the Year, Nicolas Hahn, from Mexico. An orca mother and calf play in the open ocean.
  • Third place, Young Ocean Photographer of the Year, Julian Jacobs, from the US. A juvenile brown pelican surveys the choppy shallows.
    Third place, Young Ocean Photographer of the Year, Julian Jacobs, from the US. A juvenile brown pelican surveys the choppy shallows.

Culture

Art

Ocean Photographer of the Year 2022: winners' ethereal deep-sea shots revealed

Ben Thouard captured a surfer battling the water in an incredible image that scooped the top prize

Katy Gillett
Katy Gillett

October 07, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

The Ocean Photographer of the Year 2022 winners have zoomed in on the beauty of the seas and the threats the ocean faces.

This year's top prize has gone to Ben Thouard, a photographer who lives in French-Polynesia, who captured a brave, lonely surfer battling against one of the heaviest waves in the world. The wave is known as Teahupo'o, or "place of skulls".

Thouard's entry was chosen from thousands of submissions, but he was unanimously voted winner by the judging panel, which comprised six renowned photographers, including Paul Nicklen, David Doubilet and Cristina Mittermeier.

Scroll through the gallery above to see the winning shots from the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2022 competition

Second place went to Katherine Lu, for her image of a blanket octopus taken on a blackwater night dive in the Philippines.

Katherine Lu's photo of a blanket octopus showing off its beautiful patterns and colours in the Philippines. Photo: Katherine Lu / Ocean Photographer of the Year
Katherine Lu's photo of a blanket octopus showing off its beautiful patterns and colours in the Philippines. Photo: Katherine Lu / Ocean Photographer of the Year

Then came Brook Peterson, from the US, who shot a cormorant diving through a school of fish that had a formation in the shape of a human face.

There were plenty of other winners in other categories, from Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year to the Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean.

Entries were submitted from all over the world, from the Maldives to Sri Lanka and Indonesia, as well as Australia, Mexico and the UK, to name a few.

First place in Conservation Photographer of the Year was Simon Lorenz, who captured an Olive Ridley sea turtle entangled in a mass of ocean debris in Sri Lanka.

First place, Conservation Photographer of the Year (IMPACT), goes to Simon Lorenz, for his photo of an Olive Ridley sea turtle entangled in a mass of ocean debris in Sri Lanka. Photo: Simon Lorenz / Ocean Photographer of the Year
First place, Conservation Photographer of the Year (IMPACT), goes to Simon Lorenz, for his photo of an Olive Ridley sea turtle entangled in a mass of ocean debris in Sri Lanka. Photo: Simon Lorenz / Ocean Photographer of the Year

Lorenz came in second for the Human Connection Award, too, as he also submitted an image of a dive guide cutting the turtle loose.

A particularly striking shot of waves breaking on a misty morning in Scarborough, England, by Michael Spencer, took home Fine Art Photographer of the Year.

First place, Fine Art Photographer of the Year, Michael Spencer. Waves break on a misty morning in Scarborough, England. Photo: Michael Spencer / Ocean Photographer of the Year
First place, Fine Art Photographer of the Year, Michael Spencer. Waves break on a misty morning in Scarborough, England. Photo: Michael Spencer / Ocean Photographer of the Year

Second place in that category went to Dr Nick More, whose photo of a porcelain crab feeding in the currents of Indonesian waters is almost haunting.

Winning works in the competition, which is produced by Oceanographic Magazine, are now being displayed at a free, open-air, month-long exhibition at Tower Bridge in London until November 7.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year: highly commended pictures unveiled — in pictures

  • Polar Frame. Dmitry Kokh / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Polar Frame. Dmitry Kokh / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Dipper Dispute. Heikki Nikki / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Dipper Dispute. Heikki Nikki / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • The Right Look. Richard Robinson / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    The Right Look. Richard Robinson / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • The Octopus Case: Samuel Sloss / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    The Octopus Case: Samuel Sloss / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Burrow Mates. Morgan Heim / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Burrow Mates. Morgan Heim / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • The Snow Stag. Joshua Cox / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    The Snow Stag. Joshua Cox / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Underwater Wonderland. Tiina Tormanen / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Underwater Wonderland. Tiina Tormanen / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • The Disappearing Giraffe. Jose Fragozo / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    The Disappearing Giraffe. Jose Fragozo / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Life and Death in Fur Farming. Jo-Anne McArthur / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Life and Death in Fur Farming. Jo-Anne McArthur / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Treefrog Pool Party. Brandon Guell / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Treefrog Pool Party. Brandon Guell / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Sloth Dilemma. Suzi Eszterhas / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Sloth Dilemma. Suzi Eszterhas / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Wanted! Britta Jaschinski / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Wanted! Britta Jaschinski / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • Just One Day's Catch. Srikanth Mannepuri / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    Just One Day's Catch. Srikanth Mannepuri / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
  • The Lost Floods. Jasper Doest / Wildlife Photographer of the Year
    The Lost Floods. Jasper Doest / Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Tales of Yusuf Tadros

Adel Esmat (translated by Mandy McClure)

Hoopoe

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EImelda%20Staunton%2C%20Jonathan%20Pryce%2C%20Lesley%20Manville%2C%20Jonny%20Lee%20Miller%2C%20Dominic%20West%2C%20Elizabeth%20Debicki%2C%20Salim%20Daw%20and%20Khalid%20Abdalla%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWritten%20by%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPeter%20Morgan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%20stars%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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

COMPANY PROFILE

Founders: Sebastian Stefan, Sebastian Morar and Claudia Pacurar

Based: Dubai, UAE

Founded: 2014

Number of employees: 36

Sector: Logistics

Raised: $2.5 million

Investors: DP World, Prime Venture Partners and family offices in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

RESULT

Aston Villa 1
Samatta (41')
Manchester City 2
Aguero (20')
Rodri (30')

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Tamkeen's offering
  • Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
  • Option 2: 50% across three years
  • Option 3: 30% across five years 
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.

Juliet, Naked
Dir: Jesse Peretz
Starring: Chris O'Dowd, Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​Two stars

More on animal trafficking
US versus China
Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

About Housecall

Date started: July 2020

Founders: Omar and Humaid Alzaabi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: HealthTech

# of staff: 10

Funding to date: Self-funded

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.

More on Quran memorisation:
Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters

The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.

 Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.

A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.

The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.

The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.

Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.

Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment

But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

WOMAN AND CHILD

Director: Saeed Roustaee

Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi

Rating: 4/5

Results

57kg quarter-finals

Zakaria Eljamari (UAE) beat Hamed Al Matari (YEM) by points 3-0.

60kg quarter-finals

Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) beat Hyan Aljmyah (SYR) RSC round 2.

63.5kg quarter-finals

Nouredine Samir (UAE) beat Shamlan A Othman (KUW) by points 3-0.

67kg quarter-finals

Mohammed Mardi (UAE) beat Ahmad Ondash (LBN) by points 2-1.

71kg quarter-finals

Ahmad Bahman (UAE) defeated Lalthasanga Lelhchhun (IND) by points 3-0.

Amine El Moatassime (UAE) beat Seyed Kaveh Safakhaneh (IRI) by points 3-0.

81kg quarter-finals

Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Ahmad Hilal (PLE) by points 3-0

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre turbo

Power: 181hp

Torque: 230Nm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Starting price: Dh79,000

On sale: Now

Five famous companies founded by teens

There are numerous success stories of teen businesses that were created in college dorm rooms and other modest circumstances. Below are some of the most recognisable names in the industry:

  1. Facebook: Mark Zuckerberg and his friends started Facebook when he was a 19-year-old Harvard undergraduate. 
  2. Dell: When Michael Dell was an undergraduate student at Texas University in 1984, he started upgrading computers for profit. He starting working full-time on his business when he was 19. Eventually, his company became the Dell Computer Corporation and then Dell Inc. 
  3. Subway: Fred DeLuca opened the first Subway restaurant when he was 17. In 1965, Mr DeLuca needed extra money for college, so he decided to open his own business. Peter Buck, a family friend, lent him $1,000 and together, they opened Pete’s Super Submarines. A few years later, the company was rebranded and called Subway. 
  4. Mashable: In 2005, Pete Cashmore created Mashable in Scotland when he was a teenager. The site was then a technology blog. Over the next few decades, Mr Cashmore has turned Mashable into a global media company.
  5. Oculus VR: Palmer Luckey founded Oculus VR in June 2012, when he was 19. In August that year, Oculus launched its Kickstarter campaign and raised more than $1 million in three days. Facebook bought Oculus for $2 billion two years later.
THE BIO: Mohammed Ashiq Ali

Proudest achievement: “I came to a new country and started this shop”

Favourite TV programme: the news

Favourite place in Dubai: Al Fahidi. “They started the metro in 2009 and I didn’t take it yet.”

Family: six sons in Dubai and a daughter in Faisalabad

 

Race card:

6.30pm: Maiden; Dh165,000; 2,000m

7.05pm: Handicap; Dh165,000; 2,200m

7.40pm: Conditions; Dh240,000; 1,600m

8.15pm: Handicap; Dh190,000; 2,000m

8.50pm: The Garhoud Sprint Listed; Dh265,000; 1,200m

9.25pm: Handicap; Dh170,000; 1,600m

10pm: Handicap; Dh190,000; 1,400m

BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP

Group A

Paraguay
Japan
Switzerland
USA

Group B

Uruguay
Mexico
Italy
Tahiti

Group C

Belarus
UAE
Senegal
Russia

Group D

Brazil
Oman
Portugal
Nigeria

Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.

A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.

Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.

A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.

On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.

The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.

Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.

The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later. 

While you're here
No more lice

Defining head lice

Pediculus humanus capitis are tiny wingless insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The adult head louse is up to 3mm long, has six legs, and is tan to greyish-white in colour. The female lives up to four weeks and, once mature, can lay up to 10 eggs per day. These tiny nits firmly attach to the base of the hair shaft, get incubated by body heat and hatch in eight days or so.

Identifying lice

Lice can be identified by itching or a tickling sensation of something moving within the hair. One can confirm that a person has lice by looking closely through the hair and scalp for nits, nymphs or lice. Head lice are most frequently located behind the ears and near the neckline.

Treating lice at home

Head lice must be treated as soon as they are spotted. Start by checking everyone in the family for them, then follow these steps. Remove and wash all clothing and bedding with hot water. Apply medicine according to the label instructions. If some live lice are still found eight to 12 hours after treatment, but are moving more slowly than before, do not re-treat. Comb dead and remaining live lice out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb.
After the initial treatment, check for, comb and remove nits and lice from hair every two to three days. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay.

Courtesy Dr Vishal Rajmal Mehta, specialist paediatrics, RAK Hospital

The specs: 2017 Maserati Quattroporte

Price, base / as tested Dh389,000 / Dh559,000

Engine 3.0L twin-turbo V8

Transmission Eight-speed automatic

Power 530hp @ 6,800rpm

Torque 650Nm @ 2,000 rpm

Fuel economy, combined 10.7L / 100km

Bio:

Favourite Quote: Prophet Mohammad's quotes There is reward for kindness to every living thing and A good man treats women with honour

Favourite Hobby: Serving poor people 

Favourite Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite food: Fish and vegetables

Favourite place to visit: London

While you're here ...

Damien McElroy: What happens to Brexit?

Con Coughlin: Could the virus break the EU?

Andrea Matteo Fontana: Europe to emerge stronger

Know your Camel lingo

The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home

Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless

Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers

Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s

Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival

The nine articles of the 50-Year Charter

1. Dubai silk road

2.  A geo-economic map for Dubai

3. First virtual commercial city

4. A central education file for every citizen

5. A doctor to every citizen

6. Free economic and creative zones in universities

7. Self-sufficiency in Dubai homes

8. Co-operative companies in various sectors

­9: Annual growth in philanthropy

Trolls World Tour

Directed by: Walt Dohrn, David Smith

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake

Rating: 4 stars

Results:

Women:

1. Rhiannan Iffland (AUS) 322.95 points
2. Lysanne Richard (CAN) 285.75
3. Ellie Smart (USA) 277.70

Men:

1. Gary Hunt (GBR) 431.55
2. Constantin Popovici (ROU) 424.65
3. Oleksiy Prygorov (UKR) 392.30

COMPANY PROFILE

● Company: Bidzi

● Started: 2024

● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid

● Based: Dubai, UAE

● Industry: M&A

● Funding size: Bootstrapped

● No of employees: Nine

Updated: October 07, 2022, 11:04 AM
PhotographyOceansArt