UAE Gov’t Staff to Get Shorter Working Hours for this Reason

UAE Gov’t Staff to Get Shorter Working Hours for this Reason

UAE government employees who have school-going children can get up to three hours off work during the first week of the new academic term starting this year.

The announcement made by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources aims to help parents report late for work so that they can escort their kids to schools, or leave early to pick them up. The vision behind the initiative adopted by the UAE Cabinet is to empower public employees to take part in their children’s routine school activities.

UAE Gov’t Staff to Get Shorter Working Hours for this Reason
Credits: Dubai Media Office

UAE Grants Shorter Working Hours for Gov’t Employees with Schooling Children

The resolution was derived from recommendations made by the National Programme for Happiness and Positivity in coordination with the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

In line with this, employees can also request permission to report late or leave early to attend parent-teacher meetings or their kids’ graduation ceremonies.

The initiative coincides with the National government’s commitment in drawing up policies and services that will contribute to creating a positive and happy society, which has been one of the goals of the UAE leadership for all of its residents.

To achieve this vision, the government will lay the foundation for an appropriate environment to ensure the happiness and well-being of the UAE society.

The National Programme for Happiness and Positivity features a variety of initiatives in three major areas: The inclusion of happiness in the policies, programmes and services of all government bodies, as well as the work environment there.

The national plan for happiness includes a host of initiatives to develop and adopt corporate models for happiness, launching a mandate for happiness in all federal government bodies. It also features the development of a happiness guideline, as well as performance indices that ensure the compliance of the plans of establishments with those of the programme.

The said plan tackles the transformation of government service centres into customer happiness centres and allocating government employees to realise the happiness of customers. In line with this, a range of initiatives has been launched in cooperation with national media to firmly establish the values of happiness and positivity. Other initiatives will be launched to encourage reading and publish books that focus on happiness in order to raise awareness about the importance of positivity and happiness as an integrated lifestyle.

With parents working in the public sector now given the opportunity to spend more time with their families, the focus of the vision highlights the important roles of parents in creating an ideal society where values of happiness and positivity are observed.

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Saudi Arabia Launches World’s First Flowerman Festival

Saudi Arabia Launches World’s First Flowerman Festival

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture observes the celebration of the world’s first Flowerman Festival held in Rijal Almaa Village in Asir region in line with the kingdom’s vision to promote its culture and tourism.

The festival, which began on August 12 and will run until August 31, was organized and launched by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture (MOC). The celebration observes the traditional wear of the Qahtani tribe—one of the world’s oldest social groups—from the mountainous remote town Habala in Southern Saudi.

Saudi Arabia Launches World’s First Flowerman Festival
Credits: Saudi Press Agency

World’s First Flowerman Festival Celebrated in Saudi Arabia

The festival, as per the Ministry of Culture, highlights the kingdom’s heritage which dates back to the 1950s – when everyone was deeply in touch with nature. The locals used to gather flowers and herbs to create floral crowns, which the people believed bring good health to those who wear them.

Today, the locals from the region uphold and share this tradition with the rest of the world by wearing the garlands in their daily lives – no matter their profession, gender, or status in life.

Through this festival, the Ministry of Culture also aims to provide an immersive experience through a live-open air museum in the festival to capture the imagination and appeal to the senses of visitors.

There will also be live folk performances, art and poetry nights, video-mapping performances, light shows, interactive displays, and heritage markets all throughout this period.

The Flowerman Festival is just one of the initiatives of the Kingdom to rehabilitate and to promote its cultural villages, an in effect, develop them into international tourism destinations.

In line with this, the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities recently spearheaded a rehabilitation project for Rijal Almaa Village in Asir—with the goal of pushing it to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

According to the agency’s website, the development of a variety of cultural venues—such as libraries, arts and museums—as well as entertainment possibilities to suit tastes and preferences of visitors are among the projects that they are eyeing to maximize Saudi Arabia’s economy and will result in the creation of many job opportunities.

The Saudi Vision 2030 aims to further boost tourism in the kingdom and uphold its rich cultural diversity, by supporting the efforts of regions and non-profit and private sectors to organize such cultural events.

To know more about the Flowerman Festival and to get more information regarding the programs of the ministry, you can check out their official website.

ALSO READ: 25 Facts First-Time Travellers Should Know About Saudi Arabia

Financial Considerations for Expats in the UAE

Financial Considerations for Expats in the UAE

The appeal of a high standard of living, low taxation, and lucrative salaries – on top of the bright, sunny weather – are among some of the things which have attracted expatriates to live in the UAE.

However, many expats living in the country do not have plans on staying there for the rest of their lives. This just highlights the unspoken fact the expat life is typically transient. Because of this, you need to consider the length of time you are planning to remain in the UAE and to make the most of the competitive financial rewards and tax-free environment during this period.

Financial Considerations for Expats in the UAE

[Guide] Financial Questions to Ask Yourself When Living in UAE

Here are several financial questions expats based in the UAE should ask themselves in order to profit from their time in the region:

  1. Is there an expat package I can get? What are its benefits?

Expat packages in the past traditionally include accommodation, education, and travel allowances. However, in recent years, expat packages no longer include all of the said benefits, or at least not to the same degree.

Factor in these things, because the lack of them would inform your financial planning, thereby reducing disposable income.

  1. What taxes do I have to pay?

In terms of your take-home income, as a resident in the UAE, you get to enjoy a tax-free lifestyle on your earnings.  However, an expat’s tax residency may determine their global tax implications.

Let’s take a look at the UK for example, although a UK expat living in the UAE doesn’t pay tax, it doesn’t necessarily mean that expatriates will be exempt from paying tax in the UK.

Different countries follow different tax regulations, and the amount taxed depends on which country you are a tax resident of. Fortunately, most countries have double taxation treaties to reduce expats’ tax liability. Certain countries offer an earnings threshold or minimum limit to global earnings before taxation. These rules are specific to different countries, and it’s important that you research on this before deciding to move into another country overseas.

  1. How can I make sure that I get to save enough?

Saving is highly integral to financial independence and generating wealth. It allows us to become financially secure and provides a safety net in light of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies that may occur.

Many expats coming into the UAE work there for an average of between three and five years, so it’s crucial that they make the most of it. It would be most disappointing to leave without having accumulated more savings than if they’d remained in their home country.

And one of the more effective ways for expats in the UAE to save is to consider they are working in their home country and paying income tax. At the end of every month, pay a percentage of the income tax and allocate it to their savings. It’s a simple discipline, and together with the right savings plan, it can ensure individuals are on the right track to future financial freedom.

Another thing to consider is getting offshore savings plans as a way to earn a better rate of interest than onshore alternatives. The majority are multi-currency, and there is a vast range of account types such as easy access, notice, no-notice, fixed-rate and monthly interest – and, most importantly, they allow you to build funds for the future.

  1. What happens with my financial adviser should I relocate?

Given the fact that expats tend to move from one country to another within a certain period of time, t’s vital that wherever they may move to in future, their finances will be looked after and they enjoy continuity of service, with a financial advisory firm with cross-border expertise and a global presence.

On that note, seeking the right financial advice is crucial to making the most of their time in the UAE, safeguarding their assets and securing their financial freedom based on their goals.

Living in the UAE as an expat can be a rewarding experience, as mentioned earlier. However, there are certain things that we need to plan ahead for in order to maximize our stay in the country, especially if we are planning to retire somewhere else in the future.

ALSO READ: Why is the UAE Pension Fund Necessary for Expats?

[WATCH] Sheikh Mohammed Inspects Dubai Expo 2020 Construction Progress

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, paid a visit to several infrastructure projects related to the Expo 2020 Dubai, which is set to take place starting October 2020, with the participation of 95 countries.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Director-General of the Department of Protocols and Hospitality in Dubai on his visit to the Expo 2020 Dubai South, where he was received by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, as well as other senior officials.

[WATCH] Sheikh Mohammed Inspects Dubai Expo 2020 Construction Progress
Credits: Credits: WAM

[VIDEO] UAE Leaders Visit Dubai Expo 2020 Construction Site

On-site, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by Al Hashemy about the progress of the infrastructure projects, as well as the awareness and promotional programs and plans drafted by the office to promote the Expo, which is expected to accommodate over 25 million visitors and government leaders from around the world, according to a report by WAM.

During the briefing, Al Hashemy noted that the office has launched various promotional campaigns to introduce the expo’s goals and activities, especially among university and school students, in various local locations, such as parks, and in neighboring countries.

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Within the day, Sheikh Mohammed also visited several construction sites in the expo’s site and the UAE pavilion, which was designed to attract and impress local and foreign visitors. He expressed his satisfaction at the progress of the projects, and praised the efforts of the expo’s working team of Emirati youths, under the leadership of Al Hashemy.

Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted the importance of ensuring the success of the expo, which will promote a bright image of the UAE and its people, and become a global cultural platform for all countries to showcase their cultures, heritage, histories and national products, as well.

Furthermore, the ruler of Dubai expressed his confidence and optimism towards the success of the event, due to the hard work of the Emirati youth, who can organize international cultural, tourism, and commercial events of this nature and scale in the country.

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In line with this, Sheikh Mohammed urged all national authorities, especially those in Dubai, to intensify their efforts to make the Expo succeed, noting, “We must all work hard to achieve success. Whatever people achieve without hard work, they lose without regret.”

The Expo 2020 in Dubai will be the host to the world for 173 days (approximately 6 months), where various countries will openly and festively express their culture, products, and people, as this will also be a global platform for leaders to collaborate and share best practices and innovation across various fields. To know more about Expo 2020 in Dubai, please visit their official website.

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UAE School Admits Students Who Can’t Afford Fees

UAE School Admits Students who Can’t Afford Fees

In the country’s bid to further raise its global competitiveness, a newly opened private Pakistani school in Sharjah is accepting students who cannot afford tuition fees or have been out of school for several years due to lack of funds.

The private institution enables underprivileged students as well as their families to afford tuition fees by providing flexible payment plans. The school aims to assist students who can’t afford the fees or have not been to school in many years by offering discounts and payment plans which are most suitable for their financial capacities.

UAE School Admits Students who Can’t Afford Fees

School Assists Students Who Can’t Afford Tuition to Study in UAE

Pamir Private School will be starting classes in September and has already given admissions to several underprivileged students, some of whom had never been in a classroom their entire life, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

Fees for the school range from AED 8,350 for kindergarteners up to AED 13,250 for Grade 12, all with discounts of up to 40 percent, including books and uniforms.

In more dire cases, the school management even provides parents with a monthly payment plan, which could be as low as AED 700 per month for some enrollees.

According to the principal of Pamir Private School, Aziza Hassan Ali, “There are many cases where we have given discounts of up to 40 percent to the students. There are so many students who can’t afford the fees or have not been to school in many years.”

Ali also recounted a time when there was a parent whose three daughters had never been to school. They used to study at home because of extreme financial problems. In a desire to assist the children, the school got the approval from the council for their admission, and they were enrolled in the appropriate grades according to their assessment tests.

In a similar case, the school has also given admission, with a 50 percent discount, to two other students.

In the UAE, there are less than 15 Pakistani schools and very few of them cost AED 500 per month.

Samina Nasir, who works as a social worker in the UAE, shared that she has spent the past 28 years helping needy Pakistani children in the country find a place in the education system.

As the head of the education committee at Pakistan Association Dubai, Nasir said there are “many cases” of children who are out of school due to financial problems.

The school’s initiative is aligned with the country’s Vision 2021, which aims to create a first-rate education system, which will require a complete transformation of the current education system and teaching methods to contribute to nation-building by means of investing in the country’s youth regardless of social disposition in life.

ALSO READ: Qasr Al Watan Presidential Library in Abu Dhabi: A Journey into the UAE

[VIDEO] Here’s How Muslims Celebrated Eid on Final Days of Haj in Saudi Arabia

[VIDEO] Here’s how Muslims Celebrated Eid on the Final Days of Haj in Saudi Arabia

This year, there were close to 2.5 million pilgrims who took part in a symbolic stoning of the devil in the final days of the Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as Muslims around the world marked the start of the Eid Al Adha celebrations.

The symbolic act was performed by pilgrims in Mina by throwing pebbles at a pillar in a symbolic casting away of evil during the final days of Haj.

[VIDEO] Here’s how Muslims Celebrated Eid on the Final Days of Haj in Saudi Arabia
Credits: Saudi Press Agency / Twitter

[WATCH] Muslims Celebrate Eid on Last Days of Haj in Saudi Arabia

Muslims around the world commemorated the end of Haj with Eid celebrations, including distributing food to the poor.

Owing to the Kingdom’s reputation as the cradle of Islam, and the guardianship of Islam’s holiest sites, in Mecca and Medina, and organizing the world’s largest annual Muslim gathering which retraces the route Prophet Mohammad took 14 centuries ago, Saudi Arabia deployed tens of thousands of security forces and medics alongside modern technology including surveillance drones to maintain order.

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The arrival of nearly two and a half million pilgrims, mostly from abroad, is part of the religious duty once in a lifetime for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it.

The people are asked to carefully follow and observe schedules for each stage of Haj, but with so many people, panic is a constant danger.

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Under close supervision and dressed in white garments signifying a state of purity, the faithful converged on Jamarat to perform the stoning ritual from a three-storey bridge erected to ease congestion after stampedes in previous years.

The pilgrims will then return to the bridge over the final two days for more stoning before returning to Mecca to pray at the Grand Mosque at the end of Haj.

The Haj and year-round Umrah create billions of dollars in revenue from pilgrims’ lodging, transport, fees, and gifts.

The authorities aim to increase the number of Umrah and Haj pilgrims to 15 million and 5 million respectively by 2020 and hope to double the Umrah number again to 30 million by 2030.

Similarly, Muslims from all over the world observe the Eid Al Adha – the annual Feast of the Sacrifice. Hundreds attend a morning prayer gathering at mosques. The holiday commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God and marks the end of the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca.

ALSO READ: Prison in Saudi Arabia Offers Rehab to Prisoners via Entertainment Programmes

 

Saudi Imposes New Rules for Female Workers in the Kingdom

Saudi Imposes New Rules for Female Workers in the Kingdom

Following the news of the Kingdom allowing women to travel abroad without approval from a male guardian, a number of other momentous decisions regarding women have also come about to support women’s rights.

The new set of rules aims to treat male and female workers in the country at an equal level. In accordance to this, both men and women will now be considered as workers/people working for an employer and under his or her management and supervision in return for a wage, even if they are not within sight.

Saudi Imposes New Rules for Female Workers in the Kingdom

Saudi Arabia Passes New Rules for Women in the Workforce

According to a report in the Saudi Gazette, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development in Saudi Arabia, through the amendment in the labour regulation will not allow the employers and ruling entities to discriminate between workers on the basis of their age, disability and gender.

This rule also extends to hiring people for jobs and advertising vacancies for employment.

Furthermore, Saudi officials have also nullified the retirement age rule- 60 years for men and 55 years for women. The authority, this time, has provided that the retirement of the workers would be in tandem with the requirements of the social insurance rules and regulations.

In addition to this, the regulations also forbid the employers from terminating the services of female employees or issuing them the notices of dismissal from their jobs, while they are on their maternity leaves. Female employees also cannot be issued any kind of warning letters or get terminated in case they fall ill due to pregnancy-induced conditions or a health concern at the time of delivery.

However, the illness must be attested, by means of securing an authentic medical report and the employee’s absence from work should not be over 180 days- whether continuous or intermittent.

The rule which now allows Saudi women to travel abroad without approval from a male guardian was met with jubilation and much support on social media, gaining traction with the hashtag, “No guardianship over women travel”.

The said reform grants women greater autonomy and mobility, and has been described by media outlets as “one giant leap for Saudi women”.

Things are really turning for the better for Saudi women in the last two years or so, as observed by international human rights advocates, but still there is more to be done – and this is just the start.

ALSO READ:  Over 450 Female Drivers Hired in Saudi Arabia in Q1 of 2019

Saudi Women Hails New Reform for Personal ‘Freedom’

Saudi Women Hails New Reform for Personal ‘Freedom’

In a series of major government reforms passed in recent years, things are looking more hopeful for the women in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as a new rule announced on Friday (August 2), now allows women over the age of 21 to apply for a passport without authorisation, putting them on an equal footing to men.

In line with this, the new rule also gives women the right to register births, marriage or divorce. The amendment according to citizens allows women to enjoy travelling independently just “like all citizens”.

Saudi Women Hails New Reform for Personal ‘Freedom’
Credits: UNICEF Ethiopia/Flickr

Saudi Women Welcomes New ‘Freedom’ through Passing of New Law

The kingdom, in recent time, has eased other long-standing social restrictions on women, though campaigners are convinced that plenty more remains to be done for women’s rights, as shared in a report by the Khaleej Times.

According to Leila Almaeena, Saudi national and a leadership coach based in Dubai, the decision did not come as a surprise to her since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has taken charge under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.

Almaeena shared, “They have truly raised the status of Saudi women and the historic changes they have brought about in such a less time have empowered us to reach international levels. From all the fantastic changes that we have been experiencing for the past year or so, I knew this was in the works. It was a natural progression I feel.”

But more than Saudi women living outside the country, Almaeena noted that it would help the women living in conservative families in the kingdom, who have not yet experienced freedom of being independent without their male guardians.

The kingdom has increasingly come under the microscope over its treatment of its female citizens, an issue highlighted by several high-profile cases of Saudi women seeking asylum overseas.

In the past, women had to gain approval from a male guardian in order to obtain a passport. Women who did not have a passport of their own were instead given a page in their male guardians’ passports – making it impossible for them to travel without a guardian, whenever they want to.

Alongside this important new rule, other changes now allow women to register a marriage, divorce or child’s birth and to be issued official family documents. The new rule also stipulates that a father or mother can be legal guardians of children.

ALSO READ: Saudi Fund Invests on Women Empowerment in Kingdom

Oman Extends Visa Ban on 4 Expat Professions

Oman Extends Visa Ban on 4 Expat Professions

Following the recent visa ban on expat workers in the Sultanate, Oman’s Ministry of Manpower has one again announced a temporary ban on hiring expats to include four more professions in the private sector.

The decision falls under the Sultanate’s Omanisation process, which was set to provide more employment opportunities for Omanis in both the public and private sector. Also, this initiative underscores the work of the new National Centre for Employment (NCE), which had only been established last March, which aims to replace expats with Omanis in various sectors.

Oman Extends Visa Ban on 4 Expat Professions
Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Four Expat Professions Included in New Hiring Ban in Oman

The temporary visa ban will apply to jobs in the sectors of IT, accounting and finance, sales and marketing, management and human resources, insurance, media, medical, airports and engineering, as shared in a report by the Times of Oman.

In a statement, the ministry said, “The period of the ban on permits to bring temporary expatriate manpower into private sector establishments for the professions specified in Ministerial Decision No. 73/2019, shall continue for a period of six months from August 5, 2019.”

It can be recalled that the Sultanate had extended the ban to include carpenters, metallurgy workers, blacksmiths, and brick kiln workers earlier in July.

Upon the creation of the NCE, the centre will open branches in various parts of Oman to suggest qualified Omani jobseekers for various positions before the Ministry of Manpower approves requests for labour permits to fill positions with foreign talents.

This only means that if a company files a request for an expat visa, the centre will first determine whether there are any qualified Omanis to fill the role.

This system is evident not only in Oman but also in other Gulf countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Although this will only be a temporary measure that will limit the opportunities presented to expats in the Sultanate, the roles which will be assigned to nationals will create a positive impact for the country’s economy as well as its people, since they are already looking for a sustainable workforce, where nationals are actively participating in direct proportion to the benefits that they receive from the national government.

For now, expats in the affected fields can set their sights on other opportunities available to them elsewhere because the Middle East, in general, is dealing with internal issues that affect their economic growth and performance – not to mention the growing turmoil in the region due to political differences held by Arab leaders.

ALSO READ: Number of Expat Health Workers in Oman Take Huge Hit in 2018

Saudi Nationals Express Interest in Learning Korean Language

Saudi Nationals Express Interest in Learning Korean Language

As unique and conservative as Saudi culture is, there’s no doubt that the international media is a force to be reckoned with, because cultural influences from other parts of the world such as South Korea have now reached the Kingdom and is becoming a popular topic among nationals.

This is certainly a welcome trend because as countries become more known internationally, the reason to learn more about their culture now makes sense, and this includes the country’s language.  And gaining a new skill such as a communicating a new language is such a great idea not only for Saudis, but even for other nationalities as this will open more opportunities for them personally and professionally.

Saudi Nationals Express Interest in Learning Korean Language
Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Korean Language ‘Hangeul’ Draws Interest from Saudi Nationals

In line with this, as the massive popularity of Korean culture has now reached a variety of audience all over the world and even in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, spawning interest in the Korean language as an appealing language to learn, many Saudis are joining the growing crowd of enthusiasts, as shared in a report by the Arab News.

There is a number of reasons why Saudis want to learn Korean: to enjoy watching their favourite shows in the original language; to visit and experience the culture of Korea personally; or even to move to South Korea in the future.

According to Korean language instructor Myung Hee Park from the Korean International School in Jeddah, most of her students loved K-pop and Korean dramas, and they wanted to expand their knowledge by learning the language.

People from all over the Kingdom are traveling to Korea to attend concerts and to see their favourite artists perform live.

Myung shared, “Lots of the people who come to learn from me have an experience of visiting Korea and enjoying concerts by artists such as BTS, Monsta X or SM Town.”

Of note, Saudi’s appreciation of Korea does not stop at entertainment, as some of Myung’s students have expressed interest in studying in South Korea, as well.

In November of last year, 51 people participated in the first Ambassador’s Cup Korean Speech competition, held at the official residence of the South Korean ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Jo Byung-wook. The competition was organized to promote the country’s culture, language and heritage.

According to the Korean ambassador, “The growing interest in learning the Korean language in Saudi Arabia shows the strength of our bilateral relations.”

He also pointed out that Korean is the 20th most spoken language in the world, and is gaining popularity as the second foreign language across Asia, the US and even the Middle East.

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