With reference to Anna Zacharias's report Abu Dhabi flamingos enjoy record breeding season as nature benefits from Covid-19 restrictions (July 21): this is probably due to the fact that people have not been disturbing the colony since March.
Janet Humphrey, Abu Dhabi
Parents in two minds over schools having pupils wear masks
With reference to Gillian Duncan's report Abu Dhabi pupils to wear masks as authorities set out new school rules (July 21): it is easier to just keep the children at home and homeschool them.
Saif Omar Al Suwaidi, Abu Dhabi
I think secretly parents are hoping online classes will continue. The stress of sending children to formal school as of now is way too high.
Monika Arora Agarwal, Dubai
Teachers will need all the luck trying to get the pupils under 10 to follow social distancing rules and wear masks for the entire day. I cannot picture these poor children playing at 1.5m spacing. I don't see how it can happen.
Aashiq Kumandan, Al Ain
UAE enters the history books for launching Mars probe
With reference to Sarwat Nasir's article UAE joins elite space race nations as Mars probe makes first contact (July 20): this is truly a spectacular feat all the more so given the challenging year it has been for the world. For such a young nation to launch this probe and embark on a 200-day journey to the Red Planet is the result of a great vision. It was wonderful to read about the UAE's leadership complimenting the young engineers and technical people for their contribution to accomplish this in such a short span. It is a historic occasion. It was wonderful to read about the UAE's leadership complimenting the young engineers and technical people for their contribution to accomplish this in such a short span. It is a historic occasion. Kudos to the UAE for making it happen.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India
A day's earnings for Jeff Bezos could help millions
With reference to the report Amazon's Jeff Bezos adds record $13bn to his wealth in one day (July 21): it is amazing to think that his one day's earnings can rescue a small country in these challenging times.
Mirey Kara Dantziguian, Beirut, Lebanon
Kanye West's meltdown is a red flag and should be taken seriously
With reference to the report Presidential run in jeopardy as Kanye West says wife tried 'to lock me up' (July 21): this video is uncomfortable to watch. It is not to be taken lightly. His breakdown evidently shows him suffering from mental health issues. That he's having an episode so publicly is hurtful to watch. Hope he checks in to a hospital and gets the help he needs.
Amina Bashir, London, UK
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.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
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THE 12 BREAKAWAY CLUBS
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
CHELSEA'S NEXT FIVE GAMES
Mar 10: Norwich(A)
Mar 13: Newcastle(H)
Mar 16: Lille(A)
Mar 19: Middlesbrough(A)
Apr 2: Brentford(H)
Turkish Ladies
Various artists, Sony Music Turkey
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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."
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope
Defenders: John Stones, Harry Maguire, Phil Jones, Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Gary Cahill, Ashley Young, Danny Rose, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Midfielders: Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fabian Delph
Forwards: Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck
