Donald Trump will speak remotely at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week, only days after his inauguration as US president.
The 47th president will address the gathering of world leaders and decision-makers on Thursday, January 23.
WEF president Borge Brende said other senior members of the incoming US administration have expressed an interest to attend in person, without naming them.
Mr Brende told an online news conference that the WEF's 55th meeting in Davos, Switzerland came "against the most complicated geopolitical backdrop in generations".
Asked whether the world's richest man Elon Musk was expected to attend, Mr Brende said he was welcome but was not scheduled to appear.
More than 60 heads of state and government will attend the event, held on January 20-24 in the Swiss Alps.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Argentina's President Javier Milei, who delivered a fiery speech last year, are among the world leaders attending in person. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will give a virtual address and take questions.
Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani will be in Davos and is due to speak about the future of his country after the downfall of former president Bashar Al Assad.
The five pillars of Islam
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
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.