From the Editors: Minimising gap between private and public sectors in UAE a huge step forward

MINIMISING GAP BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS IN UAE A HUGE STEP FORWARD: In an attempt to minimise the differences between the private and public sectors in the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced that from February 2, 2022, all offices and establishments in the private and public sectors will have the same number of off days and other benefits related to flexible working hours, part-time work and temporary work. Even end-of-service benefits for public and private sector employees will be determined according to the same calculation. This is a huge step forward to synchronise work-life balance in all sectors and along with the new weekend rule that will be effective from January 1, 2022, these rules regarding private and public sector off days will go a long way to ensure equality across the board. As a result of these new rules, the UAE is bound to become an even more attractive destination for professionals, irrespective of which sector they work in. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

THE GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL: A UNITED HOUSE: Today, GCC leaders will meet in Riyadh for the annual Gulf summit. And they are expected to underscore the importance of unity and cohesion. This follows a rift in the alliance over the past few years, with the boycott of Qatar. The best example of this message of unity was to be seen in the Saudi crown prince’s tour of Gulf states ahead of the summit. While there are areas where work is still required, UAE officials have also indicated that practical cooperation among countries of the bloc is back on track. This is a very welcome development, as it will help GCC states jointly address the economic realities of a post-COVID world. It also means the GCC will be able to better coordinate its stance on key regional issues such as Iran’s nuclear ambitions, its ballistic missiles programme and its support for regional proxies. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: A MESSI VS RONALDO CLASH WHICH DIDN’T HAPPEN: The Uefa Champions League last 16 draw on Monday evening was a story of what could-have-been for the football fans. The initial draw pitched a much-awaited battle between Messi and Ronaldo in their new club colours (PSG vs Manchester United) – till the original draw was declared ‘void’ due to a technical error in the process. The eventual draw was no less mouthwatering as PSG will now take on Real Madrid in a titanic clash while Manchester United take on Atletico Madrid. Messi will up against a familiar opponent in Real Madrid, against whom he has scored 26 times in all competitions when he was at Barcelona.[COMMENT BY: Gautam Bhattacharyya, Senior Associate Editor]

UAE PLAYS HOST TO A GALAXY OF STARS: Even as the curtains came down on the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix and its stellar acts, the announcement comes that the UAE capital will host one of the biggest events to come out of Bollywood – the IIFA weekend. Superstar Salman Khan will play host for the prestigious film awards, which is celebrating 21 years, while a galaxy of stars are sure to be announced in the coming months in the lead up to the two-day event that will be held on March 18 and 19 at the Etihad Arena. To say that the UAE has positioned itself as a top draw in the world of live events would be an understatement. The only way is up from here. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]