Zabeen Mirza is candid about the fact that every time she was pregnant, she had a horrible experience at work. "When I was six months pregnant with my first child, my company sacked me because they didn't want to pay maternity leave," she says. "When I was pregnant with my second, I got sick a lot and couldn't find an employer that allowed me to work flexibly.
“When I had my third child in July 2020, I was given an eight-week maternity leave. When I came back, I was immediately let go,” she says. All three experiences took place in different countries, which to her, sent a powerful message: “The bias against mothers is universal.”
The former Wall Street banker, management consultant and professional negotiator, who lived in the UAE for a time, decided to channel her bad experiences into a good cause, with the launch of Jobs.mom – an online platform that connects mums with supportive employers.
The website launched in the US this month, with contributions from working mothers, advice from experts, a "hire a mom" section, where employers can look for talent and mothers can post their professional profile, and a no-holds-barred podcast. Topics discussed include how to shut down discriminatory questions during interviews, overcoming the gap bias and getting paid what you deserve.
“We are going to have a jobs board where women can share insight and feedback on companies that are doing right by women and those that are not. It’s also about holding companies accountable.”
Jobs.mom has already seen thousands sign up for its newsletter – indicating the demand for such a service. A UAE branch will launch towards the end of Ramadan, and a UK version shortly after that.
Mirza’s aim is simple. “My mission is to get mothers who want to work back to work. We want to connect you to employers who do more than just put up nice slogans saying they believe in women on Mother’s Day. We are showcasing companies that are really practising what they are preaching.”
This includes companies that have returnship programmes for mums, those that offer mental health support, maternity and paternity leave, lactation services and other parent-friendly initiatives.
Getting back to the workplace after childbirth
Numerous surveys over the years have indicated that mothers work faster, multitask better and lead with empathy. Despite this, many are forced to choose between their children and their careers, and ultimately end up quitting the latter. The situation has deteriorated owing to the pandemic. According to McKinsey's Women in the Workplace 2020 study, one in three mothers in the US has considered leaving the workforce or downshifting their careers because of Covid-19, with mums more than three times as likely as fathers to be responsible for most of the housework and caregiving, and 1.5 times more likely to spend an additional three or more hours a day on this.
“Thousands of women around the world have been furloughed or lost their jobs because they weren’t able to balance their work with childcare,” says Mirza. “Women have always had to carry that extra workload, but Covid has revealed its extent.”
Louise Karim, managing director of Women@Work, a careers platform in the UAE, points out a silver lining. "The pandemic has made businesses rethink flexible working. I know companies that did not entertain it earlier and now realise that it not only works, but employees are also more productive. Even now, with people increasingly rejoining offices, there are systems in place for them to have hybrid work environments," says Karim.
Mirza also hopes that flexible work environments are here to stay. "That being said, human memory is short and we are seeing companies make the push to bring people back. I understand that there's a place and reason for that but, barring certain industries, it's not the right way to go."
Flexible workplaces and returnships
Abier Kadom, manager of culture and engagement for Apco Worldwide’s Dubai office, and a single mother herself, is an advocate for the benefits of flexible workplaces, too. “When you offer employees empathy and grace, they’re going to be more productive, creative and engaged, and this will lead to a greater output and profits.”
The communications consultancy offers benefits such as 60-day maternity leave, a nursing room in the office, hybrid work options, bring-your-children-to-work days and Mother's Day initiatives every year.
"We have an internship programme and, a lot of the time, we hire mothers coming back to the workplace after a break. It's about helping them get those skills and confidence back. I would advise mums to start small and then go back full-time. And I encourage other companies to start something similar; it's a great way to get talent that isn't being tapped into," she says.
Returnships are a similar option. Women@Work, was among the first to launch such programmes in the UAE, by introducing mothers to companies for 12-week-long work periods. “It’s like an internship, but for an experienced hire. And businesses can see right away if you’re a fit for the company,” says Karim.
Women@Work has collaborated with companies such as EY Visa, AXA Insurance and Dubai Business Women's Council as its training partners. It also helps women find work through recruitment services. Since the 2014 launch, Karim says her team have helped more than 1,000 women.
She says returning to work after a break isn't easier in any particular industry. It also depends on how long the break is, with one year being a lot easier than five or more years. For those looking to get back in the game, Karim says: "Make sure you are relevant and up to speed in your industry. Read relevant publications, publish content on social media that will get you seen, and network. If you're having trouble finding an opportunity, offer to do pro bono work, volunteer and build that confidence."
Consider a career shift
However, it cannot be discounted that not all women will be willing or able to get back to the grind after childbirth. For them, Karim recommends freelance or park-time work.
“You have to ask yourself if you can realistically revisit your old career. If it involves a lot of travel or is very demanding, is that what you want?”
Switching careers, while daunting, is another option. Dubai interior designer Anam Clarke says: “My elder sister is intelligent as can be, and used to head an entire floor of people in finance. But after having children, she struggled to find even an entry-level position in her field. And almost all her [mum] friends were having a similar problem. She had to retrain. And that requires you to take a block out of your life – which is easy if you’re young, but not so much if you’re a mother.”
This was the inspiration behind the launch of Clarke’s The Designers’ Studio, which provides career-focused education in interior design, with courses accredited by UK and UAE institutions such as the CPD Certification service and KHDA.
Its certificate courses can be completed in four weeks, with participants attending once a week (on Saturdays or Sundays with convenient timings for mothers and working professionals who have to pick up and drop off schoolchildren) and its diplomas take roughly a year, after completing seven courses. It also helps students to find internships and jobs.
Clarke says 85 per cent of the studio’s students are women, of whom 70 per cent are mothers.
Following its success in Dubai, Clarke started to get queries for a similar course in other emirates, which led The Designers’ Studio to launch beginner’s courses in Abu Dhabi last month.
“One of the draws of a career in art and design is that there are so many fields within it, from residential to gardens. Meanwhile, once you get your foot in the door, you can take on smaller projects or take a break between projects.”
Ultimately, Clarke encourages mums to think about what they want long-term.
“Industries are picking up, projects that have been put on the shelf during 2020 are now restarting. The economy is reviving, so it’s a good time to focus on what you want to do for the rest of your life.”
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
More on Quran memorisation:
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
PRISCILLA
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RESULTS
6.30pm UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (TB) US$100,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner Final Song, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer).
7.05pm Handicap (TB) $135,000 (Turf) 1,000m
Winner Almanaara, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson.
7.40pm Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Grand Argentier, Brett Doyle, Doug Watson.
8.15pm Meydan Challenge Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,400m
Winner Major Partnership, Patrick Cosgrave, Saeed bin Suroor.
8.50pm Dubai Stakes Group 3 (TB) $200,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Gladiator King, Mickael Barzalona, Satish Seemar.
9.25pm Dubai Racing Club Classic Listed Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 2,410m
Winner Universal Order, Richard Mullen, David Simcock.
Read more about the coronavirus
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
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Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Bib%20Gourmand%20restaurants
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Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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China
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UAE
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Japan
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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WWE Super ShowDown results
Seth Rollins beat Baron Corbin to retain his WWE Universal title
Finn Balor defeated Andrade to stay WWE Intercontinental Championship
Shane McMahon defeated Roman Reigns
Lars Sullivan won by disqualification against Lucha House Party
Randy Orton beats Triple H
Braun Strowman beats Bobby Lashley
Kofi Kingston wins against Dolph Zigggler to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Mansoor Al Shehail won the 50-man Battle Royal
The Undertaker beat Goldberg
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
PROFILE
Name: Enhance Fitness
Year started: 2018
Based: UAE
Employees: 200
Amount raised: $3m
Investors: Global Ventures and angel investors
Results
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Dirt) 1,600m; Winner: RB Kings Bay, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 70,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: AF Ensito, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash
8pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,400m; Winner: AF Sourouh, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
8.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m; Winner: Baaher, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
9pm: Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Mootahady, Antonio Fresu, Eric Lemartinel
9.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Dubai Canal, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
10pm: Al Ain Cup – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Harrab, Bernardo Pinheiro, Majed Al Jahouri
The smuggler
Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
Officers found 41 gold artefacts among the bags, including amulets from a funerary set which prepared the deceased for the afterlife.
Also found was a cartouche of a Ptolemaic king on a relief that was originally part of a royal building or temple.
The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.
Khouli conviction
Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.
For sale
A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
Their provenance is described in near identical terms as the British Museum shabti: bought from Salahaddin Sirmali, "authenticated and appraised" by Hossen Rashed, then imported to the US in 1948.
- An Egyptian Mummy mask dating from 700BC-30BC, is on offer for £11,807 ($15,275) online by a seller in Mexico
- A coffin lid dating back to 664BC-332BC was offered for sale by a Colorado-based art dealer, with a starting price of $65,000
- A shabti that was on sale through a Chicago-based coin dealer, dating from 1567BC-1085BC, is up for $1,950
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: nine-speed
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh848,000
On sale: now
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
Name: Peter Dicce
Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics
Favourite sport: soccer
Favourite team: Bayern Munich
Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer
Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates
'Cheb%20Khaled'
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 178hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 1,350-4,200rpm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: from Dh209,000
On sale: now
The biog
Hometown: Birchgrove, Sydney Australia
Age: 59
Favourite TV series: Outlander Netflix series
Favourite place in the UAE: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque / desert / Louvre Abu Dhabi
Favourite book: Father of our Nation: Collected Quotes of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Thing you will miss most about the UAE: My friends and family, Formula 1, having Friday's off, desert adventures, and Arabic culture and people
Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.