• General image of the show. All photos by Antonie Robertson / The National
    General image of the show. All photos by Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global initiatives launch of its new E-Learning platform,
    Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global initiatives launch of its new E-Learning platform,
  • The Saudi robot Sofia at the Etisalat stand.
    The Saudi robot Sofia at the Etisalat stand.
  • General showroom floor image.
    General showroom floor image.
  • General image of the show.
    General image of the show.
  • General image of the show.
    General image of the show.
  • General showroom floor image.
    General showroom floor image.
  • General image of the show.
    General image of the show.
  • General showroom floor image.
    General showroom floor image.
  • General showroom floor image.
    General showroom floor image.
  • General showroom floor image.
    General showroom floor image.
  • General showroom floor image.
    General showroom floor image.
  • General showroom floor image.
    General showroom floor image.
  • General showroom floor image.
    General showroom floor image.
  • General showroom floor image.
    General showroom floor image.
  • The ISpace Lunar landing model.
    The ISpace Lunar landing model.
  • General showroom floor image.
    General showroom floor image.
  • General showroom floor image.
    General showroom floor image.
  • The ISpace Lunar landing model.
    The ISpace Lunar landing model.

Gitex 2019: more than 100,000 visitors expected at Dubai technology show


Patrick Ryan
  • English
  • Arabic

Dubai’s annual exhibition celebrating the world of technology is set to open its doors on Sunday 6 October.

More than 100,000 people are expected to flock to Dubai World Trade Centre for Gitex Technology Week.

The event, which is renowned for showcasing the latest innovations from flying cars to talking robots, is widely regarded as the biggest tech show in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

This year promised to be no different with more than 4,500 exhibitors from 140 countries taking part.

Among this year's highlights is a focus on how 5G was expected to transform the region and "change the world forever".

The future of transportation will also be one of the main attractions during the week-long exhibition.

How electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles could be best embraced will be a key part of this year’s event.

The latest innovations in artificial intelligence will be another huge component of the 2019 edition of Gitex.

The continued rise of robots into everyday life will come under sharp focus as well.

Companies from all over the world are expected to showcase just how much the world of robotics has came along in the last 12 months alone.

Smart cities will also be high on the agenda as Gitex explores how technology is playing a lead role in shaping urban centres of tomorrow.

Gitex Technology Week runs until Thursday, October 10.

_____________

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid attends Gitex 2018

  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
  • Sheikh Ammar Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
    Sheikh Ammar Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
  • Sheikh Ammar Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
    Sheikh Ammar Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday and has a seat in Dubai Police's new vehicle. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday and has a seat in Dubai Police's new vehicle. Wam
  • Sheikh Ammar Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
    Sheikh Ammar Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visits Gitex on Monday. Wam
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.

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SPECS
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Director: Romany Saad
Starring: Mirfat Amin, Boumi Fouad and Tariq Al Ibyari

A little about CVRL

Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.

One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases. 

The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.