New mini SUVs have been piling into the Middle East over the last few months, and the latest to join the fray is the Chevrolet Groove.
Set for an official launch in the region later in 2021, the vehicle is being styled as a fun crossover for younger drivers. The Groove offers a little more space inside than your average compact offering (though considerably less than its siblings the Tahoe and Captiva, of course).
And, while there is no clue as to the new arrival’s off-road capabilities, it has been given some distinctly snazzy lines to make it look the part.
The horizontal three-line grille, emblazoned with the Chevrolet bowtie logo, is flanked by ultra-thin headlamps, which the manufacturer says emphasises the “sporty and aggressive personality” of the crossover. The Groove also comes with a semi-panoramic sunroof.
We’re told there will be a reasonable selection of driver aids as well, with reverse camera and sensors coming as standard, likewise stability and traction control.
Power-wise, the Groove will be fitted with a 1.5-litre engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission to ensure a smooth ride.
Details about the interior are scant at the moment, but the Groove apparently offers an eight-inch touchscreen that has been loaded with Chevrolet’s standard (but very serviceable) infotainment system.
The manufacturer is suitably upbeat about its new offering.
"The Chevrolet Groove is a fun, sporty crossover, delivering on the performance, design and reliability that Chevrolet's customers have come to expect," said Kelly MacDonald, chief marketing officer for General Motors Africa and Middle East.
No word on pricing yet, but the Groove will be in Middle East showrooms at the tail end of 2021.
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
