Eid Al Adha 2025: Dubai Ruler orders release of 985 inmates
Chancellor Essam Issa Al Humaidan, Attorney General of Dubai, said the pardon reflects Sheikh Mohammed's commitment to bringing happiness to families and providing opportunities for rehabilitation.
Sheikh Mohammed's order to pardon the inmates 'reflects his keenness to bring happiness to their families and give them an opportunity to start a new life and reintegrate themselves into society,' the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said in a statement, citing Al Humaidan said.
The Attorney General confirmed that Dubai Public Prosecution, working with Dubai Police, has begun the legal procedures to implement Sheikh Mohammed's order.
The release includes inmates from multiple nationalities currently held in Dubai's correctional facilities.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
9 minutes ago
- The National
Air Canada to resume Dubai-Toronto flights after government orders end to strike
Air Canada is to resume its service between Dubai and Toronto on Monday after the Canadian government directed the flag carrier and its striking employees to end an impasse that caused major disruption in operations. The Air Canada flight from Dubai scheduled at 1.25am on Monday is marked as "on time", after the service was cancelled on Saturday and Sunday, tracking data from Dubai Airports shows. Al Naboodah travel agency, which handles Air Canada reservations in the UAE, is closed on Saturday and Sunday. The National 's calls to their customer support team went unanswered. About 10,000 cabin crew walked out of work on Saturday – the first such protest since 1985 – demanding higher pay. The move resulted caused more than 700 flights to be grounded. Canada's Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu referred the airline's contract negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees to final binding interest arbitration. She also directed protesting staff to return to their posts. Ms Hajdu ordered Air Canada and its budget arm, Air Canada Rouge, to resume operations by 2pm EDT (10pm UAE time) on Sunday. "Restart of operations will begin immediately, with first flights this evening, but Air Canada expects it will take several days before its operations return to normal," the Montreal-based airline said on Sunday. "During this process, some flights will be cancelled over the next seven to 10 days until the schedule is stabilised. Air Canada deeply regrets the inconvenience for its customers." The demands from Air Canada's employees include compensation for duties carried out before and after flights, such as critical safety checks, boarding procedures, assisting passengers with special needs and preparing the cabin, they said in a post on the union's website. Meanwhile, passengers affected by flight cancellations vented their frustration on social media, with many were also forced to pay for hotel rooms as they awaited resolution. Air Canada has offered compensation for passengers affected by the strike. "Those whose flights were cancelled and did not travel and who did not accept a refund or credit for future travel will be notified and provided a new itinerary," the airline said. Air Canada, the country's biggest carrier, serves more than 180 airports in six continents and plays a major role in Canada's aviation sector. In 2024, the country's overall aerospace industry contributed about C$34.5 billion ($24.8 billion) to gross domestic product – about 11 per cent of last year's total GDP – and more than 225,000 jobs, a report from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada released this month said.
Khaleej Times
39 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai court grants Danish father custody of son, allows relocation to Denmark
A Dubai court has ruled in favour of a Danish father in a custody dispute, granting him full custody of his teenage son and permission to relocate the boy to Denmark. The ruling came after months of hearings over custody, relocation, and financial claims raised by the child's mother. According to court documents, the couple, who married in Egypt, have two sons. The father argued that the younger child should live with him and his elder brother in Denmark, stressing that it would provide continuity, stability, and access to better educational opportunities. He also highlighted that he had maintained financial support for the family and was committed to his children's welfare. The mother had initially filed a case seeking custody of the younger boy, as well as housing, financial support, a vehicle, domestic help, and other benefits. She told the court that her husband had abandoned the family for more than seven years and failed to meet his marital obligations. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The father disputed her claims and submitted bank transfer records showing regular financial support. He also presented 'photographs' that he argued showed the mother in a relationship with another man, raising concerns about her ability to provide a suitable environment for the child. Judges noted that she did not provide a convincing explanation for the images. In its judgment, the Personal Status Court said the paramount consideration in custody cases is always the welfare of the child. The judge found that living with his father and brother in Denmark would ensure stability and a supportive family setting. The ruling also authorised the father to retain the child's passport and educational records and granted him full authority over decisions related to health and education. Changing laws Family laws in the UAE have recently been updated to reflect changing social dynamics. Custody age has been raised to 18 for both boys and girls, while children aged 15 and above now have the right to choose which parent they wish to live with. Courts also increasingly recognise shared or joint custody arrangements, unless one parent is found unfit. The court dismissed most of the financial demands raised by the mother, awarding her only limited maintenance during the waiting period that follows divorce, as per UAE family law. Legal experts said the case underscores how UAE courts balance parental claims with the child's best interests. Dr Hasan Elhais, legal consultant at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, who represented the father, said, 'The court examined the evidence in detail and concluded that our client had consistently demonstrated commitment to his children's education and well-being. The judgment affirms that relocation was in the best interests of the child.' The decision comes at a time when family laws in the UAE are evolving. Courts have repeatedly underlined that custody and relocation cases are judged not on parental disputes alone, but on what serves the child's welfare. In earlier cases, parents who removed children from the country without consent were ordered to return them, while new personal status laws taking effect this year strengthen protections against unauthorized travel.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Human trafficking survivor gets Dubai Police diploma, helps raise awareness
'S.G.', a talented footballer in his home country, was approached by a man claiming to be a football agent. Promising a trial with a club in Africa that would lead to Europe, the agent convinced him to pay and travel. Instead, he found himself trapped in a trafficking network. That's when the young man's dream of becoming a professional football player in Europe turned into a nightmare. Today, after years of hardship, he has transformed his experience into a mission to combat human trafficking, holding an Anti-Human Trafficking Diploma from Dubai Police. It all started when a man claiming to be a sports agent approached him with what seemed like a golden opportunity: a contract with a club in an African country that would serve as his gateway to European football. Excited, S.G. scraped together his savings, travelled across deserts, and set out to chase his dream. But when he arrived, he realised there was no club. The so-called 'agent' was actually part of a human trafficking gang. 'They forced me to work for them under threats and beatings,' S.G. recalled. 'I had to guard and transport women they were exploiting. I tried to escape once, but they caught me, assaulted me brutally, and warned me they would kill me if I tried again.' After a second escape attempt, aided by someone who sympathised with his ordeal, he managed to flee and return home. A friend in the UAE later encouraged him to move to Dubai, where he secured a job with a private security company at an airport. Feeling secure psychologically, mentally, and socially wasn't the end of his story. His new employer nominated him for the Anti-Human Trafficking Specialist Diploma, a programme launched by the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking and Dubai Police, in cooperation with the Dubai Judicial Institute and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Despite his traumatic past, S.G. completed the course and produced a research paper on Border Control Procedures to Prevent Human Trafficking Crimes. His recommendations included specialised training for border control officers, improved cooperation between agencies, and public awareness campaigns. He emphasised the importance of creating mechanisms to support and protect human trafficking victims, ensuring their access to medical care, social services, and legal assistance. Additionally, he stressed the need for effective border control measures, including biometric technology, thorough risk assessments, profiling, and collaboration among various agencies and organisations. 'The diploma gave me a chance to deepen my understanding of this crime and share knowledge with my colleagues in the private security sector,' he said. 'Knowledge and awareness are the best preventive measures. They can save lives by helping us recognise the signs and protect potential victims.' The UAE has taken significant steps in recent years to strengthen the fight against human trafficking. In 2023, the Cabinet adopted amendments to the law, expanding services for victims such as educational support and safe return to their home countries. The legislation also tightened sanctions, criminalising incitement to commit trafficking and increasing penalties for perpetrators. According to the UAE government, combating human trafficking is part of a comprehensive action plan that focuses on prevention, prosecution of traffickers, protection of survivors, and promotion of international cooperation. The country maintains a network of shelters, raises awareness of the crime, and enforces penalties, including a minimum fine of Dh100,000 and at least five years in jail for offenders.
