标签： Africa

In a significant clarification of employee rights in the UAE, workers diagnosed with mental health conditions such as clinical depression are entitled to sick leave under the country’s employment laws. According to Article 31 (1) of the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations, employees must notify their employer within three working days of falling ill and provide a medical report from a recognized healthcare provider. This provision applies to both physical and mental health conditions, ensuring that mental illnesses are treated with the same seriousness as physical ailments. Employees who have completed their probation period are eligible for up to 90 days of sick leave annually. This leave can be taken continuously or intermittently and is structured as follows: the first 15 days are fully paid, the next 30 days are half-paid, and the remaining period is unpaid. The law does not explicitly exclude mental health conditions, meaning a certified diagnosis of depression qualifies for sick leave. Employees facing resistance from their employers despite valid documentation can escalate the matter to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for resolution. This legal framework underscores the UAE’s commitment to employee welfare and mental health awareness, aligning with global trends in workplace inclusivity and support.

On November 3, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) commemorates Flag Day, a momentous occasion that unites millions of residents and citizens in a display of national pride. The day is marked by the hoisting of the UAE flag at 11 a.m. sharp, as urged by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This annual event, first celebrated in 2013, honors the accession of the UAE’s second president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and celebrates the nation’s remarkable progress and unity.

The UAE flag, a symbol of belonging and identity, was designed by a 19-year-old Emirati, Abdulla Mohammed Al Ma’enah, in 1971. Inspired by a poem by Safi-u-ddin Al Hali, Al Ma’enah crafted a design that incorporated four colors, each with profound significance: red for bravery and courage, green for growth and prosperity, white for peace and goodness, and black for strength and rejection of injustice. His design, selected from over 1,030 entries, was first hoisted on December 2, 1971, marking the formation of the UAE.

Flag Day not only celebrates the nation’s leadership and vision but also serves as a reminder of the UAE’s journey from desert sands to global prominence. The day is a testament to the unity and commitment of its people, as the flag waves proudly across homes, streets, and institutions, embodying the spirit of the Emirates.

Dubai, renowned for its high quality of life, safety, and world-class healthcare, has introduced a one-year residency visa that allows expatriates to sponsor their parents to live in the city. This initiative caters to the growing number of expats who, after establishing themselves in Dubai, wish to reunite with their families. The visa aims to provide a seamless process for bringing parents to the UAE, ensuring they can enjoy the city’s exceptional lifestyle. To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including a minimum monthly salary of Dh10,000 and proof of adequate accommodation, such as a two-bedroom home registered under Ejari. The application process involves submitting essential documents, including the applicant’s Emirates ID, passport copies, labor contract, and proof of relationship with the parents. Additionally, a security deposit of Dh5,000 and various processing fees, including entry permits, medical tests, and Emirates ID charges, are required. This initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to fostering family unity and enhancing the well-being of its diverse expatriate community.

The Kenyan government has reported a tragic mudslide in the western region of the country, resulting in the deaths of 21 individuals. The disaster, triggered by relentless heavy rainfall, occurred in Marakwet East late Friday night. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that the victims’ bodies have been moved to a nearby airstrip. Additionally, over 30 people remain missing, while 25 others with severe injuries have been airlifted for urgent medical care. The Kenyan Red Cross, leading rescue operations, noted that the most affected areas are inaccessible due to mudslides and flash flooding. Search and rescue efforts were temporarily halted on Saturday evening but are set to resume on Sunday. Murkomen assured that preparations are underway to deliver food and essential supplies to the victims, with military and police helicopters on standby for transportation. Kenya is currently in its second rainy season, which typically brings shorter periods of wet weather compared to the earlier, more prolonged rainy season. Authorities have advised residents near seasonal rivers and landslide-prone areas to relocate to safer locations. Meanwhile, neighboring Uganda has also faced severe weather, with flash floods and landslides claiming lives since last Wednesday. The Uganda Red Cross reported a mudslide in Kapsomo village, eastern Uganda, which destroyed a home and killed four occupants. Floods have severely impacted villages near riverbanks in the Bulambuli District, with continuous heavy rains causing the River Astiri and River Sipi to overflow, leading to widespread destruction of homes, crops, and infrastructure.

The 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine, held at Kenya’s Utalii College, became a vibrant hub of culinary excellence and cultural connection. The event, organized by the World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry with support from the Chinese embassy in Kenya and the Kenya Chinese Cuisine and Culture Association, attracted approximately 40 teams from across the globe. Participants included 15 Kenyan teams, 15 from China, and representatives from Australia, Senegal, South Africa, Nigeria, and the United States, alongside three non-professional Kenyan teams. The competition highlighted the artistry of Chinese cuisine, with chefs crafting innovative dishes that blended traditional Chinese flavors with African influences. From dim sum to Sichuan spice and Cantonese delicacies, the event showcased the diversity of Chinese culinary traditions. Rebecca Miano, Kenya’s cabinet secretary for Tourism, emphasized the event’s role in strengthening Kenya-China relations, aligning with the vision of a ‘China-Kenya Community with a Shared Future for the New Era.’ She also underscored the importance of gastronomy in promoting tourism and fostering economic diplomacy. The championship not only celebrated culinary skills but also served as a platform for cultural exchange, bridging communities through the universal language of food.