Saudi Arabia is much stricter with its Ramadan restrictions, yet it is one of the most popular tourist destinations during the holy month. Why? One of the most common activities for Gulf families during the last 10 days of our fast is to plan trips to Mecca. This is known as the Umrah, which is a lesser pilgrimage than the Haj but, nonetheless, an important part of Islam. Obviously being in the holiest Islamic city heightens our spirituality, which is the purpose of Layali al Qadr, or Nights of Power.
One of the key turning points during the Muslim conquest of Mecca was the realisation by the Quryash leader, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, that the Prophet Mohammed's army was too strong to fight. Abu Sufyan ibn Harb actually converted to Islam the night before the conquest - talk about leaving it to the last minute.
Three ways to limit your social media use
Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.
1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.
2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information.
3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
