Private sector holiday on New Hijri 1429 Wednesday, Jan 9 2008 

Employees of private sector companies across the UAE will have a holiday on January 10, 2008 to mark New Hijri 1429. Public sector will also observe a holiday.

Read earlier post: Holiday to mark New Hijri 1429

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.

First Air Sports Event of the Year in Al Ain Saturday, Jan 5 2008 

Al Ain will host the Al Ain International Aerobatics Championship from January 24, 2008 to January 27, 2008. This is going to be the first air sports event of the year on the global level.

Attractions:

• Breathtaking air shows
• New and returning teams in the aerobatics competition
• Flying shows by Bleriot XI
• Royal Jordanian Falcons
• Saudi Arabian Green Hawks
• Italy’s Pioneer Team

Al Ain International Aerobatics Championship is renowned all over the world for its showcase of fascinating displays and skills. Over 110 aircrafts from across the globe will compete in this year’s event which has been jointly organized by the UAE Air Force and Air Defence and the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. The organizers have coordinated with the World Air Sports Federation as well.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the patron of the event.

Last year’s chapter of the event saw over 100,000 spectators. And this year is expected to have a better turnout of visitors.

Enjoy!

New Year’s Eve Bash in Al Ain Friday, Dec 28 2007 

So you’ll be in Al Ain on December 31, 2007… Have a look at the following options to have a New Year’s Eve bash:

Arabesque
@InterContinental, Al Ain

International buffet at 150 AED per head

Luce
@InterContinental, Al Ain

Five-course Italian feast with live entertainment at 290 AED per head

Ballroom
@InterContinental, Al Ain

Fire and Ice party, grand seafood buffet, live band, dancers and DJs

Charges:

• 888 AED per couple
• 450 AED per head

Celebrate New Year 2008 in Abu Dhabi! Wednesday, Dec 26 2007 

New Year CelebrationsWell… Here’s a list of places in Abu Dhabi you can check out for the New Year bash!

Crazy 8 New Year’s Eve 2008
@ Marina Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi

DJ Saeed Murad and Artful Dodger will rock the audience at Crazy 8 New Year’s Eve 2008 celebrations being held at Marina Al Bateen on December 31, 2007 (Monday).

Charges:

• VVIP Ticket: 400 AED per head
• VIP Ticket: 300 AED per head
• Regular Ticket: 250 AED

Timings: 10 pm to 4 am

Sevilla
@ Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi

New Year’s Eve Celebrations:

Relish a whole range of exotic delicacies at the New Year’s Eve party at Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

Attractions:
• Feeria show
• Live music
• Belly dancer

Charges:

• Adults: 220 AED per head
• Children (under 12): 140 AED per head
• Children (under 5): Free

New Year’s Day celebrations:

A special brunch amid live music is on offer at Sevilla on the New Year’s Day.

Charges:

• Adults: 180 AED per head
• Children (under 10): 100 AED per head

La Brisas
@ Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

New Year’s Day Celebrations:

A lavish brunch buffet is waiting for you at La Brisas.

Charges: 440 AED (plus 16 percent extra) per head

Sayad
@ Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

New Year’s Eve Celebrations:

Emirates Palace will be holding a New Year’s Eve dinner party at Sayad.

Attractions:

• Seven-course menu

Charges: 990 AED (plus 16 percent extra) per head

Palace Tent
@ Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

New Year’s Eve Celebrations:

Relish your New Year’s Eve dinner at Palace tent in an exotic way!

Attractions:

• Fire and Ice party
• Love Train music band performance

Charges: 2000 AED per head

La Brasserie
@ Meridien Village, Abu Dhabi

New Year’s Eve Celebrations:

A gala dinner awaits you for the New Year’s Eve here!

Attractions:

• Multinational cuisine
• Seafood buffet

Charges:

• Adults: 550 AED (plus 16 percent extra) per head
• Children: 300 AED (plus 16 percent extra) per head

Pappagallo and Le Bistrot
@ Meridien Village, Abu Dhabi

New Year’s Eve Celebrations:

New Year’s Eve Dinner at both these restaurants is all set to be an experience of its kind!

Attractions:

• Sumptuous four-course menu

Charges:

• Adults: 295 AED (plus 16 percent extra)
• Children: 200 AED (plus 16 percent extra) per head at Pappagallo; 250 AED (plus 16 percent extra) per head at Le Bistrot

Le Beaujolais and Le Jardin
@ Novotel, Abu Dhabi

New Year’s Eve Celebrations:

New Year’s Eve buffets await you at both these restaurants.

Charges:

• 250 AED per head at Le Beaujolais
• 130 AED per head at Le Jardin

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).