The benefits of allowing young people to work go deeper than economics. Getty
The benefits of allowing young people to work go deeper than economics. Getty
The benefits of allowing young people to work go deeper than economics. Getty
The benefits of allowing young people to work go deeper than economics. Getty


UAE teenagers, get a part-time job


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February 08, 2022

Young people find a good home in the UAE. The country has some of the Gulf’s best schools and universities and its own Minister of State for Youth, Shamma Al Mazrui. Now, as part of a series of major labour reforms, over-15s can go one step further and, for the first time in the country’s history, take a part-time job.

On a practical level, the reform has plenty of economic benefits: Young people can start earning and be exposed to workplaces earlier, preparing them for full-time employment down the line. For their part, employers will have access to an energetic, flexible labour force that can work in peak seasons at less cost than full-time, older workers. Young employees are expected to be particularly beneficial to the hospitality sector, given the fact they will often be working during the evening. This part of the economy was particularly hard hit by the pandemic, so it will welcome any help.

Speaking to The National, Tapan Vaidya, chief executive of Papa John’s Pizza in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, confirmed as much: “This is a real boon for our industry. I used to wait on tables as a teen myself and that is what made me fall in love with the restaurant business.”

Like Mr Vaidya, some of the UAE’s new young workers may find their vocation early on. But not everyone will “fall in love” with their first job, nor will the majority make a great deal of money out of it.

  • Under the UAE's amended laws, many private sector workers on permanent contracts will find themselves moved to rolling fixed-term contracts. Stephen Lock / The National
    Under the UAE's amended laws, many private sector workers on permanent contracts will find themselves moved to rolling fixed-term contracts. Stephen Lock / The National
  • Lawyer Mohamed Rouchdi said job-sharing could benefit mothers returning to the workplace and students looking to make some cash. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Lawyer Mohamed Rouchdi said job-sharing could benefit mothers returning to the workplace and students looking to make some cash. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • A person who loses or leaves their job will now have 180 days, instead of 30 days, to find new work. The move will reduce the pressure to leave the country in the event of a job loss. Nicole Hill / The National
    A person who loses or leaves their job will now have 180 days, instead of 30 days, to find new work. The move will reduce the pressure to leave the country in the event of a job loss. Nicole Hill / The National
  • The Gate Building at Dubai International Financial Centre. Employees in the free zone and at Abu Dhabi Global Markets are not affected by the changes. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The Gate Building at Dubai International Financial Centre. Employees in the free zone and at Abu Dhabi Global Markets are not affected by the changes. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Government sector workers are also not affected by the changes. Ali Haider / EPA
    Government sector workers are also not affected by the changes. Ali Haider / EPA

That is part of the point. The most profound benefits go far deeper and will be applicable to all. The exposure a young employee gets is to more than just a profession. It is to the entire experience and reality of working life, with all the opportunities and challenges it brings. The hope is that, even if a first job does not reveal a vocation, the first payslip, group of colleagues, appraisal or office party will be quite enough to make the experience educational. For many people, their first job is among the most memorable of their lives, if not the most.

The move will also give UAE teenagers the opportunity to become part of a dwindling group of young people in the developed world with this valuable experience. In 2019, rates of teen employment in the US fell by almost 20 per cent on levels in 2000. This is thought to be down to a number of factors, including children spending more time on schoolwork. While education must remain the priority, part-time, flexible work complements the development of young people, giving them a supplementary education in money-management, negotiation and self-confidence, to name just a few benefits.

Today, work for over-15s also comes with the timely benefit of bringing young people back into physical spaces after the pandemic confined them to a world of virtual education and socialising.

Overall, the change fits into the goals of wider labour reforms: to adapt the world of work to modern trends, with a focus on empowering and encouraging individual talent across all sectors, particularly in future-focussed ones. As the UAE economy continues to grow and adapt, preparing the next generation of workers is both vital and exciting.

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Who has won major titles since Wimbledon 2003 when Roger Federer won his first grand slam

Roger Federer 19 (8 Wimbledon, 5 Australian Open, 5 US Open, 1 French Open)

Rafael Nadal 16 (10 French Open, 3 US Open, 2 Wimbledon, 1 Australian Open)

Novak Djokovic 12 (6 Australian Open, 3 Wimbledon, 2 US Open, 1 French Open)

Andy Murray 3 (2 Wimbledon, 1 US Open)

Stan Wawrinka 3 (1 Australian Open, 1 French Open, 1 US Open)

Andy Roddick 1 (1 US Open) 

Gaston Gaudio 1 (1 French Open)

Marat Safin 1 (1 Australian Open)

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The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

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Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

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Director: James Cameron

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UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

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The specs

BMW M8 Competition Coupe

Engine 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8

Power 625hp at 6,000rpm

Torque 750Nm from 1,800-5,800rpm

Gearbox Eight-speed paddleshift auto

Acceleration 0-100kph in 3.2 sec

Top speed 305kph

Fuel economy, combined 10.6L / 100km

Price from Dh700,000 (estimate)

On sale Jan/Feb 2020
 

W.
Wael Kfoury
(Rotana)

Updated: February 08, 2022, 3:24 AM