The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy has completed enrolment for its first public opening of its Master of Arts programmes.
The academy in Abu Dhabi — formerly the Emirates Diplomatic Academy — announced on Monday that it had concluded admissions for its MA in global affairs and diplomatic leadership and MA in humanitarian action and development.
ADGA said the large number of applications received reflects young Emiratis' interest in acquiring knowledge and skills in diplomatic leadership and international affairs.
Launched in 2017, Magad aims to build students' knowledge of global and regional issues — particularly those relevant to the UAE — while enhancing diplomatic leadership skills.
The Mahad programme — which launched in 2021 in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation — provides participants with practical skills and knowledge of the major theoretical trends shaping the delivery of humanitarian aid and development studies.
"The academy has adopted strategic directions to offer highly competitive programmes designed to enable Emirati youth, as well as current and future diplomats, to possess renowned skills and knowledge that would enable them to serve the higher strategic goals of the UAE's diplomacy and its humanitarian development contributions to the world," said Nickolay Mladenov, director general of AGDA.
"This impressive turnout of Emiratis who applied to join the academy’s distinguished MA programmes enhances AGDA’s position as a prestigious global academic and research centre and reaffirms that diplomacy and human development are essential interests to the Emirati youth.
"We are confident that our future graduates will be able to serve the UAE’s foreign policy mission, which focuses on the approach of peace, tolerance and co-operation."
More than 300 Emiratis have graduated from AGDA’s academic programmes since it opened in 2014, with many joining diplomatic careers and representing the UAE in the international arena.
In February 2021, President Sheikh Mohamed, while Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, renamed the Emirates Diplomatic Academy after Dr Anwar Gargash, in honour of his contributions to the UAE.
It followed Dr Gargash departing his role as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to become diplomatic adviser to the President.
The academy announced plans in May to offer a six-month course aimed at enhancing knowledge and skills to address climate change, ahead of the Cop28 climate conference in Expo City, Dubai, in November 2023.
Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
LAST-16 FIXTURES
Sunday, January 20
3pm: Jordan v Vietnam at Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
6pm: Thailand v China at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: Iran v Oman at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Monday, January 21
3pm: Japan v Saudi Arabia at Sharjah Stadium
6pm: Australia v Uzbekistan at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: UAE v Kyrgyzstan at Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tuesday, January 22
5pm: South Korea v Bahrain at Rashid Stadium, Dubai
8pm: Qatar v Iraq at Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi
The five pillars of Islam
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.
The specs
Engine: 2.5-litre, turbocharged 5-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed auto
Power: 400hp
Torque: 500Nm
Price: Dh300,000 (estimate)
On sale: 2022
What is 'Soft Power'?
Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye.
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength.
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force.
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.
The Travel Diaries of Albert Einstein The Far East, Palestine, and Spain, 1922 – 1923
Editor Ze’ev Rosenkranz
Princeton
