ABU DHABI, 8 July – The UAE will now offer citizens working in government a full-year paid leave in a bid to encourage more citizens to start their own businesses.
The Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, announced that the country’s cabinet had approved the move, just days after the Gulf nation revealed a reformed social welfare programme for its local population.
“We are looking to encourage our young people to benefit from the major opportunities offered by our national economy,” the UAE president said in a tweet.
Those who will take the leave will be paid half of their salaries for the one-year duration, he added.
The cabinet meeting, held in Abu Dhabi, also included the approval of a AED 2.4 billion housing loan provision for 500 Emiratis over the next six months.
The plan aims to complete 13,000 houses through the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme over the next few years, Sheikh Mohammed said. — Arabian Business