National

New reef makes more room for marine life

Aimee Greaves — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Marine life off the east coast has been given a new home thanks to a manmade reef in Fujairah. Thirty-five concrete reef structures were dropped 100m off the coast of Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort last June. Now, on a good day, scuba divers can see eels, crabs and fish varieties, including

'Car-free day' for municipality staff

Staff Writer — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Employees of Dubai Municipality will leave their cars at home and travel to work on public transport on February 17 as part of an initiative announced yesterday by Director-General Hussain Lootah. More than 1,500 members of the staff from the municipality's headquarters and nearby offices are

Haiti devastation worse than tsunami: Glenn Perry

Reena Amos Dyes — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

"If there is a hell on earth right now it's Haiti," says Dubai jazz singer and musician Glenn Perry. "The devastation over there is worse than the December 2004 tsunami." Emirates Business told earlier how Perry planned to visit the earthquake-stricken country to help victims of the disaster.

Men jailed for theft; to be deported

Mohammed Elsidafy — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Asians AS, 20, MA, 21, MH, 29 and SM, 20 were yesterday jailed for a year, to be followed by deportation, for stealing a watchman's wallet and cable worth Dh10,000. In another case at Dubai Criminal Court, Asian MA, 25, was jailed for six months followed by deportation for threatening a man with

UAE contributes Dh26.4m to Haiti

Staff Writer — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

UAE-based donor organisations have contributed emergency aid worth Dh26.4 million to victims of the Haiti disaster, according to the country's Office for the Co-ordination of Foreign Aid (OCFA). The latest figures have been reported to the United Nations' Financial Tracking Service, a global,

Lawyer fails to turn up in murder case

Mohammed Elsidafy — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Dubai Criminal Court was forced to adjourn the trial of 25-year-old Asian driver, AS, to March 16 as his lawyer failed to appear in court. AS is accused of raping and killing a housemaid, which he has denied in an earlier hearing. He was yesterday remanded to custody after his defence

Mohammed orders setting up of Safa Foundation

Wam — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A law establishing a public institution called Safa Foundation – a new commercial body with legal personality – and full financial and administrative autonomy to pursue its goals, has been issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE,

Khalifa calls for boosting Turkmenistan-UAE relations

Wam — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Malikgulyyewi Berdimuha-medow yesterday attended the signing of two MoUs. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, was

New appointments at Damas amid restructuring drive

Staff Writer — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Damas International has announced changes in its top management team, bringing in Sanjay Kalsi to the position of Interim Acting Chief Executive Officer, from his previous position as Chief Financial Officer with the company. Damas, in a statement on Nasdaq Dubai, said Kalsi has extensive

Abu Dhabi as the artist's muse

Reena Amos Dyes — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The year 2010 will see closer co-operation and alignment between the Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi and government departments, in order to boost Abu Dhabi as a brand, locally and globally. Talking to Emirates Business Khalid Al Falasi, Head of Communication Unit, The Office of the Brand of

UAE-India trade ties reviewed

Wam — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Minister of Foreign Trade Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi yesterday met Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan and reviewed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the UAE and India. She called Indian companies to take advantage of business opportunities in the UAE market. Sheikha Lubna

Sheikh Mohammed visits Dubai Municipality's Central Laboratory

Wam — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday visited Dubai Central Laboratory, affiliated to Dubai Municipality. Sheikh Mohammed was received by Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, the

Lawyer refuses to defend man accused of raping child

Mohammed Elsdiafy — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The lawyer appointed to defend a 21-year-old Pakistani, MR, who is accused of raping an eight-year-old Bangladeshi girl, NK, withdrew from the case yesterday citing professional ethics as the reason. Abbas Al Hawi, who was appointed by the Dubai Criminal Court as the accused MR's legal counsel,

'Mistreatment' leads to murder

Mohammed Elsidafy — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A man accused of murder told police he carried out the attack because the victim had mistreated his relatives, Dubai Criminal Court heard yesterday. Corporal Mohammed Ali of Dubai Police received a report that a murder had taken place in the Al Habab area. He went to the location and saw the

Lawyer claims procedures not followed

Staff Writer — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A lawyer representing one of four men charged with possessing heroin told Dubai Criminal Court yesterday that the defendants was arrested a day before permission was given to arrest them. Nigerians OL, SE, RK and EB, who are all on visit visa, are accused of having more than five kilogramme of

Customs seizes 3,000 items in 2009

Eman Al Baik — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

More than 3,000 smuggled narcotics, counterfeit and prohibited goods, banned archeological remains and illegally declared items have been seized by Dubai Customs in 2009, which averages to about nine cases everyday. Commenting on the annual performance report obtained by Emirates Business ,

Ex-minister charged with breach of trust

Mohammed Elsidafy — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The charge against former minister, KF, has been changed to breach of trust by the Dubai Court of Cassation. The public prosecution had accused him of fraud and embezzlement after he took over a company on the death of his partner, Hassan Jamal. Jamal's sister, businesswoman Maisoun Fahmi

Cutting through red tape for expats in times of grief

Reena Amos Dyes — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

When one is living in a foreign country, the death of a loved one takes on a new dimension altogether as the body has to be repatriated to the home country. This means a whole lot of paperwork has to be dealt with, whether one is in the state of mind to do it, or not. British businessman Michael

UAE hospital is one for the birds

W G Dunlop — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Under the watchful eyes of a white-coated doctor, two orderlies in scrubs sedate the patient on a paper-covered stainless steel table, then begin the procedure – trimming her vital hunting tools. One of the orderlies carefully snips the brown and white falcon's wicked, two-centimetre talons,

Nakheel Waterfront case adjourned

Mohammed Elsidafy — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Dh44 million Nakheel Waterfront corruption case was adjourned yesterday for the third time after prosecution witness Mohammed Mustafa Hussein, an auditor at the Financial Audit Department of the Dubai Ruler's Court, failed to appear. Hussein compiled an audit report concerning the case, and

No decision on arbitration cases

Karen Remo-Listana — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

While it is settled that litigation cases arising from Dubai World debt restructuring would be handled by the DIFC Courts, it is still not yet determined which court will handle arbitration matters. There are two arbitration bodies in Dubai – Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) and the

Jurisdiction of DIFC Courts in property cases explained

Karen Remo-Listana — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Property cases signed in a coffee shop within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) may fall within the jurisdiction of DIFC Courts, even if the property is not within the centre. This is because the court also exercises jurisdiction on deals executed within its territory. "It is not

Mohammed issues law on judicial body appointments

Staff Writer — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued Law No4 of 2010 governing appointments to the judicial council in the emirate of Dubai. As per the new law, which amends Article II of Law No6 of

Region's conservation efforts applauded

Staff Writer — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The GCC countries are extending remarkable efforts to save many species from becoming extinct due to different natural and man-related environmental changes, said Dr Simon Stuart, Chair of the Species Survival Commission, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). He spoke of the

UAE calls for social inclusion of victims

Wam — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The UAE has called for the international political will to promote the concept of social inclusion and improve the living conditions of families and individuals in poor countries affected by natural disasters and armed conflicts. Naji Al Hai Mubarak, Executive Director of Social Development in

Man murders alleged rapist nephew

Mohammed Elsidafy — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A man murdered a nephew who raped his daughter and refused to marry her when she became pregnant, Dubai Criminal Court heard yesterday. A lawyer representing Arab defendant TB, 47, called on the court to reduce any sentence to the lowest possible level because of the circumstances of the case.

Boy killer denies planned murder

Mohammed Elsidafy — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Thirty-year-old UAE national, RO, who has appealed against his death sentence for the murder of a four-year-old boy, MM, has denied it was a pre-meditated murder. At the first hearing of his appeal against the sentence at the Dubai Court of Appeals yesterday, RO admitted to sodomy and murder but

Friends band together to win

Staff Writer — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Eight friends made it big together in last Wednesday's Lexus Mega Raffle. Working in a flour mill in Abu Dhabi, they used to pool money to buy a ticket of the Lexus Mega raffle every year and DSF 2010 proved to be lucky. "I have been struggling to make ends meet. Finally I can go back home and

DSC plans golf event to raise Dh200,000 for Haiti

Reena Amos Dyes — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dubai Sports City (DSC) hopes to raise more than Dh200,000 for Haiti earthquake victims with the help of celebrities including Andrew Flintoff and Ernie Els. The company is hosting a special golf fundraiser, auction and afternoon family day on February 27 at The Els Club with Andrew Flintoff

Is your love worth $1 million this year's Valentine's Day?

Keith J Fernandez — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It's the million-dollar question: how much is your love worth? Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace hotel wants punters to answer that this year by booking what it calls a once-in-a-lifetime dream holiday. Priced at $1 million (Dh3.67m), it is aimed at high fliers whose budgets have not been dented by

'Sponsorship system should be looked into'

Staff Writer — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The UAE Human Rights Association has called upon the authorities and other relevant parties to relook into the issue employers and employees, especially the sponsorship system. Speaking on the subject, Abdul Ghafar Hussein, Chairman of UAE Human Rights Association, said: "The sponsorship system

Police arrest man with fake $3.25m cheque

Staff Writer — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Abu Dhabi Police have arrested a man who allegedly conned singers into believing he was an events producer. The man, DW, 37, had a fake cheque for $3.25 million on him, which he was planning to give to a well-known Arab singer for concerts and recordings. On investigation it was revealed the

Adnec pushes Emiratisation

Staff Writer — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Demonstrating its strong commitment to emiratisation and support for initiatives undertaken by the Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) said it has successfully recruited three UAE nationals at last week's Tawdheef recruitment fair. In addition, more than

Dubai police may pursue Israel PM for Hamas killing

Reuters — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dubai would seek the arrest of Israel's prime minister if it found evidence intelligence service Mossad was behind the killing of a senior Hamas official, its police chief said in a newspaper on Friday. Hamas has blamed Israel for killing Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, one of its top military

UAE's National Environment Day today

Staff Writer — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Dubai Municipality will today mark National Environment Day by staging a number of activities ranging from an art show to the distribution of environment-friendly bags. A special exhibition will take place later in February and the municipality has organised month-long educational programmes for

Man kidnapped and held in villa for Dh5,000

Mohammed Elsidafy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A works supervisor was allegedly kidnapped by a gang who held him in an abandoned villa in Satwa for five hours, threatened to kill him and demanded Dh50,000 in ransom, Dubai Criminal Court heard yesterday. Six Asians – DS, 30, MK, 23, ZA, 24, RM, 30, MA, 23 and MR, 39 – are accused of

Hard-knocks life did us plenty of good: Al Fahim

Eman Al Baik — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The economic boom that transformed Abu Dhabi from a barren land with barely any infrastructure to a vibrant global metropolis was the result of the vision and determination of late President Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, according to a leading businessman. Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, the

Nakheel bribery case adjourned until Feb 17

Mohammed Elsidafy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

With key witness, audit expert Mohammed Mustafa Hussein, unable to attend yesterday's hearing into a case of corruption and bribery in Nakheel, the Dubai Criminal Court adjourned the case to February 17. Hussein, who is with the Financial Audit Department of the Dubai Ruler's Office, has

UAE rights body flays HRW report

Staff Writer — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The negative approach adopted in Human Rights Watch's (HRW) report has been criticised by Abdul Ghafar Hussein, Chairman of the UAE Human Rights Association (HRA). The report concentrated on the negatives and did not mention any positive side. The UAE has come a long way over the past four years

Court denies bail to main accused in Deyaar case

Mohammed Elsidafy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The main accused in a new case of financial irregularities in real estate developer, Deyaar, was denied bail by the Dubai Criminal Court yesterday. ZS, Deyaar's former CEO, and the first defendant in the new case, had applied for bail citing severe illness and inability to get treatment in jail.

Tawteen and Turret sign MoU

Wam — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council (ADTC) and Turret Middle East signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) regarding the future development of Tawdheef. Tawdheef is a recruitment show, currently taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. With more than 65 exhibiting firms and 20,000

Sheikh Mohammed to chair key Cabinet strategy session in Liwa

Staff Writer — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, will chair a conclave of the Cabinet in Liwa, Western Region, today. The Cabinet will review the progress on the government's strategy and develop new mechanisms to implement the

Dubai Criminal Court questions witness in Tamweel 2 case

Mohammed Elsidafy — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A witness in a case of financial irregularities relating to real estate Islamic mortagage provider Tamweel was grilled for more than an hour yesterday by the Dubai Criminal Court. The witness, Mohammed Noaman Iftikhar, is a financial manager of two companies owned by AS, the main defendant in

UAE professionals unite to launch charity initiative

Aimee Greaves — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A new charity initiative has been launched to help the people of Haiti, three weeks after an earthquake destroyed large parts of the Caribbean nation. UAE for Haiti, supported by In Dubai We Trust, is raising money for the UAE Red Crescent's aid efforts, including the establishment of a field

Jail for diamond ring theft

Mohammed Elsidafy — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Dubai Criminal Court issued sentences in five different cases yesterday, sentencing three Arab nationals and two Asians to jail terms and deportation. A 37-year-old Asian cleaner at Hyatt Regency Hotel, AF, was sentenced to three months and deportation for stealing a diamond ring from the

Millions minted on camel causeway

Staff Writer — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Million's Street – a three-kilometre stretch of unpaved road in the middle of the desert – has earned its name from the camel deals done on its sides. The main street at the Al Dhafra Festival in Zayed City in Abu Dhabi is the most popular location not only for camel owners but also for

Capital Air Race set to draw 200,000

Keith J Fernandez — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Organisers estimate that about 200,000 spectators will attend the opening round of this year's Red Bull Air Race Championship in Abu Dhabi, where 15 of the world's top pilots will vie for starter points glory. Alberto Chahoud, Area Communications Manager, Middle East and Africa, at Red Bull,

'Golden gun' focus of trial

Mohammed Elsidafy — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

One of the men accused of killing Chechen leader Salim Yamadeyev was given a bag for safekeeping before the attack – and when he opened it he found it contained a golden gun, a court heard yesterday. The defendant, MT from Iran, formerly worked as a groom for Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov. He

Companies seek nationals at HR show

Staff Writer — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A slew of UAE companies are participating in the fourth edition of the Abu Dhabi recruitment show Tawdheef 2010. The human resources event, which begins today at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), in an attempt to attract national talent in various fields. Telecom majors etisalat

Tamweel to seek restart of trading

Staff Writer — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Tamweel will soon request the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) to allow the trading of its shares to resume, according to Chairman Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nehyan. In a statement to Alarabiya channel on the sidelines of the Davos summit, Sheikh Khalid said: "Tamweel is studying all