For the better part of the 20th century, international diplomacy danced to the tune of superpowers. A seismic shift occurred in the early 1990s as the US became the solitary global leader. Today, as the world grapples with unprecedented challenges that demand collective efforts, the established norms of international relations are undergoing yet another transformation.
The transition from a unipolar or bipolar world to a multipolar one has thrust middle powers into a pivotal role. In an era where the solutions to global challenges demand collective action, middle powers bring their diplomatic finesse and adaptability to the fore. They can leverage their cultural and economic sway as vital bridges to champion values, promote financial stability, and ensure regional peace.
The simultaneous inclusion of six new members, including former rivals and competitors such as Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, into the Brics grouping brings substantial value to the ongoing endeavours of advancing economic diplomacy and political reconciliation in a rapidly changing global landscape.
The UAE sees its Brics membership as diversifying its partnerships and markets while preserving its traditional relations with Europe and the US
The UAE stands at a juncture as it joins Brics. Beyond economic motives, this move signifies the UAE's ambition to amplify its geopolitical sway, encourage multilateral co-operation, and adapt to a multipolar world.
The UAE can solidify its position as a global trade and logistics hub by aligning with the Brics economies. A testament to this potential is the thriving UAE-India bilateral trade, projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, spurred by their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. China has also become the country's largest non-oil trading partner. Trade between the UAE and Brazil has also increased by a whopping 32 per cent between 2021 and 2022 and surged a further 8 per cent in the first seven months of 2023. Diversification is critical if the country is to achieve its ambition of doubling its gross domestic product by 2030, continuing to reduce its dependency on oil and fostering a knowledge-based economy.
At a time when global confrontation is on the rise, Abu Dhabi sees a long-term investment in co-operation as the best way forward. Joining Brics elevates the UAE's geopolitical clout and the Emirates recognises the importance of consolidating its relations with diverse actors such as the US, China, India, Russia and the EU. From the passage of the landmark resolution addressing hate speech and extremism to the renewal of crucial UN peacekeeping mandates during its second presidency of the Security Council, the UAE has shown that it can be a strong voice for multilateralism.
The UAE's accession to Brics offers more than just economic growth or political clout; it is an opportunity to attract talent and investment through strategic partnerships. Indian IT companies already leverage the UAE as a hub to tap into nearby regional markets. More than 200 Indian companies participated in Gitex Global 2022, the world's biggest technology event. Education partnerships with Brazilian universities can contribute to the UAE's innovation landscape. In 2022, Mubadala invested in two medical universities in Brazil with about 2,000 students.
As a significant oil producer, the UAE stands to find common ground with Brics nations in energy collaboration, renewable energy, energy security and sustainable development. For instance, the UAE and India are close to a renewable energy interconnection agreement. Both countries have agreed to expand bilateral co-operation towards accelerated climate action, including public-private partnership across renewable power deployment, agriculture efficiency, green hydrogen and carbon market development.
The UAE's membership in Brics symbolises its strategic vision of diversification in a world reshaped by the dynamic interplay of multiple powers. Abu Dhabi does not see its accession to Brics as joining a bloc. On the contrary, it sees it as diversifying its partnerships and markets while preserving its traditional relations with Europe and the US. Brics membership empowers the UAE to bolster its multi-alignment strategy by fostering the diplomatic ties that it has with the US through initiatives such as I2U2 (Israel, India, the UAE and the US) and with China through the Brics grouping. The UAE's diplomatic agility, robust economic partnerships and commitment to multilateralism are a beacon of hope amid turbulent times. As the country looks to host Cop28 and the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation, the UAE's contributions to Brics discussions on climate action, counterterrorism and sustainable development could prove invaluable.
In the intricate tapestry of international relations, middle powers are emerging as the linchpins of co-operation, wielding their influence to build bridges, foster peace and drive progress. The UAE's journey towards Brics membership reflects its determination to shape a brighter global future in a world yearning for collaboration.
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.
Off-roading in the UAE: How to checklist
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The%20specs
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SERIE A FIXTURES
Friday Sassuolo v Torino (Kick-off 10.45pm UAE)
Saturday Atalanta v Sampdoria (5pm),
Genoa v Inter Milan (8pm),
Lazio v Bologna (10.45pm)
Sunday Cagliari v Crotone (3.30pm)
Benevento v Napoli (6pm)
Parma v Spezia (6pm)
Fiorentina v Udinese (9pm)
Juventus v Hellas Verona (11.45pm)
Monday AC Milan v AS Roma (11.45pm)
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
Email sent to Uber team from chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi
From: Dara
To: Team@
Date: March 25, 2019 at 11:45pm PT
Subj: Accelerating in the Middle East
Five years ago, Uber launched in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey, with millions of riders and drivers finding new ways to move and work in a dynamic region that’s become so important to Uber. Now Pakistan is one of our fastest-growing markets in the world, women are driving with Uber across Saudi Arabia, and we chose Cairo to launch our first Uber Bus product late last year.
Today we are taking the next step in this journey—well, it’s more like a leap, and a big one: in a few minutes, we’ll announce that we’ve agreed to acquire Careem. Importantly, we intend to operate Careem independently, under the leadership of co-founder and current CEO Mudassir Sheikha. I’ve gotten to know both co-founders, Mudassir and Magnus Olsson, and what they have built is truly extraordinary. They are first-class entrepreneurs who share our platform vision and, like us, have launched a wide range of products—from digital payments to food delivery—to serve consumers.
I expect many of you will ask how we arrived at this structure, meaning allowing Careem to maintain an independent brand and operate separately. After careful consideration, we decided that this framework has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands, with strong operators within each. Over time, by integrating parts of our networks, we can operate more efficiently, achieve even lower wait times, expand new products like high-capacity vehicles and payments, and quicken the already remarkable pace of innovation in the region.
This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in various countries, which we don’t expect before Q1 2020. Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close. Today’s news is a testament to the incredible business our team has worked so hard to build.
It’s a great day for the Middle East, for the region’s thriving tech sector, for Careem, and for Uber.
Uber on,
Dara
Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi
Director: Kangana Ranaut, Krish Jagarlamudi
Producer: Zee Studios, Kamal Jain
Cast: Kangana Ranaut, Ankita Lokhande, Danny Denzongpa, Atul Kulkarni
Rating: 2.5/5
Other ways to buy used products in the UAE
UAE insurance firm Al Wathba National Insurance Company (AWNIC) last year launched an e-commerce website with a facility enabling users to buy car wrecks.
Bidders and potential buyers register on the online salvage car auction portal to view vehicles, review condition reports, or arrange physical surveys, and then start bidding for motors they plan to restore or harvest for parts.
Physical salvage car auctions are a common method for insurers around the world to move on heavily damaged vehicles, but AWNIC is one of the few UAE insurers to offer such services online.
For cars and less sizeable items such as bicycles and furniture, Dubizzle is arguably the best-known marketplace for pre-loved.
Founded in 2005, in recent years it has been joined by a plethora of Facebook community pages for shifting used goods, including Abu Dhabi Marketplace, Flea Market UAE and Arabian Ranches Souq Market while sites such as The Luxury Closet and Riot deal largely in second-hand fashion.
At the high-end of the pre-used spectrum, resellers such as Timepiece360.ae, WatchBox Middle East and Watches Market Dubai deal in authenticated second-hand luxury timepieces from brands such as Rolex, Hublot and Tag Heuer, with a warranty.
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
