Qasr Al Watan will reopen for public tours on Tuesday with strict measures in place to limit the spread of Covid-19.
The cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi closed in March, when attractions across the country were shut to protect the public during the early months of the pandemic.
Anyone who wishes to visit Qasr Al Watan will have to make an online booking, tweeted Abu Dhabi Media Office.
Visitors can take tours of the site on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 am until 6pm.
From Thursday to Saturday, tours will be organised from 12pm to 7.30pm. There will be no site-seeing on Mondays.
The Palace in Motion sound and light show will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
But the Symphony of the Nation marching band will not perform and the Qasr Al Watan Library will remain closed until further notice.
Masks are mandatory and people will have their temperatures checked before entering the site.
Places will be limited to ensure visitors maintain physical distancing. Floor markings will be placed at regular intervals to help guests keep a safe distance of two metres from each other.
Tickets cost Dh60 for adults and Dh30 for children aged 4 to 17.
The site opened to the public in March 2019.
The library is home to a vast collection of books and resources on the UAE's political, social and cultural history.
In the west wing, guests could learn about the formation of the UAE and its government and enter halls typically reserved for official meetings.
In the House of Knowledge in the east wing, visitors could explore a vast collection of artefacts and rare manuscripts that highlight the Arab world’s contributions to fields such as science, arts, humanities and literature.
The Presidential Palace is home to the formal offices of the UAE's President, Vice President and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
The venue has hosted several global leaders since 2015, including Pope Francis and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The years Ramadan fell in May
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Company name: Dharma
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Founders: Charaf El Mansouri, Nisma Benani, Leah Howe
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Investors: Convivialite Ventures, BY Partners, Shorooq Partners, L& Ventures, Flat6Labs
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Australian Open (5 titles) - 2004 bt Marat Safin; 2006 bt Marcos Baghdatis; 2007 bt Fernando Gonzalez; 2010 bt Andy Murray; 2017 bt Rafael Nadal
French Open (1 title) - 2009 bt Robin Soderling
Wimbledon (8 titles) - 2003 bt Mark Philippoussis; 2004 bt Andy Roddick; 2005 bt Andy Roddick; 2006 bt Rafael Nadal; 2007 bt Rafael Nadal; 2009 bt Andy Roddick; 2012 bt Andy Murray; 2017 bt Marin Cilic
US Open (5 titles) - 2004 bt Lleyton Hewitt; 2005 bt Andre Agassi; 2006 bt Andy Roddick; 2007 bt Novak Djokovic; 2008 bt Andy Murray
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Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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New Zealand
Penalties: Barrett (7)
British & Irish Lions
Tries: Faletau, Murray
Penalties: Farrell (4)
Conversions: Farrell
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Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Price, base / as tested Dh220,000 / Dh320,000
Engine 3.5L V6
Transmission 10-speed automatic
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MATCH INFO
Day 1 at Mount Maunganui
England 241-4
Denly 74, Stokes 67 not out, De Grandhomme 2-28
New Zealand
Yet to bat
Silent Hill f
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
