Middle East Experience

Two Palestinians were reportedly injured as Israeli security forces arrested a terror suspect in Nablus.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israeli forces arrest, injure terror suspect in Nablus

New open fire regulations allow troops to use live fire against persons trying to steal guns and other weapons from military bases.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Will new IDF open fire rules fix or create problems? - analysis

Here is all you need to know about Cash App: Scams, features, and in which country you can use it.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Cash App: All you need to know about the popular digital payment service

More than 100 students from the American University of Afghanistan fled the Taliban and are now studying in Iraq..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: These Afghan Students Found Refuge in Iraq

The organizers of the 70th Miss Universe competition have officially opened the online voting poll which has headshots of each participating country’s representative, including biographies, while some nations, such as the United Arab Emirates, have been left with a blank space.The online voting platform asks fans to pick their favorites so they can move on to the semi-finals where they’ll compete in a live show to be broadcast from Israel on December 12, 2021.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Israeli singing sensation Noa Kirel is set to open the show which will be held in the Middle East for the first time.“I’m so excited and honored to be performing at Miss Universe,” said Kirel, who will perform at the global beauty pageant in the Israeli city of Eilat.“By believing in themselves and fearlessly chasing their dreams, these women from around the world live and breathe the values of the Miss Universe Organization, and I can’t wait to share this celebratory moment with all of them on this incredible global stage.”UAE, Morocco at Miss UniverseThis year’s competition is also set to feature two other contestants from the region: Miss Universe United Arab Emirates and Miss Universe Morocco.This will mark the first time that a delegate from the United Arab Emirates has competed in the competition, although organizers behind the first-ever Miss Universe UAE canceled a planned coronation night for the inaugural beauty contest earlier this month.The event, which was supposed to be held on Sunday, November 7, was called off “due to time constraints,” according to a statement posted by organizers on their Instagram story.No updates were posted on the organization’s dedicated Twitter page and a new date has not been announced.The names of 30 UAE finalists, which would have included people of all nationalities living in the UAE, were to be announced ahead of the historic coronation night.Organizers have not responded to requests from Al Arabiya English for an update on the Miss Universe UAE competition or its participation in the Miss Universe final.Additionally, Miss Universe Morocco returns to the competition for the first time in over four decades.In a statement posted on the Miss Universe website, Israeli Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov welcomed the countdown to the Miss Universe competition.“Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic placed in our path, we knew how to maintain the balance between health and the economy, to bring tourism back to Israel,” he said.“We needed to create tourism anchors that will promote and present Israel to the world as a vaccination nation that invites tourists to visit. The Miss Universe pageant is without doubt an important and significant anchor of this plan.”The organization also unveiled details for the competition’s venue, a state-of-the-art, bespoke arena.The custom “Universe Arena,” which was imported from Portugal, rises to a height of 16.5 meters and has the capacity to hold over 70 tons of equipment.The building is treated to accommodate television filming and contains a stage and approximately 5,000 seats.Senior members of the Miss Universe Organization were in Israel throughout October to tour the country and attend planning meetings.They met with Mayor of Eilat, Eli Lankri, and closely supervised the infrastructure and construction work of the Miss Universe complex.“The choice of Eilat will continue to strengthen its position as a leading international tourist city,” said Lankri. “Hundreds of millions of spectators around the globe will be able to enjoy the rare beauty of the city of Eilat and its spectacular sites.”The contestants will arrive in Israel ahead of the competition to explore all the host country has to offer, beginning in Jerusalem and ending their trip in Eilat, where the competition will take place.The pageant, in addition to celebrating the past 70 years of championing strong women and their platforms, will also shine a spotlight on the issue of global warming as part of a green agenda that corresponds with the values of the host country.Using the Miss Universe platform, the December 12 production will highlight both the contestants of the past and the social and global issues they faced in their time, and the fact that climate change is on the world agenda for the next generation of women.The broadcast will aim to raise awareness amongst the hundreds of millions of spectators, with the hopes of inspiring action in contestants’ community.Paula M. Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization, said: “As a company that has the distinct advantage of bringing a global spotlight to world issues, I look forward to showcasing both how our contestants can make a difference in their communities and around the world.”She continued, “I know that the city of Eilat will provide a great space for our contestants to learn and grow together.”Miss South Africa controversyThe competition in Israel has not been without its controversy.South Africa’s government is urging its national pageant winner to boycott this year’s Miss Universe contest due to its location in Israel.Government officials said they would not support the decision by Lalela Mswane, the winner of the country’s beauty contest, and the organizers of the national pageant to participate in the contest in Israel.The officials cited Israel’s “atrocities against Palestinians” as the reason for their disavowal of the competition, according to The Times of Israel.South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress, also called on organizers of South Africa’s pageant to discourage Mswane from participating in the contest in Israel.Read more:Miss Universe UAE coronation night canceled until further noticeWho will be crowned the first Miss Universe UAE? Finalists are announcedAt Miss Universe pageant, Myanmar’s contestant pleads ‘our people are dying’
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Miss Universe opens online voting poll ahead of pageant to be held in Israel

Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar will run in Libya’s presidential elections due next month, he announced in a televised speech on Tuesday.“Elections are the only way out of the severe crisis that our country has plunged into,” said Haftar, who was expected to formally register later Tuesday at the election center in Benghazi.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Haftar waged a war on factions in the west after the country split in 2014, including a 14-month offensive to capture Tripoli which was repelled by the internationally recognized government.Haftar’s decision to run will anger many in Tripoli and western regions who say no vote in areas he holds can be fair.The election is meant as a milestone in the political process to knit Libya back together after a decade of chaos that spiraled out of the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that ousted former Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi.However, with no clear agreement on the legal basis for the election, major factions may reject the voteRead more:Libya's PM Dbeibah says election law flawed as he considers running for presidentLibya elders urge boycott over Gaddafi presidential bidSaif al-Islam Gaddafi registers as Libyan presidential candidate: Election official
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Libyan General Khalifa Haftar says to run for president

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has issued a new decree to regulate labor relations in the private sector with sweeping changes aimed at safeguarding employees’ rights, it was announced on Monday.The law applies to part-time and temporary work in the private sector, with changes affecting maternity and paternity leave, hiring teenagers, discrimination in the workplace and equal pay, among others.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Dr. Abdulrahman al-Awar, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratization, said in a media briefing that the new law is part of the government’s efforts to create a flexible and competitive work environment as the UAE prepares to embark on its journey towards the next 50 years.“We aim to create an environment that attracts talents and competencies from all over the world and enhance the future skills of workers, at the same time providing a stimulating and attractive working environment for employers,” al-Awar said.Flexible workingA critical change is the introduction of new forms of work under the law, which includes part-time work, temporary work, and flexible work.Al-Awar said work models would also cover freelancing, condensed working weeks, shared job models, and self-employment.“In the condensed working week, employees can choose to finish their 40 hours in three days instead of one week as per the contract signed by both parties,” said Al Awar.The shared-job model allows two people to share the same job and split the pay based on an agreement with the employer.This article grants employees the flexibility to work on a project, hourly, or for different employers while enabling employers to harness different talents and competencies at lower operational costs.Under the new law, employers cannot confiscate employees’ official documents.Workers also should not be forced to leave the country after the end of the work term.The law provides that the employer shall bear the fees and expenses of recruitment and employment and shall not recover them directly or indirectly from the employee.Employees are entitled one day paid off with the possibility of increasing weekly rest days at the discretion of the company.Compassionate leave, maternity payThey can also receive a range of leave days, including mourning leave that range between 3-5 days depending on the degree of kinship of the deceased, in addition to the five-day parental leave and other leave days set by the cabinet.Following two years of work with an employer, workers are entitled to a 10-day study leave per year if they are enrolled in an accredited institution within the UAE.Maternity leave in the private sector can extend to 60 days: 45 days with full wage, followed by 15 days on half wage. New mothers are eligible to receive additional 45 days without pay leave once they finish their initial maternity leave period in case of any post-partum complications or ailment in the newborn. They will have to provide supportive documents to apply sick leave.As per the new law, teenagers are not allowed to work more than six hours a day with one-hour break and should be allowed to work only after submitting a written consent of a guardian and a medical fitness report.Teenagers are not allowed to work on shifts from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. or engage in risky jobs that can cause harm to their physical health, ethics and well-being.Working overtimeUnder the new law, it is prohibited for employees to work over five consecutive hours without at least one-hour break. No more than two hours of overtime are allowed in one day for workers.Should the nature of the job require more than two hours overtime, employees must receive an overtime wage equivalent to regular hour pay with a 25 per cent increase.If conditions required employees to work overtime between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., they are entitled to an overtime wage equivalent to regular hour pay with a 50 percent increase. People on a shift basis are exempted from this rule.Terminating employeesAccording to the new laws, private sector companies cannot terminate employees during probation without a 14-day written notice.Under the Federal Law No. 33 of 2021 regulating labor relations, terminating an employee during probation period, which should not exceed six months, must be done in writing 14 days before termination.Under the new laws, employers cannot extend the six-month probation period.Once the probation is successfully completed, employees are to work under the conditions of the contract, while including the probation period as part of the overall service.Article 74 of the decree-law also stipulates that the employer may not use any means that would force the worker or threaten him or her with any penalty or force him or her to work for the employer or force him or her to provide a service against his or her will.Sexual harassment, discrimination in the workplaceThe new decree-law prohibits sexual harassment, bullying or any form of verbal, physical or psychological violence against a worker by the employer, his or her superiors at work or colleagues.The law also prohibits all forms of discriminations based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, social origin or disability among persons that would weaken possibilities of equal opportunity, prejudice equal access to or continuation of employment and enjoyment of rights.The amendments also reflected gender equality, with emphasis on granting women the same wage as men if they are doing the same work or work of equal value.The law has also been updated to reflect the currency in which employees are paid. It states that companies should have the flexibility to pay wages in UAE dirhams or in any other currency, according to the agreement between the two parties in the work contract.The decree-law also permits the employer to prohibit the worker from competing with the employer or participate in any competing project in the same sector, if the work entrusted to the worker allows him or her to know the employer’s clients or access his or her trade secrets — provided that the condition is specified in terms of time, place and type of work to the extent necessary to protect legitimate business interests and the period of noncompetition shall not exceed two years from the date of contract expiry.The decree-law specifies fixed-term contract (limited) as one not exceeding three years, and it is permissible, by agreement between the two parties, to extend or renew this contract for a similar or lesser duration once or more.The new labor laws will be effective from February 2, 2022.Read more:UAE president issues decree to adopt country’s ten principles for next 50 yearsUN Women says UAE’s latest legislations offer women more rights and protectionUAE decree on equal pay for women, men in private sector comes into effect
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: New UAE labor laws announced, changes made to safeguard employees’ rights

Passengers travelling with Etihad Airways can now bring their cats and dogs on board the aircraft’s passenger cabins.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Requirements Pet owners, who are aged 18 and older, flying in Economy class can opt to place their pets in the carrier under their seat or purchase an adjacent seat for them to sit in their carrier.“The pet travel bag or kennel must not exceed 40 x 40 x 22cm [length x width x height] to fit under your seat in Economy or 50 x 43 x 50cm (L x W x H) if you have purchased an adjacent seat,” the Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s website stated.Business of First-Class passengers will be able to purchase an adjacent seat for their pet to sit in their carrier next to them. The pet travel bag must not exceed 50 x 43 x 50cm.The cat or dog must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh no more than 8 kg (including their travel bag or carrier).The airline noted that pets will not be accepted on flights operated by their partner airlines.Passengers will need to submit a ‘Live Animals on Board Booking Form’ at least 72 hours before the departure of their flight.“Advance notice and restrictions apply based on where you are flying to and from. Always check with the relevant authorities before you travel,” the airline said.Cost For Economy class passengers, traveling with pets will cost $150 per flight for six hours or less and $250 dollars for flights that are longer than six hours. If passengers are transiting, the combined price will be applied.Business and First class passengers are required to purchase an extra seat for their pet in advance.Other pets can be transported as manifested cargo with Etihad cargo.Read more:Expert says cats should not be left alone for more than 24 hours, here’s whyPrivate jet companies see spike in animal, pet passengers over past two years: ReportCats have seven different personality and behavioral traits: Study
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Etihad Airways now allows passengers to bring cats, dogs in cabin

Dubai has introduced a five-year entry permit for employees of international companies based in the emirate, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said on Twitter.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“Our goal is to facilitate institutions and enable their teams to move quickly and easily to and from Dubai to participate in meetings, conferences and exhibitions held throughout the year,” Sheikh Hamdan said in a tweet on Tuesday.The United Arab Emirates, where residence is generally tied to employment, has introduced a range of new visa options in recent years.A ten-year ‘golden’ visa was introduced in 2019, and a five-year tourist visa in January.People who have invested in a property worth $1.4 million (AED5 million) or more are eligible for a five-year residence visa.They must have purchased the property outright and must own it for at least three years.Entrepreneurs with a business that has a minimum capital of $136,000 (AED500,000), or is part of an accredited business incubator, can receive a six-month visa, which can be renewed for another six months.Outstanding students with grades above 95 percent in secondary school or a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.75 or higher are eligible for a five-year visa, and can sponsor their families.Read more:UAE sets conditions for obtaining a 5-year tourist visaUAE ‘Golden Visa’: Abu Dhabi updates health insurance requirement for applicantsUAE issues Golden Visa to more than 500 doctors in Abu Dhabi
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Dubai introduces five-year visa for employees of international companies in emirate

Luxembourg judicial authorities have opened “a criminal case” in relation to Lebanese Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh and his companies and assets, a judicial spokesperson in the small European Union country said on Monday..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Luxembourg opens ‘criminal case’ into Lebanon Central Bank governor