With the launch of the Hope probe in 2020, the UAE joined a small set of nations conducting groundbreaking science elsewhere in the solar system. UAE Space Agency
With the launch of the Hope probe in 2020, the UAE joined a small set of nations conducting groundbreaking science elsewhere in the solar system. UAE Space Agency
With the launch of the Hope probe in 2020, the UAE joined a small set of nations conducting groundbreaking science elsewhere in the solar system. UAE Space Agency
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan is UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
December 02, 2021
When the UAE was founded in 1971, no one in the world could have foreseen just how swiftly the nation would evolve and develop into the modern, progressive, successful country it is today.
From the Hope Probe’s successful journey to Mars to the establishment of the world’s first solar-powered city, Masdar, the UAE has taken huge strides to advance innovation, build resilience and support new and more sustainable ways of thinking.
Today the nation celebrates its Golden Jubilee, heralding the beginning of our national strategy for the next 50 years, which will support a new era of sustainable growth with the UAE’s unique competitiveness and globally open economy.
The UAE’s journey of success was by no means easy. It took hard work, focus and dedication. Our nation’s milestones have been the culmination of ambitions led by the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, who laid the foundations for today’s leadership to pave a brighter path towards our country’s safe, secure and sustainable future.
This was evident when the UAE became the first Middle Eastern nation in history to win the bid to host Expo 2020 Dubai. For those living in the UAE, the excitement could be felt across the nation. It was a proud testament to how much the country has grown in five decades. From bidding to winning, the UAE is now witnessing the fruits of its labour, as Expo came to life this October after years in the making.
Our national strategy for the next 50 years, which will support a new era of sustainable growth
Just as the Expo is a microcosm of global progress and diversity, the same can be said for the UAE. Over 9 million people from 200 nationalities call the UAE home, living and working together in one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Such diversity and tolerance are highly valued assets of our communities, enabling everyone to reach their full potential and contribute to a new world of possibilities. The ubiquitous opportunities on offer are palpable in its people, who are living examples of the nation’s success. Their capabilities continue to be essential to the development of our nation.
With this in mind, human rights are extremely important to the UAE. We promote equality, ensuring compliance with our human rights laws while continuing to work on them further, as the nation’s social and legal landscape continues to evolve.
Having always sought to play a positive role on both regional and international levels, the UAE continues to seek enhanced co-operation and conflict resolution through dialogue, diplomacy and constructive engagement. As a nation, we believe in mediation between parties in conflict, while advocating confidence-building measures to develop political processes and security approaches, ensuring durable transitions out of conflict.
Following its election to the UN Security Council under the theme “Stronger United”, the UAE works to bring this approach to life through its actions at home and via diplomacy abroad. On the Security Council, the UAE will be a constructive partner to address some of the critical challenges of our time, such as promoting gender equality, fostering tolerance and countering terrorism and extremism, while prioritising humanitarian relief and sustaining peace.
In 2021, the UAE was elected to the UN Security Council. AP
When it comes to climate change and sustainable development, the UAE has always taken an active approach to building resilience and driving systematic solutions. In November this year, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) announced that the UAE will host the 28th Conference of the Parties (Cop28) in 2023, expected to bring nearly 200 countries together. The UAE is keen to work with all countries in collectively identifying practical, economically beneficial opportunities for combatting climate change with stronger partnerships and innovative outcomes to accelerate coordinated action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC.
Reaching this global stage comes after the UAE’s 15-year programme of climate action, generating innovative outcomes to drive sustainable economic growth. More than a decade ago, the UAE became host of the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) headquarters in Abu Dhabi, and now houses three of the largest and lowest-cost solar plants in the world.
In September 2019, the UAE passed a federal law on climate action, requiring authorities to assess and mitigate climate risks prior to proceeding with projects. More recently, the UAE became the first country in the Mena region – and the first economy in the world founded on petrochemicals – to set out a strategic initiative to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with a $163 billion investment in renewable energy and a three-decade action plan.
In taking a holistic and collaborative approach, the UAE has invested $17bn in renewable energy ventures globally and $400m in soft loans for clean energy projects worldwide.
The UAE further strengthened its commitment to the environment and conservation of species, after Razan Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, was elected as President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
She is the second woman to lead IUCN in its 72-year history and its first president from West Asia, after a majority of the 1,400 IUCN member organisations, representing more than 150 countries, cast their votes in favour of Ms Al Mubarak to be the international union’s 15th president.
Having only touched upon some of the UAE’s achievements, it is fair to say the nation has a history of making history. As we set our sights on even loftier ambitions, the UAE continues to uphold the very principles that have made the nation a world leader in its own right. Here’s to the next 50 years.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Ways to control drones
Countries have been coming up with ways to restrict and monitor the use of non-commercial drones to keep them from trespassing on controlled areas such as airports.
"Drones vary in size and some can be as big as a small city car - so imagine the impact of one hitting an airplane. It's a huge risk, especially when commercial airliners are not designed to make or take sudden evasive manoeuvres like drones can" says Saj Ahmed, chief analyst at London-based StrategicAero Research.
New measures have now been taken to monitor drone activity, Geo-fencing technology is one.
It's a method designed to prevent drones from drifting into banned areas. The technology uses GPS location signals to stop its machines flying close to airports and other restricted zones.
The European commission has recently announced a blueprint to make drone use in low-level airspace safe, secure and environmentally friendly. This process is called “U-Space” – it covers altitudes of up to 150 metres. It is also noteworthy that that UK Civil Aviation Authority recommends drones to be flown at no higher than 400ft. “U-Space” technology will be governed by a system similar to air traffic control management, which will be automated using tools like geo-fencing.
The UAE has drawn serious measures to ensure users register their devices under strict new laws. Authorities have urged that users must obtain approval in advance before flying the drones, non registered drone use in Dubai will result in a fine of up to twenty thousand dirhams under a new resolution approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Mr Ahmad suggest that "Hefty fines running into hundreds of thousands of dollars need to compensate for the cost of airport disruption and flight diversions to lengthy jail spells, confiscation of travel rights and use of drones for a lengthy period" must be enforced in order to reduce airport intrusion.
The Cockroach
(Vintage)
Ian McEwan
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier, in Bangkok
UAE fixtures Mon Nov 20, v China; Tue Nov 21, v Thailand; Thu Nov 23, v Nepal; Fri Nov 24, v Hong Kong; Sun Nov 26, v Malaysia; Mon Nov 27, Final
(The winners will progress to the Global Qualifier)
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.
