President Sheikh Mohamed has congratulated Mohammed Shia Al Sudani on his taking office as Iraq’s prime minister.
Sheikh Mohamed wished the Iraqi prime minister success in his new role during a phone call on Saturday, and reiterated the UAE's support for anything that brings about peace and stability in the country and satisfies its citizens' desire for development and prosperity.
Mr Al Sudani thanked the president and wished him continuing good health, progress, and prosperity for the UAE.
Mr Al Sudani’s government was sworn in on October 27.
The Iraqi administration must deal with economic, security and environmental issues amid bitter political divisions that delayed the formation of a new government for more than a year after the 2021 general election.
During the political deadlock Iraq teetered on the verge of collapse.
The stalemate over the formation of a new government that followed October's elections was the longest in Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.
It turned bloody when clashes broke out earlier this year between Shiite militias in Baghdad's Green Zone, the heart of government that contains the parliament and foreign embassies. Dozens of people were killed or wounded.
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
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.
Singham Again
Director: Rohit Shetty
Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone
Rating: 3/5
