Another celebrity was fined in Dubai for flouting Covid-19 safety regulations and throwing a party.
On Thursday, police said the Arab woman was fined Dh10,000 for organising a house party and inviting many guests, including social media influencers.
Videos of the party surfaced online, leading police to summon the woman in for questioning.
The video showed guests not wearing face masks or adhering to physical distancing rules that require people to maintain a two-metre distance from each other.
Brig Jamal Al Jallaf, director of criminal investigations at Dubai Police, said each identified guest will also be summoned to a police station to receive a Dh5,000 fine.
It was the second time an Arab celebrity was penalised after being caught hosting a crowded party this week.
On Sunday, police arrested television actress Mariam Hussein for flouting Covid-19 safety measures after footage of her celebrating her birthday party at a venue in the city's financial district circulated online.
She was taken in for questioning by police and was fined Dh10,000. Her guests were also fined Dh5,000 each.
Hussein, who lives in Dubai and is Moroccan, told The National she regretted the incident, saying it was not planned and that the restaurant surprised her with a birthday cake and diners crowded to take pictures.
“Surveillance cameras can confirm that it all went unplanned.
“I am aware of how strict measures are taken against offenders.
"I would not break them just to celebrate my birthday, but I may have made a mistake by allowing fans to approach too close for pictures and felt embarrassed to reject their requests.”
She said she regretted what happened and said she usually abides by the safety measures that are in place to protect the public.
Officials have repeatedly stressed the need for the public to follow rules on physical distancing, the wearing of masks and other precautions, as new daily Covid-19 cases remain relatively high.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Results:
5pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1.400m | Winner: AF Mouthirah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic (PA) Prestige Dh 110,000 1,400m | Winner: AF Saab, Antonio Fresu, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 1,600m | Winner: Majd Al Gharbia, Saif Al Balushi, Ridha ben Attia
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship (PA) Listed Dh 180,000 1,600m | Winner: RB Money To Burn, Pat Cosgrave, Eric Lemartinel
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap Dh 70,000 2,200m | Winner: AF Kafu, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 100,000 2,400m | Winner: Brass Ring, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed
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.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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MATCH INFO
Rugby World Cup (all times UAE)
Final: England v South Africa, Saturday, 1pm