Keep things soft with delicate florals and nature-inspired motifs.
1 Sofa so good
The Laurent sofa from Oficina Inglesa is a play in contrasts – a creamy-white backdrop is offset with pops of green, while the modern-looking patterns are coupled with ultra-classic styling, in the form of decorative buttons and bulbous wooden legs.
• Laurent sofa, price on request, www.oficinainglesa.com
2 Landscape in portrait
This dreamy watercolour painting by Mari Urasawa captures the sky and clouds in washes of pink, green, violet and grey. The painting is reproduced in a giclée print, which is signed by the artist and available with a matte-white pine frame.
• Hazy Spring print, Dh2,299, Crate & Barrel, Mirdif City Centre and Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
3 Pretty pinks
Draped in delicate hanging blooms, this cushion from Zara Home is the picture of prettiness. Use it to add a touch of softness to your sofa.
• Cushion, Dh155, Zara Home stores across the UAE
4 Pile them high
A subtle floral design is set against a duck-egg-blue background in this piece from The Rug Seller. With a pile height of 12.5 millimetres, the rug is made from 100 per cent heat-set polypropylene, which is soft to the touch, durable and stain-resistant.
• XI07 rug, Dh437, www.therugseller.co.uk
5 Saucer beauty
The stark simplicity of this saucer by Astiers de Villatte, which features a single flower in its centre, will make it a charming addition to your dinner set.
• Astier de Villatte saucer, Dh270, Comptoir 102, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
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.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Arabian Gulf Cup FINAL
Al Nasr 2
(Negredo 1, Tozo 50)
Shabab Al Ahli 1
(Jaber 13)
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