New 200 AED Note to be Issued Today Tuesday, May 27 2008 

The modified 200 AED note, complete with new security features, will be issued in the UAE on May 27, 2008. The announcement has come recently from the Central Bank. Initially, the bank had issued the 200 AED note in the year 1989 but the notes were not printed afterwards.

The new note has quality technical specifications and latest security marks and features. The design and specifications of the note remain the same as that of the present note but additional security features have been incorporated, which in turn are visible only under ultraviolet light.

The colour of the note has been modified so that in stead of brown, it is now orange. In addition to other features, an optically variable stripe has been added at the right side of the front of the note. The stripe shows the national emblem of the UAE along with value numerals.

UAE Women Take the World by Storm! Monday, May 5 2008 

In recent times, women from the United Arab Emirates have made their mark in socio-political and economic sectors both on the national and international levels. The country known for its conservative roots has developed itself to the point where there is no discrimination based on gender. In fact, women are held vital in their contribution towards the progress of the nation as they extend their roles in various fields.

Recently, there have been events in Dubai that marked outstanding women leaders in the country. Women have been projected as role models for the generations to come.

Prophet Mohammad’s Birthday (PBUH) to be celebrated on March 20, 2008 Thursday, Mar 20 2008 

There will be an official holiday for the public and private sectors in the UAE on Thursday, March 20, 2008. This is to mark Prophet Mohammed’s birthday.

On the occasion, postal services will be available only during set timings at the main post offices only. The post offices that will operate are given below. These will stay open between 9 am to 1 pm:

@ Abu Dhabi:

• Abu Dhabi Central Post Office
• Al Butain
• Hamdan
• Musafah
• Beni Yas
• Nadi Al Seyahi
• Al Ain Main Post Office

@ Dubai

• Dubai Central Post Office
• Al Khor
• Jumeirah
• Satwa
• Rashidiya
• Hor Al Anz
• Deira Main Post Office
• Jebel Ali

NOTE: Post offices in Dubai that are located in shopping malls will remain open between 5 pm to 9 pm.

@ Sharjah

• Sharjah Central Post Office
• Al Corniche
• Al Ghuwair
• Khorfakkan
• Kalba
• Al Dhaid
• Muwaileh

@ Ajman

• Ajman Central Post Office

@ Umm Al Quwain

• Umm Al Quwain Central Post Office
• Sanaiyah
• Al Souq

@ Ras Al Khaimah

• Ras Al Khaimah Central Post Office
• Al Nakheel
• Al Uraibi

@ Fujairah

• Fujairah Central Post Office
• Dibba Al Fujairah

All other branches of the Emirates Post will remain closed. The collection of mail from post boxes will remain functional as usual.

At the given post offices, the collection and delivery of mail will continue as well.

UAE in need of more blood donors Friday, Mar 7 2008 

As per the health department of the country, UAE will be in need of more blood donors this year. This year about 2,000 more blood units are going to be needed as compared to last year’s consumption. The increase in the demand of blood units is directly proportional to the increase in the number of accidents and the rise in cases of diseases like blood pressure and diabetes.

The safety of the donated blood is also taken care of whereby it is ensured that the donor is in good physical health. For this, lab tests are undertaken to check blood pressure, temperature, weight and hemoglobin level of the blood donor. 

Total Lunar Eclipse Monday, Feb 18 2008 

There will be a full lunar eclipse in the western region in the United Arab Emirates on February 21, 2008. The Emirates Astronomical Society (EAS) has made the announcement.

The moon will set before all the stages of the eclipse are seen in parts of Asia. The eclipse will also be seen in parts of Africa, Europe, the Atlantic Ocean and the Americas.

In a full lunar eclipse, the disk of the moon is seen in dramatic colour transformations – from bright orange to dark brown.

A few must-know labour laws for employees in the UAE Wednesday, Jan 9 2008 

With the United Arab Emirates having the status of a popular choice for exploring job opportunities, especially in the Third World countries, there are some labour laws that existing and prospective employees in the country should know. Here’s an overview:

• Federal Labour Law, Article 74 and Article 81: There are some official holidays every employee is entitled to (with full wage). These are:

o One holiday on New Year Day as per the Gregorian calendar
o One holiday on New Year Day as per the Islamic calendar
o Two holidays on Eid Al Fitr
o Three holidays on Eid Al Adha and Arafat Day
o One holiday on the National Day
o One holiday on the Israawal Meraj
o One holiday on Prophet Mohammed’s birthday

If work circumstances compel an employee to work full time or part time on an official holiday, s/he must be compensated with a leave and a compensatory extra 50 percent of the full wage. In the event of non-compliance with this rule, the employee will be paid 150 percent of the basic wage for the work days.

• Federal Labour Law, Article 83: During the probation period, an employee is not entitled to a paid sick leave. After the end of the probation period, if an employee falls ill on completion of more than three months in continuous service, s/he is entitled to continuous or interrupted 90 days’ leave per year.

The salary for the paid sick leave will be calculated on the following basis:

o First 15 days: full wage
o Next 30 days: half wage
o Following period: no pay

Holiday to mark New Hijri 1429 Monday, Jan 7 2008 

Work in public sector offices across the UAE will remain off on January 10, 2008 (Thursday) in order to mark New Hijri 1429. Federal ministries, institutions, departments along with the financial markets come under the same. The holiday has been declared by the Ministry of Governmental Sector Development.

The New Hijri is the beginning of the New Year as per the Islamic calendar.

UAE to welcome the New Year (2008) with a Holiday! Wednesday, Dec 26 2007 

Come January 1, 2008 and UAE is all set for a holiday! Yes, the emirates will welcome the New Year with an official holiday in public and private sectors alike.

Offices will reopen on the 2nd of January, 2008 (Wednesday).