Latest news with #Emir
Focus Malaysia
4 days ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Overworked, underpaid Malaysians want time-off to chill with PMX-given Sept 15 public holiday
OVERWORKED, underpaid and unappreciated. That seems to be the overriding sentiment from many ordinary, working Malaysians. Henceforth, the very least they deserve is to enjoy a long weekend courtesy of a public holiday announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Sept 15 (Monday) was declared a public holiday to allow everyone to enjoy an extended Malaysia Day break (which falls the following day) as part of the goodies doled out in PMX's much awaited 'extraordinary tribute for Malaysians' package. This was the certainly the tone for the majority of responses to a post by fin-influencer Emir | The Millennial Finance (@the millenialf_) on X. It was posited that PMX's announcement of yet another rest day was unwelcome as the country already had too many public holidays. Honestly Malaysia needs to chill with these random public holidays We already have so many — Emir | The Millennial Finance (@themillennialf_) July 23, 2025 The post has gone viral by having generated 3.1M views with many vehemently disagreeing with the poster's viewpoint. Many Malaysians have greeted the news of an extra rest day positively for it would allow them to take the foot off the pedal. One commenter claimed that many citizens needed the public holiday just to stay sane. Another chided the poster for trying to emulate billionaire Tesla and X owner Elon Musk with his 'work harder' pronouncements by wondering if he also supported '996' and 5.5 working days in a week. The '996' is a reference to the extreme work culture in China that Musk had previously praised. A sarcastic remark perhaps encapsulated what many Malaysians thought of the post, claiming how he can make shareholders more money was the primary motivation he got out of bed daily. The post was also picked up by self-confessed hiking enthusiast and part-time salesman, Abah (@chairmanGLC) who shared a report from The Smart Local. Kuala Lumpur was said to be the fourth most overworked city in the world, taking top spot for longest working hours as well as time spent commuting. Its working force also had the least access to mental health care, the report claimed. Abah further contended that he was sick of the 'Malaysians enjoy too many public holidays' complaint, citing the leave entitlement workers in other countries enjoyed (ie European workers enjoy 35 paid time-off annually compared to Malaysians' 22 days). Honestly I'm sick of reading the notion of 'Malaysia banyak sangat public holidays'. Tengok comparison between Malaysia and European countries. A Malaysian entry level worker will only have 22 days of PTO compared to 35 days for Europeans. And look at the last column. — Abah (@chairmanGLC) July 23, 2025 One commenter who put on an ultra-competitive 'Tiger Mom' persona sarcastically asked 'why didn't (Malaysia) get first place'? It was argued that cheap labour was why many companies have factories in Malaysia. However, this is at the expense of an overworked citizenry. The economic reality that drove many employees to work long hours 'with two to three jobs' was also highlighted. One commenter compared the scenario to India where hybrid-working policies have been implemented to combat worsening traffic and pollution problems, hinting perhaps that this would be a welcome move in Malaysia. However, there were some who concurred with the original poster, contending that such random public holidays were counter-productive. One even argued that the typical working day became long due to the numerous breaks Malaysian employees would take. Another claimed what works elsewhere does not necessarily work in Malaysia. But it could be surmised that the majority of comments welcomed the announcement of the Sept 15 public holiday while highlighting that Malaysian workers are an overworked lot. At the end of the day, one commenter had some simple advice for the poster – 'if you want to work, please be my guest'. – July 25, 2025
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
From castles to camels: A look inside the jaw-dropping displays by Middle Eastern leaders to woo Trump
The leaders of the Middle Eastern countries that President Donald Trump is visiting this week have discovered the keys to the American leader's heart - grand displays and glitzy architecture. Trump was pumped for the pomp put on display in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia as he leaves for the United Arab Emirates mid-day Thursday. He was hosted by both leaders in a series of palaces and other grand buildings that met his love of the ostentatious. On Wednesday night, Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a state dinner for Trump at the opulent Lusail Palace. There were camels on hand - and eaten by guests - and Arabian horses leading the Beast, the presidential limo, to the palace's doors. Once Trump got out of his vehicle, he was immediately treated to a performance by sword-dancers. While signing business and defense agreements early Wednesday evening alongside the emir, the 78-year-old former real estate developer stopped and asked those in the room to take in its architecture. 'This room is the real deal. That's called white marble. It's very hard to buy, believe me, I know very well, because you try to buy it and you can't buy it,' Trump said. 'And you just take a look at what you have here. It's been incredible - what you've been able to build as a nation.' The Qatari state visit was taking place in the Amiri Diwan, the official administrative offices of the Emir, which started out as an 18th Century fort. Trump arrived to the Amiri Diwan Wednesday afternoon to great fanfare. His motorcade was led by two Qatarified Cybertrucks - a nod to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's role in Trumpworld. The billionaire DOGE leader had showed up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the first day of Trump's trip. As the Beast arrived at the Amiri Diwan, Trump was able to take in dozens of camels. There were riders on Arabian horses stationed outside for him as well - but the camels were new, as there were Arabian horses for Trump the day before in Saudi. 'We appreciate those camels. I haven't seen camels like that in a long time. That was some greeting,' the president told the emir during their initial sit-down. He complimented the marble at this point too. 'As a construction person I'm seeing perfect marble. This is what they call - perfecto,' Trump said. President Donald Trump complimented the camels that Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani used for both his arrival ceremony and that lined the state ahead of Wednesday night's state dinner The night before, Trump was treated to a tour of Diriyah - what is being touted as Saudi Arabia's 'premier lifestyle destination' - a giga-project built adjacent to the At-Turaif a UNESCO World Heritage that served as the first home for Saudi's still-ruling royal family, the House of Saud. Development of the site will include 40 hotels and more than 300 residential units. Trump's own company, the Trump Organization, is developing projects in all three of the countries that he's visiting, with one property in the UAE already open and another six planned. At Diriyah, the president was greeted by gowned chanters and drummers as the ancient Salwa Palace was illuminated in the background. At every stop in Saudi, Trump was personally greeted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, or 'MBS.' The two chatted and smiled, posing for photographers and then toured a model of the giga-project with their entourage, which in Trump's case included Elon Musk and several Cabinet secretaries. Then MBS personally drove Trump around the larger site in a golf cart. This came after the Saudis treated Trump to two official welcome ceremonies - one at the Royal Terminal of the King Khalid International Airport - where only royal family members and diplomatic guests have access - and again at the Royal Court. The Saudi crown prince rolled out a lavender carpet - the color of royalty - for President Donald Trump when he arrived in Riyadh first thing Tuesday morning Lavender carpets - the color of royalty - were rolled out at each locale. A military guard lined the carpets at the airport, while the Beast was accompanied by Arabian horses to the Royal Court. Once inside, Trump participated in a coffee ceremony and held several meetings with MBS and Saudi and U.S. business leaders in giant ornate ballrooms. The president delivered foreign policy remarks Tuesday afternoon at another ornate location - the King Adbul Aziz International Conference Center - greeting guests with a domed entryway, far more opulent than the one in the U.S. Capitol, and featuring an enormous chandelier. Trump stayed in a grand locale too - but one with a colorful past. He stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, which MBS used to jail purged Saudi officials and family members in 2017 consolidate power.
Al Jazeera
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Trump says he doesn't want to make ‘nuclear dust' in Iran
NewsFeed Trump says he doesn't want to make 'nuclear dust' in Iran Donald Trump says he thinks the US is close to doing a nuclear deal with Iran. The US president made the comments in Qatar, where he praised the Emir for helping to push for a diplomatic solution, rather than war.
Al Jazeera
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Trump arrives at Lusail Palace for Qatari state dinner
NewsFeed Trump arrives at Lusail Palace for Qatari state dinner President Donald Trump was welcomed at Lusail Palace for a dinner hosted by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The two watched a performance outside before entering the palace to greet guests.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
From glitzy castles to marching camels: A look inside the jaw-dropping displays by Middle Eastern leaders to woo Trump including opulent architecture and sword-wielding surprises
The leaders of the Middle Eastern countries that President Donald Trump is visiting this week have discovered the keys to the American leader's heart - grand displays and glitzy architecture. Trump was pumped for the pomp put on display in both Qatar and Saudi Arabia as he leaves for the United Arab Emirates mid-day Thursday. He was hosted by both leaders in a series of palaces and other grand buildings that met his love of the ostentatious. On Wednesday night, Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a state dinner for Trump at the opulent Lusail Palace. There were camels on hand, and Arabian horses - leading the Beast, the presidential limo, to the palace's doors. Once Trump got out of his vehicle, he was immediately treated to a performance by sword-dancers. While signing business and defense agreements early Wednesday evening alongside the emir, the 78-year-old former real estate developer stopped and asked those in the room to take in its architecture. 'This room is the real deal. That's called white marble. It's very hard to buy, believe me, I know very well, because you try to buy it and you can't buy it,' Trump said. 'And you just take a look at what you have here. It's been incredible - what you've been able to build as a nation.' The Qatari state visit was taking place in the Amiri Diwan, the official administrative offices of the Emir, which started out as an 18th Century fort. Trump arrived to the Amiri Diwan Wednesday afternoon to great fanfare. His motorcade was led by two Qatarified Cybertrucks - a nod to Tesla CEO Elon Musk's role in Trumpworld. The billionaire DOGE leader had showed up in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the first day of Trump's trip. As the Beast arrived at the Amiri Diwan, Trump was able to take in dozens of camels. There were riders on Arabian horses stationed outside for him as well - but the camels were new, as there were Arabian horses for Trump the day before in Saudi. 'We appreciate those camels. I haven't seen camels like that in a long time. That was some greeting,' the president told the emir during their initial sit-down. He complimented the marble at this point too. 'As a construction person I'm seeing perfect marble. This is what they call - perfecto,' Trump said. The night before, Trump was treated to a tour of Diriyah - what is being touted as Saudi Arabia's 'premier lifestyle destination' - a giga-project built adjacent to the At-Turaif a UNESCO World Heritage that served as the first home for Saudi's still-ruling royal family, the House of Saud. Development of the site will include 40 hotels and more than 300 residential units. Trump's own company, the Trump Organization, is developing projects in all three of the countries that he's visiting, with one property in the UAE already open and another six planned. At Diriyah, the president was greeted by gowned chanters and drummers as the ancient Salwa Palace was illuminated in the background. At every stop in Saudi, Trump was personally greeted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, or 'MBS.' The two chatted and smiled, posing for photographers and then toured a model of the giga-project with their entourage, which in Trump's case included Elon Musk and several Cabinet secretaries. Then MBS personally drove Trump around the larger site in a golf cart. This came after the Saudis treated Trump to two official welcome ceremonies - one at the Royal Terminal of the King Khalid International Airport - where only royal family members and diplomatic guests have access - and again at the Royal Court. Lavender carpets - the color of royalty - were rolled out at each locale. A military guard lined the carpets at the airport, while the Beast was accompanied by Arabian horses to the Royal Court. Once inside, Trump participated in a coffee ceremony and held several meetings with MBS and Saudi and U.S. business leaders in giant ornate ballrooms. The president delivered foreign policy remarks Tuesday afternoon at another ornate location - the King Adbul Aziz International Conference Center - greeting guests with a domed entryway, far more opulent than the one in the U.S. Capitol, and featuring an enormous chandelier. Trump stayed in a grand locale too - but one with a colorful past.
