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

UAE National Day 2007 Updates Monday, Dec 3 2007 

Colourful events and activities marked the 36th National Day of the UAE. More than 5000 national flags were distributed all over the country as part of the celebrations. Expatriates and Emiratis celebrated the day with equal zest and fervour. Since Saturday, there have been fireworks and cultural shows all over the UAE.

In Abu Dhabi, a special balloon bearing the photo of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was launched by the Emirates Balloon Team. The Khalifa Balloon is decking the skies of the emirate and reminding general public of the seminal role of Abu Dhabi’s rulers in its development.

Children with their faces painted in colours of the national flag were a common sight and quite emblematic of the bright future of the emirates. Dubai Creek Park was also host to a number of cultural and fun activities.

World’s Largest Flag over Abu Dhabi

A 50,000 sq. ft. flag was unfurled in the skies over Abu Dhabi on Sunday afternoon to mark the 36th UAE National Day. The flag was towed over the Corniche by a helicopter. Below it, festivities continued with a national boat race and a host of other activities for locals as well as tourists.

Overall, it has been an exciting weekend in the UAE!

UAE National Day Celebrations 2007 Saturday, Dec 1 2007 

Locals in the UAE are gearing up for National Day celebrations in a big way. December 2 is the 36th anniversary of the day UAE was founded. Here are a few more highlights:

• The decking up of municipality buildings and public gardens across the UAE is in full swing. In Abu Dhabi, this colourful task is being taken care of by the City Image Section.

• Program at Khalifa Park: Khalifa Park will host traditional festivities on occasion of the National Day. As part of the program, the Units of Projects Promotion and Information will present folk dances.

• People in Abu Dhabi will be able to enjoy a number of competitions and games.

Mushaira on National Day Tuesday, Nov 27 2007 

On the occasion of UAE National Day on December 2, Pakistan Association Ladies Wing (PALW) will hold a mushaira in Dubai. Renowned poetesses hailing from Pakistan and UAE will be participating in the event.

Spotlight:

From UAE: Sabiha Saba, Madam Mariam Behnam, Tasneem Abidi, Faiza Fiza, Sarwat Zehra, Farzana Sahab Mirza

From Pakistan: Sarwat Mohiuddin, Kishwar Naheed, Fatima Hassan, Rukhsana Saba, Shahida Hassan, Rehana Rohi

Golf Tournament on National Day Monday, Nov 26 2007 

UAE Golf Association (UGA) is organizing a golf tournament to mark the 36th National Day of the country. The UAE National Day Golf Tournament will be held at The Montgomerie Dubai on December 2, 2007.

The tournament has already witnessed an overwhelming response from participants. Players have registered as individuals, as well as in teams of two and four. The total field will constitute of 100 players with registered individual players placed in teams of four.

The tournament has been sponsored by Tameer Holding Investments, one of the leading names in Dubai real estate sector.

National Day Holiday for Private Sector Employees Monday, Nov 26 2007 

The UAE government has today announced a holiday on its 36th National Day on December 2 for private sector employees. The weekend will be replete with celebrations reaching their peak with the grand finale of Live in Dubai on 2nd December itself. Enjoy :)

Significance of the UAE National Day Monday, Nov 12 2007 

The National Day of the UAE is celebrated on 2nd December every year. This article will attempt to trace the background and significance of this glorious day in the annals of the history of the emirates.

UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of 7 emirates, namely, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Fujairah and Ajman. From a desert land of yore, the UAE has emerged as a glittering metropolitan with the spirit of globalization permeating its very veins.

Let’s taste a slice of history

The UAE was formed in the year 1971 under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In the beginning the UAE was a federation of six emirates to which the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah was added a year later. The national assembly has representatives from each one of the emirates while the Ruler of each emirate has to vote in the Supreme Council of Rulers.

The future beckons…

The UAE has trodden long strides since its birth 36 years ago. Its unparalleled economic growth over the years has been an object of admiration and a subject of analysis the world over.

May UAE shine brighter in the coming years… Amen.

UAE National Day – The Countdown Has Begun! Thursday, Nov 8 2007 

Come 2nd December and UAE will celebrate its 36th National Day. It will be an occasion for every Emirati to look back and be proud of the development and achievements of their country. There will be shows, events and fireworks in different parts of the UAE to mark the occasion.

Live Dubai 2007

All aspects of life in the UAE will be showcased in Live Dubai 2007 that will begin on the 30th of November and witness a grand finale on the National Day itself. Part of the festivities will be a mega exhibition of the best businesses of the UAE; music, poetry and story-telling sessions; and a grand dinner to top it all. On the National Day, the first Arabic opera will be performed by some of the finest artists from the region.

First Arabic Opera

The first Arabic opera titled ‘Glorious Wedding’ will be showcased as part of Live Dubai 2007. The opera will highlight the story of UAE’s glorious past and how it evolved into its present day avatar.