Government

UAE department store closed as flash sale draws in crowds of shoppers

Ajman Police said managers allowed social distancing to be widely flouted

The National

March 07, 2021

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A department store was shut down and its managers fined thousands of dirhams when a flash sale drew in crowds of shoppers.

Ajman Police blamed retailers for the incident and shared footage of hundreds of shoppers in tightly packed queues in the unidentified discount store.

The Crisis, Disasters and Emergency Team said it expected all businesses to adhere to measures in place to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

It fined the store Dh5,000 and urged other retailers to act accordingly.

Earlier, Ajman's government banned public Ramadan tents as part of measures to stop the spread of the virus.

Instead, it will oversee a food campaign to deliver meals to lower-income workers and families.

Inspectors visit schools to check Covid-19 rules - in pictures 

  • Adek inspectors review Covid-19 safety measures at a private school in Abu Dhabi. Adek
    Adek inspectors review Covid-19 safety measures at a private school in Abu Dhabi. Adek
  • Adek inspectors review Covid-19 safety measures at a private school in Abu Dhabi. Adek
    Adek inspectors review Covid-19 safety measures at a private school in Abu Dhabi. Adek
  • Adek inspectors review Covid-19 safety measures at a private school in Abu Dhabi. Adek
    Adek inspectors review Covid-19 safety measures at a private school in Abu Dhabi. Adek
  • An Abu Dhabi private education staff member prepares to receive the Covid-19 vaccine during a drive organised by Adek. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge
    An Abu Dhabi private education staff member prepares to receive the Covid-19 vaccine during a drive organised by Adek. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge
  • Abu Dhabi private school staff wait to be vaccinated against Covid-19 as part of a drive organised by Adek. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge
    Abu Dhabi private school staff wait to be vaccinated against Covid-19 as part of a drive organised by Adek. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge
  • An Abu Dhabi private education staff member has her blood pressure checked before receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge
    An Abu Dhabi private education staff member has her blood pressure checked before receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge
  • Pupils were cheered all the way to class at British School Al Khubairat after the returning to school. Victor Besa / The National
    Pupils were cheered all the way to class at British School Al Khubairat after the returning to school. Victor Besa / The National
  • Pupils return to school on Sunday at British School Al Khubairat. Victor Besa / The National
    Pupils return to school on Sunday at British School Al Khubairat. Victor Besa / The National
  • Pupils return to school on Sunday at British School Al Khubairat. Security keep a watchful eye on the thermal monitors at the entrance of the school. Victor Besa/The National
    Pupils return to school on Sunday at British School Al Khubairat. Security keep a watchful eye on the thermal monitors at the entrance of the school. Victor Besa/The National
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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