Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid orders humanitarian aid to be sent to Sudan

Follow the latest news from the Sudan crisis here

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has ordered the sending of urgent humanitarian aid to Sudan to help displaced citizens affected by the recent conflict.

The aid will consist of food and ration parcels, which will be delivered through the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).

Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE was always keen to support its brotherly countries. He stressed the depth of UAE and Sudan's bilateral relations and the cultural and historical ties between the countries.

Fighting is continuing in Sudan in the power struggle between the national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The UN refugee agency on Monday said more than 800,000 people could flee Sudan as a result of the clashes between the rival factions.

The migration could place a strain on neighbouring countries in the region already struggling to recover from drought and years of instability.

The estimate includes about 580,000 Sudanese, while the others are refugees from elsewhere living temporarily in the country.

To date. more than 73,000 people have arrived in neighbouring countries from Sudan since the fighting began on April 15.

Tens of thousands of Sudanese have fled to Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan, some of the world's poorest countries.

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.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid orders humanitarian aid to be sent to Sudan

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives will deliver food and ration parcels

What the law says