
Dubai hosts world's largest peace summit featuring 12 Nobel laureates
The Global Justice, Love & Peace Summit features a rare and historic gathering of 12 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, along with royalty, heads of state, chief justices, business leaders, faith leaders, sports icons, and celebrities—all uniting under the theme: "One Planet, One Voice."
On Sunday, April 13, Dubai will make history as it hosts a special Nobel Laureates session, where the global peace icons will propose a bold vision for a new world order—one rooted in non-violence, truth and universal justice.
Ahead of the summit, former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Wałęsa emphasized the urgent need for a global framework that promotes shared human values and peace, suggesting reforms to international governance to better reflect unity and justice.
The event is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, who will deliver the keynote address on the summit's second day.
The summit was opened on Saturday by Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, a leading parliamentarian and educator in the UAE, a member of the UAE Federal National Council and Chairman of the Defence Affairs, Interior & Foreign Affairs Committee at the Council.
The event will conclude with the proclamation of a 'Peace Charter: Love Letter to Humanity' as guiding principles of justice, love and peace, covering justice and equality, dialogue and cooperation, education and empowerment, freedom, leadership and responsibility.
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Middle East Eye
an hour ago
- Middle East Eye
UAE anti-terror laws 'cover' for crackdown on peaceful dissent, report shows
The United Arab Emirates' landmark 2014 anti-terror law is being used as a tool of political control rather than a way to protect national security, a new report by Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) said. The non-governmental organisation was founded in 2005 by Yemeni Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Tawakkol Karman. In a 48-page report released last week, the findings point to vague legal provisions in the UAE that allow for what the authors have couched as dangerous prosecutorial overreach. Federal Law No. 7 of 2014 represents the UAE's most comprehensive legal instrument addressing terrorism-related offenses. It was created because of a confluence of regional instability and the UAE's own strategic recalibration. There was also the regional rise of the Islamic State, which added to the urgency of the law's development. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Reformists have also long said that the law was designed to halt the rise of a popular brand of political Islam in the early 2010s. But its criminalisation efforts under broad terms such as "offending the state" and "undermining national unity" raise significant human rights concerns, the report said. "Compounding this issue is the law's reference to individuals who 'threaten', 'aim', 'plan', or 'seek' to commit terrorist crimes - formulations so vague that they could encompass expressions of opinion, political advocacy or even the exercise of conscience," the authors said. As a result, Federal Law No. 7 has caused the suppression of civil society engagement and dissent, leading to the detention of journalists, lawyers and academics, and creating a chilling effect across the country, the report explained. Among the most notable cases are individuals who received a decade or longer prison sentences for being part of the so-called 'UAE 94': when 94 activists were prosecuted for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government in the wake of the Arab Spring in 2012-2013. UAE top court upholds life terms for 24 convicted in mass trial Read More » The detainees were largely affiliated with the political reform party al-Islah, whose approach was solely non-violent. But for some of the most high profile dissidents, serving their sentence was not enough - the UAE tried several of them again in 2022-2023 under the vague terms of the 2014 anti-terror law, and extended their sentences, the report showed. Many of the alleged activities in the case that became known as the 'UAE 84' in its second round pre-dated the anti-terror law itself, raising concerns about the retroactive application of criminal law. Human rights lawyer Mohammed al-Roken - after spending a decade in prison - is now serving a life sentence for opposing the act of citizenship revocation by the Emirati government, the report said. Activists Maryam al-Balushi and Amina al-Abdouli were sentenced to an additional three years in prison in 2021 for "publishing information that disturbs public order", after they shared audio recordings with United Nations Special Procedures, in which they described torture and abuse in UAE prisons. "The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found that both women were subjected to unfair trials and arbitrary detention. Their cases demonstrate how the law is used to silence prisoners who expose abuse, even while in custody," the report said. And even though they are now working in exile, Mohammed al-Zaabi and Hamad al-Shamsi, who remain advocates for the UAE's political prisoners, have been added to the country's terrorism blacklist. 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"Arbitrary deprivation of liberty is prohibited; detention must be time-bound and subject to judicial oversight," the report said, adding that there must be "independent and transparent investigations into all torture allegations, holding perpetrators accountable". But the UAE allows for indefinite detention in "counseling centres" even after a prison sentence is served, without a clear path to contest continued detention. There are also no independent authorities to investigate torture complaints, which are widespread, the report indicated. "The UAE's continued failure to ratify key international treaties, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and its non-compliance with obligations under instruments it has ratified - such as the Convention Against Torture - highlight a profound gap between international human rights commitments and domestic legal practice," the authors wrote. The WJWC also issued a call to "international actors - including UN bodies, human rights organisations and the UAE's Western allies - to exert meaningful diplomatic and policy pressure to encourage reforms". The report argued that because the UAE presents itself as a key global counterterrorism partner, it legitimises its policies to governments abroad, when it is only further asserting authoritarian control. The WJWC urged immediate changes toward detailing the language in the anti-terror law, ensuring transparency in independent judicial proceedings and allowing public access to trials. It called for the repeal of provisions allowing for indefinite detention, and a "guarantee" that any "rehabilitation" programmes are in fact voluntary. The UAE must also assume full engagement with UN human rights bodies and allow for country visits for compliance assessments, the WJWC argued.


UAE Moments
15 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Your Love and Relationship Horoscope for August 19th, 2025
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There is a chance that you will meet someone who is meant to be yours soon. Gemini Love Horoscope Today, you tend to get carried away in a turbulent whirlwind. Your resolve will be tested when you try to deal with the strong chemistry you feel for that special someone. Though the romantic side of life may be too captivating, you still need to evaluate whether the connection will be consistent with your future goals and values. Don't let your emotions overpower your common sense; think twice before making any decision. Click here to follow our WhatsApp channel for tarot readings, love, health, career, and Chinese horoscopes delivered to your phone daily! Cancer Love Horoscope Be watchful for the slightest signals and random meetings today. Either a chance smile or a spontaneous conversation, feel free to be open to the possibility of connection. You may as well experience a fluttering in your heart when you sense attraction as the first sign of the feeling. Don't be afraid to experience this moment with curiosity and joy because it might become beautiful. Don't be scared to start a conversation. Leo Love Horoscope Be mindful not to unconsciously stir feelings of jealousy today. You would be vulnerable if your heart is given to the person you are with, but other contacts could lead to unfavourable feelings. Remember to do what you should do and not hurt your love and faithfulness. Continuous support will build a solid base of your relationship, leading to increased trust and understanding. Virgo Love Horoscope Enjoy the bliss surrounding your love life. The one who has won your heart holds tight to you, a rock who does not waver in their devotion. Accept the joy of being in each other's company and the trust that you both are on this journey together, holding hands. Take a minute to thank the love that you have in your life, as it is rare and valuable. Allow your passion to grow with each passing day. Libra Love Horoscope You could be tentative about your chances of having a wonderful romantic day today. It is okay to stop for a second and think about it again. Finding yourself in a fast romance or chasing someone solely because it seems the right thing to do might not be the best way to achieve your goals. Use this chance to nurture yourself and develop yourself as a person. Don't rush yourself. Scorpio Love Horoscope If you are still thinking about your ex-partner, there may be something that you have not sorted out. It may be a good idea to contact them for closure. It may be scary, but closure is what opens the door to new periods. Don't be haunted by what-ifs; be present in the now. Take up activities that will make you feel good about yourself and be more kind to yourself. Cast out all the negative vibes. Sagittarius Love Horoscope Today is a special day for people in an ongoing relationship. A peaceful and loving environment is created as we long for tenderness and self-indulgence. This is the time to show each other appreciation and reinforce the ties that bind you together. It could be a snuggling night at home or any surprise trip, but what matters is the closeness that you share. Act out your love and remember the little sweet nothings. Capricorn Love Horoscope Expect a change in your relationship dynamics today. It might be a bit of a shock to you and may throw you off balance, with a few ups and downs. Nevertheless, do not forget that adversities are the pathways towards development and stronger bonds. This is the right time to speak clearly with your partner and talk about problems or worries that have been bothering you. You will eventually find yourself better than you ever were. Aquarius Love Horoscope You're encouraged to concentrate on freshening up your home, either by rearranging furniture, adding some comfy touches, or just a bit of decluttering. When you design a space where you are the most comfortable, and that captures your personality, there is a spillover effect that can be seen in other aspects of your life, including your love life. To love your home environment is to increase your sense of attractiveness. Pisces Love Horoscope Today is an ideal time to escape city noise and enjoy peace. Take a break and think about travelling to a peaceful location in the lap of nature. This could be the best way to deal with loneliness, connect with yourself, and probably find a soul mate in the silence of nature. Invite your friends as well—their companionship will bring a different and pleasing dimension to your experience.


Arabian Business
2 days ago
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia approves digital ID use for non-resident foreigners to own property
Saudi Arabia's Cabinet has approved the use of a digital identity system to allow non-Saudi, non-resident foreigners to own property in the Kingdom, the government said, as part of new rules opening up the real estate market. The decision enables digital IDs to be used ahead of the implementation of the Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law, which was approved in July and will take effect in January 2026, according to a Cabinet resolution published on Friday. Mechanisms under development The General Real Estate Authority will coordinate with the Ministry of Interior, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the National Information Center and other relevant bodies to develop mechanisms for activating the digital ID. The Cabinet resolution said the identity must be operational before the property ownership law comes into force. The approval also endorsed a decision by the Strategic Committee of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs on governance for non-Saudi ownership and usufruct rights. A dedicated committee will be formed within the General Real Estate Authority's board of directors to oversee those matters. The Cabinet amended the structure of the authority's board, which will now be headed by the Minister and include the CEO, representatives from 10 ministries and government entities, and three private-sector members appointed by the Council of Ministers for renewable three-year terms. The ministries represented include Interior, Municipalities and Housing, Finance, Justice, Economy and Planning, Investment, Environment, Industry and Mineral Resources, as well as the General Authority for State Properties and the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information. Steps required for non-residents In July, the General Real Estate Authority released a draft of the law's executive regulations. Under the draft, non-resident foreigners seeking to own or use property in the Kingdom would need to obtain and activate a digital ID through the Absher platform, open a Saudi bank account, and secure a local contact number. The authority has said these measures are designed to ensure transparency and compliance in the property registration process as Saudi Arabia seeks to attract more foreign investment into its real estate sector. The Cabinet's approval on Friday follows Resolution No. 16 of the Council of Ministers, which reviewed recommendations from the Council of Economic and Development Affairs and several memoranda from the Board of Experts. The Non-Saudi Real Estate Ownership Law is part of the Kingdom's broader economic reform programme under Vision 2030, which aims to diversify income sources, attract foreign investment, and develop sectors such as tourism and real estate.