Ayman Alansary, a 47-year-old Egyptian living in Dubai, recently left a senior role as a chief supply chain officer and decided to micro-retire after working for 20 years. The reason: he wants to travel frequently and spend more time with his family.

Mr Alansary has taken a freelance licence and takes on consulting jobs. He works for two to three companies a few days a week now, but on his own terms.

Micro-retiring is a term used to describe the practice whereby employees take planned, extended breaks from their professional duties, often through sabbaticals or unpaid leave, typically ranging from several weeks to several months or resigning from employment with the intention of returning to the workforce later.

“It’s a lot of pressure to be in such senior roles for a long time. I also want to spend more time with my wife and kids,” he says.

“But I am used to getting a consistent salary for many years, which gave me a sense of security. However, I’m not making much less than what I used to on a full-time job.”

Although the lack of a stable income stream worries Mr Alansary, the freedom of this lifestyle offsets it. He depends on his savings and investments to fund his expenses but wonders how long he can sustain this lifestyle.

Banks’ lack of approval

However, banks do not understand this trend, Mr Alansary complains. When seeking a loan or mortgage, lenders cite a far higher interest rate, even though he earns an income and has savings.

Mr Alansary says he is thinking of going back to work full time. But while this would make things easier in his dealings with banks, he admits that there’s lots about his current arrangement he would miss.

“It’s no longer about the salary, but more about the flexibility and lack of office politics,” he says.

He isn’t alone. Rania Khuffash, a 29-year-old Briton, moved to Dubai from London this year after taking a nearly nine-month break from her advertising and marketing career because she was tired and had not taken a break since she was 21.

“My job was getting repetitive, and I needed a change. I was bored and needed a clear mind, so I took some time off to travel. I went to Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, and switched off. I also visited Jordan for some time to visit extended family. I had money saved up for all this,” she says.

After three months off, she studied skills such as video editing and graphic design. Ms Khuffash also volunteered for a local charity in Jordan – things she “couldn’t do while on a full-time job”.

Now, Ms Khuffash wants a full-time job but since she is new to the UAE, freelancing offers her flexibility. Meeting new people and getting out of her comfort zone and usual routine have helped offer more clarity, she says.

It’s easier to adapt to working after a sabbatical in a new country. But if you go back to the same job, it can be difficult to adjust to the same routine, Ms Khuffash says.

Reasons for micro-retirement

This year, 10 per cent of Americans are planning to take a micro-retirement, with many funding their break with the help of savings or side hustles to rest, travel or explore personal and career goals, according to a poll by SideHustles.com, a platform for side jobs and part-time gigs.

On average, Americans take four months off work for a micro-retirement and aim to save around $15,000 beforehand, according to a poll of 1,000 people in the US.

Their top reasons for taking a micro-retirement include mental health recovery, travel, life experiences and relief from work stress. Professionals working in areas such as technology, health care, retail, hospitality and finance plan to micro-retire in 2025, the survey found.

Tanaya S, a 27-year-old Indian living in Dubai, has been working since the age of 22 but wants to micro-retire as she feels burnt out and does not enjoy her current job in sustainability.

“I feel that life can’t be spent working a 9 to 5. It makes me think about what I want to do with my life and my purpose,” she says.

“The job I’m currently in doesn’t align with where I want to be. I want to focus on my mental and physical health during the break or even consider starting my own business.”

She has savings to cover her necessities, such as therapy, gym and going out with friends, for up to a year. Living with her father and brother helps her to not worry about paying for rent or food.

Focus on purpose and well-being

Micro-retiring is still in its early stages across the UAE, but the signs of change are unmistakable. There is growing interest, especially among younger professionals who are rethinking traditional career timelines and placing greater emphasis on balance, purpose and well-being, according to Pedro Lacerda, country head UAE at recruitment company TASC Group.

“The increasing availability of sabbatical leave across UAE organisations reflects a workforce that’s looking for structured ways to pause, recharge and realign, without stepping away from long-term career goals,” he says.

“Government initiatives are also reinforcing this shift. Emirati nationals in federal roles now have the option to take up to a year off at half pay to start a business.”

Nicki Wilson, owner and managing director of Genie Recruitment, a Dubai-based consultancy that specialises in hiring across the consumer industry, says there is a significant rise in Gen Z and younger millennials taking intentional breaks between jobs, freelancing or opting for a slower paced career path far earlier than previous generations.

It’s not unusual to see young professionals leaving the 9-5 to retrain as a Pilates instructor, a personal trainer, offer coaching or become content creators. A lot of people will utilise their expertise in consultancy or freelancing, too, she points out.

“We also see a number of very senior profiles who in previous generations may have worked continuously to retirement, adopting a softer approach and taking breaks at their peak to spend time on their own ventures, travel or spend time with family,” she says.

It’s not unusual now to see young professionals leaving the 9-5 to retrain as a Pilates instructor, a personal trainer, offer coaching or become content creators

Nicki Wilson,
owner and managing director, Genie Recruitment

Driving forces

The change is being driven by factors such as mental health prioritisation, an anti-hustle culture, access to online income through freelance work, a cultural shift towards minimalism, wellness and slow living, and no loyalty to outdated systems, according to Ms Wilson.

Some step away after just one to five years of work. Unlike older generations, Gen Z doesn’t feel they need to “earn” rest after decades. If they’re unhappy, they’re more likely to pause early, explore something new or prioritise their well-being. Whereas millennials and boomers may opt to do this later in life after 10 to 15+ years working, she explains.

Micro-retiring is gaining traction as part of a broader shift in how people think about work and life, Mr Lacerda says.

“Younger professionals have a clear expectation that work should adapt to life, not the other way around,” he says.

“There’s also growing recognition of the link between employee well-being and business performance. More organisations are looking at policies like sabbaticals and planned career breaks not as risks, but as ways to improve engagement, reduce burnout, and boost long-term productivity.”

Which sectors are seeing this trend?

Industries with high pressure and rapid pace are leading the way in micro-retirement, according to recruiters.

Mr Lacerda cites sectors such as technology, finance, and professional services across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

“For example, in the UAE’s tech sector, rapid growth combined with intense work demands has led to higher burnout risk. Similarly, the financial services industry − including banking and FinTech − faces strong retention challenges,” he says.

“In addition, sectors like health care and education, where the emotional and physical demands are high, are beginning to explore more structured sabbatical or phased-retirement options.”

Ms Wilson says micro-retiring is also visible in creative industries like marketing, public relations, design, fashion and content, as well as start-ups, events, hospitality and retail − where “long hours and high stress” are all contributory factors.

What do micro-retired people do?

People who choose to micro-retire often use this time to focus on what matters to them, whether that’s personal growth, family or recharging. Many take the opportunity to travel or pursue passions and hobbies they’ve set aside, according to Mr Lacerda.

“In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, we’ve seen a growing number of professionals using micro-retirement to start their own businesses or engage in freelance and consulting work. This allows them to maintain some income while enjoying greater flexibility,” he says.

“Others invest time in upskilling or further education, preparing themselves for the next phase of their career with new skills and fresh perspectives.”

Ms Wilson says those who micro-retire pursue solo travel or do something wellness-related, start a side hustle (fashion, food, digital products, coaching), study something new (tech bootcamps, design, online courses), freelance on the side or go inward: therapy, meditation or personal growth.

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.

Is it hard to rejoin the workforce?

Some progressive employers value life experience, clarity and self-driven motivation, while traditional corporates may misinterpret breaks as flakiness, Ms Wilson says.

Gen Zs with strong portfolios or freelance projects during breaks tend to bounce back easier, she says.

When it comes to millennials and boomers, it is often much harder to re-enter the workforce as often they do not keep up with the latest technology or upskill quick enough, she adds.

Meanwhile, Mr Lacerda says concerns about skill gaps or being “out of the loop” are common. But when micro-retiring is planned well, with clear intentions and ongoing development, many find the transition back smoother than expected.

“It often helps to stay connected through part-time projects, upskilling or networking during the break,” he suggests.

“Some sectors and companies remain more traditional and cautious. The key for employees is to communicate openly about their plans and for employers to offer structured return-to-work programmes that reduce friction.”

Disadvantages

Financial preparedness is often a key hurdle, Mr Lacerda warns. Many professionals feel they cannot afford extended breaks, especially in regions with high living costs. Organisations need to support this with tailored financial planning and flexible benefits, he suggests.

Ms Wilson adds that employers may view micro-retirement as a lack of commitment.

How to come clean about financial infidelity

  • Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
  • Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help. 
  • Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
  • Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
  • Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported. 

Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League last-16, second leg:

Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70′), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7′, Neres 18′, Tadic 62′, Schone 72′)

Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate

Should late investors consider cryptocurrencies?

Wealth managers recommend late investors to have a balanced portfolio that typically includes traditional assets such as cash, government and corporate bonds, equities, commodities and commercial property.

They do not usually recommend investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies due to the risk and volatility associated with them.

“It has produced eye-watering returns for some, whereas others have lost substantially as this has all depended purely on timing and when the buy-in was. If someone still has about 20 to 25 years until retirement, there isn’t any need to take such risks,” Rupert Connor of Abacus Financial Consultant says.

He adds that if a person is interested in owning a business or growing a property portfolio to increase their retirement income, this can be encouraged provided they keep in mind the overall risk profile of these assets.

THE%20SPECS

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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.

What is blockchain?

Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.

The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.

Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.

However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.

Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.

The specs: 2018 Honda City

Price, base: From Dh57,000
Engine: 1.5L, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 118hp @ 6,600rpm
Torque: 146Nm @ 4,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.8L / 100km

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsUFC%20FIGHT%20NIGHT%3A%20SAUDI%20ARABIA%20RESULTS

%3Cp%3E%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20card%3Cbr%3EMiddleweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERobert%20Whittaker%20defeated%20Ikram%20Aliskerov%20via%20knockout%20(Round%201)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EHeavyweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EAlexander%20Volkov%20def%20Sergei%20Pavlovich%20via%20unanimous%20decision%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMiddleweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EKelvin%20Gastelum%20def%20Daniel%20Rodriguez%20via%20unanimous%20decision%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMiddleweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EShara%20Magomedov%20def%20Antonio%20Trocoli%20via%20knockout%20(Round%203)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELight%20heavyweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EVolkan%20Oezdemir%20def%20Johnny%20Walker%20via%20knockout%20(Round%201)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPreliminary%20Card%0D%3Cbr%3ELightweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ENasrat%20Haqparast%20def%20Jared%20Gordon%20via%20split%20decision%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFeatherweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EFelipe%20Lima%20def%20Muhammad%20Naimov%20via%20submission%20(Round%203)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWelterweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3ERinat%20Fakhretdinov%20defeats%20Nicolas%20Dalby%20via%20split%20decision%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBantamweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMuin%20Gafurov%20def%20Kang%20Kyung-ho%20via%20unanimous%20decision%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELight%20heavyweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EMagomed%20Gadzhiyasulov%20def%20Brendson%20Ribeiro%20via%20majority%20decision%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBantamweight%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3Cbr%3EChang%20Ho%20Lee%20def%20Xiao%20Long%20via%20split%20decision%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

The specs

  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

The line up

Friday: Giggs, Sho Madjozi and Masego  

Saturday: Nas, Lion Bbae, Roxanne Shante and DaniLeigh  

Sole DXB runs from December 6 to 8 at Dubai Design District. Weekend pass is Dh295 while a one day pass is Dh195. Tickets are available from www.soledxb.com

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pocketsUPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

THE SPECS

Range Rover Sport Autobiography Dynamic

Engine: 5.0-litre supercharged V8

Transmission: six-speed manual

Power: 518bhp

Torque: 625Nm

Speed: 0-100kmh 5.3 seconds

Price: Dh633,435

On sale: now

The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands

50-man Royal Rumble – names entered so far include Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane, Chris Jericho, The New Day and Elias

Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match

WWE World Heavyweight Championship AJ Styles (champion) v Shinsuke Nakamura

Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe

United States Championship Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal

SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos

Raw Tag Team Championship (currently vacant) Cesaro and Sheamus v Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt

Casket match The Undertaker v Chris Jericho

Singles match John Cena v Triple H

Cruiserweight Championship Cedric Alexander v tba

 

The specs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo

Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm

Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed auto

Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km

On sale: December

Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)

Benefits of first-time home buyers’ scheme

  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates

The specs: 2018 Nissan Altima

Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650

Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder

Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm

Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm

Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission

Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km

Naga

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Tips to stay safe during hot weather

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.

– Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Company profile

Company: Eighty6 

Date started: October 2021 

Founders: Abdul Kader Saadi and Anwar Nusseibeh 

Based: Dubai, UAE 

Sector: Hospitality 

Size: 25 employees 

Funding stage: Pre-series A 

Investment: $1 million 

Investors: Seed funding, angel investors  

The biog

Hobby: “It is not really a hobby but I am very curious person. I love reading and spend hours on research.”

Favourite author: Malcom Gladwell 

Favourite travel destination: “Antigua in the Caribbean because I have emotional attachment to it. It is where I got married.”

Results

5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m; Winner: Faiza, Sandro Paiva (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer).

5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,400m; Winner: Greeley, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi.

6pm: Emirates Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 1,600m; Winner: Marzaga, Jim Crowley, Ana Mendez.

6.30pm: Emirates Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 1,600m; Winner: Jawaal, Jim Crowley, Majed Al Jahouri.

7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m; Winner: AF Ashras, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.

7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Ahmed Al Mehairbi.

What are the influencer academy modules?

  1. Mastery of audio-visual content creation. 
  2. Cinematography, shots and movement.
  3. All aspects of post-production.
  4. Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
  5. Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
  6. Tourism industry knowledge.
  7. Professional ethics.

More from Aya IskandaraniCompany profile

Company: Rent Your Wardrobe 

Date started: May 2021 

Founder: Mamta Arora 

Based: Dubai 

Sector: Clothes rental subscription 

Stage: Bootstrapped, self-funded 

Company%20Profile

%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Cargoz%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EDate%20started%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20January%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Premlal%20Pullisserry%20and%20Lijo%20Antony%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2030%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Seed%3C%2Fp%3E%0A