Tag: Dubai

Business

Dubai Launches 4-Day Summer Workweek for Public Sector Employees

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July 1 – September 12, 2025 | “Our Flexible Summer” Initiative

Dubai is setting a new benchmark for workplace flexibility and employee well-being with the launch of its innovative four-day summer workweek. Running from July 1 through September 12, 2025, this groundbreaking program is a key component of Dubai’s “Our Flexible Summer” initiative, supporting the broader goals of the Year of Community 2025.

🏛 Expanding on Success: A City-Wide Government Shift

Following a highly successful pilot in 2024, the initiative now rolls out to 21 government departments across Dubai, marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s commitment to modernizing the public sector and prioritizing quality of life.

🕘 Two Flexible Work Models

To suit different departmental needs and employee preferences, two distinct shift models have been introduced:

  • Model 1:
    • Workdays: Monday to Thursday
    • Hours: 8 hours per day
    • Friday: Full day off
  • Model 2:
    • Workdays: Monday to Friday
    • Hours: Reduced hours Monday to Thursday
    • Friday: Half-day schedule

Both models are designed to encourage rest, family time, and overall wellness while maintaining high productivity and public service standards.

💡 More Than Time Off – It’s a Lifestyle Shift

Under the banner of the “Year of Community”, the flexible workweek reflects Dubai’s forward-thinking leadership and people-first governance. The goal is to nurture a culture where employees thrive—at work, at home, and in their communities.

Benefits of the initiative include:

  • Improved work-life balance
  • Increased employee morale and mental health
  • Better family engagement during the summer months
  • Enhanced productivity and job satisfaction

💬 A Call to the Private Sector

Government officials are also encouraging private sector organizations to consider adopting similar flexible models. With global trends leaning toward shorter workweeks and remote work options, Dubai aims to lead the way regionally in progressive workplace reform.

“Our goal is to empower our employees to perform at their best while giving them the flexibility to lead fulfilling lives outside of work. This initiative is just one step in making Dubai not only a great place to work—but to live.”
— Dubai Government Media Office

International

Royal Family Welcomes New Addition: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed’s Daughter Hind

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Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, has announced the arrival of his fourth child, a beautiful daughter named Hind bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. The news was shared on the Crown Prince’s Instagram account, where he expressed his gratitude and blessings for the new addition to his family.

The name Hind holds great significance in Arab and Muslim cultures, symbolizing strength, prosperity, and resilience. It is a name rich in historical and cultural importance, often associated with qualities of abundance and heritage. By naming his daughter Hind, Sheikh Hamdan honors his mother, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, directly linking the newborn to her esteemed lineage.

This cultural practice of naming children after esteemed family members is deeply rooted in the tradition of honoring ancestors and carrying forward their legacies. The choice of the name also resonates with the wider historical and cultural contexts, as “Hind” has historically been used to refer to the Indian subcontinent, known as “Al-Hind” in Arabic, underscoring the name’s extensive geographical and cultural connotations.

Sheikh Hamdan’s family has been growing rapidly in recent years. He welcomed twins Rashid and Shaikha in May 2021, followed by his son Mohammed in February 2023. His marriage to Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum in 2019 marked the beginning of their family life, which has seen joyful expansions over the past few years.

In his heartfelt post, Sheikh Hamdan shared a personal prayer for his daughter, asking for health, well-being, and divine love. He expressed his hopes that she will grow up under the blessings of strength and grace that her name signifies.

The royal family’s newest addition has been met with widespread congratulations and well-wishes from across the UAE and beyond. As the Crown Prince’s family continues to grow, they remain an integral part of Dubai’s rich cultural heritage and a symbol of the city’s warm and welcoming spirit.

Congratulations to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and his family on the arrival of their beautiful daughter, Hind!

Global Goans

9-Year-Old Author Rachel Jasmina Dias Wows Crowd at Book Signing Event in Dubai

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Nine-year-old author Rachel Jasmina Dias celebrated her first book signing event at Bookends Store in Dubai on February 9, marking a significant milestone in her young literary career. The enthusiastic crowd was captivated by Rachel’s determination and creativity, and she inspired many with her passion for storytelling.

“It feels so surreal to be here, meeting all of these people who want to read my book ‘Rose Never Gives Up’,” Rachel exclaimed. “I’m so happy people like my story! I’ve always loved writing and making up stories, and I really hope kids will enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it.”

Rachel’s book, “Rose Never Gives Up,” tells the story of a young girl who learns the value of perseverance and never giving up. The book aims to teach children the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming challenges.

During the event, Rachel participated in a fun interactive reading session, where she read her book to an enthusiastic audience of children. She also asked the children to share their own experiences of overcoming obstacles and never giving up.

Attendees were given the chance to ask Rachel questions about her book and her writing process, and many walked away with personalized autographs. Rachel’s parents, Terrence and Remediana (Remy) Dias, were beaming with pride as they watched their daughter’s dream become a reality.

“Rachel is a shining example of the incredible potential young minds have,” said Grace Chaoul Karim, founder of Bookends store. “She’s shown that age doesn’t define talent or creativity.”

Rachel expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her journey. “I’m just getting started,” she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Who knows what’s next? Maybe another book!”

Rachel’s next story reading session will be at St Mary’s Catechism class in Dubai on February 15 at 1:45 pm.

In addition to her writing, Rachel has also set up the Rachel Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged children by providing inspiring book collections to underfunded schools, libraries, and organizations across Goa and other developing countries.

Incidentally, Rachel and her twin brother, Troy, are award-winning swimmers who hail from Margao and presently study in a British school in Dubai. Their father, Terrence, played cricket for Goa, while their mother, Remy, was a former teacher at Manovikas School in Margao.

With her passion for storytelling and her commitment to giving back to her community, Rachel Jasmina Dias is an inspiration to children and adults alike.

#AllycaralFeature 👒, Entertainment, Star Encounters

Shah Rukh Khan Mesmerizes Fans at Global Village in Dubai

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Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, also known as the “Baadshah of Bollywood,” recently left fans spellbound at the Global Village in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event, which commemorated Khan’s 29-year journey in cinema, coincided with Global Village’s 29th season, drawing an impressive crowd of over 80,000 fans from across the region.

The evening was a spectacular showcase of entertainment, featuring captivating performances, interactive activities, and heartfelt moments that highlighted Khan’s unmatched connection with his audience. The actor’s grand entrance was met with thunderous applause and chants from fans, who were thrilled to see him perform signature dance moves on the main stage.

One of the highlights of the event was when Khan invited lucky attendees on stage for selfies, sharing lighthearted moments with his doppelgänger, Durgesh. The evening culminated in a dazzling display of fireworks and confetti, leaving the crowd spellbound.

Khan’s visit to Global Village is just one of the many exciting events that have taken place in Dubai recently. The city has been abuzz with celebrity appearances, including Khan’s own star-studded launch of his son Aryan Khan’s luxury brand, D’YAVOL, at SKY 2.0. As the brand ambassador of Dubai tourism, Khan has a special affinity for the city, and his recent visit has only strengthened his bond with his fans in the region.

With his inimitable wit and charm, Khan continues to win hearts around the world, cementing his status as one of Bollywood’s most beloved stars. His recent visit to Dubai has left a lasting impact on his fans, who eagerly await his next project.