Latest news with #262
Gulf Today
22-05-2025
- Gulf Today
Abu Dhabi man told to return Dhs25,262 he fraudulently used through another person's credit card
The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court obligated a person to return Dhs25,262 to another man and fined him Dhs3,000 after the former used the latter's credit card to buy tickets to a UAE museum via the Google search engine. After the amount had been deducted from his account, the victim learned that he was a victim of fraud and consequently filed a lawsuit against the defendant, who was convicted of embezzlement. Under the lawsuit he filed, the plaintiff requesting the court to obligate the defendant to pay him Dhs51,000 as the value of the financial claim plus a compensation for the material and psychological harms he sustained and settle the incurred fees and expenses. As evidence of his lawsuit, the plaintiff submitted photocopies of the referral decision from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Department and the verdict issued in a previous lawsuit in which the defendant was convicted in absentia and fined Dhs30,000. The plaintiff pleaded that the defendant embezzled money from his credit card to buy tickets for a UAE museum, adding that he later received a one-time password and Dhs25,262 was deducted from his account with Abu Dhabi bank. He then learned that he was a victim of fraud and consequently filed a lawsuit under which the defendant was convicted of embezzlement. The plaintiff stated that as he suffered material and moral harms in his personal life, given that he was the sole breadwinner for his family, was undergoing medical treatment and needed money to pay to his bank, he was prompted to file the present lawsuit. The court explained that it was evident that the defendant was convicted of illegally using the data of the plaintiff's credit card with the intention of embezzling a sum of money owned by the plaintiff through an information technology means, as stated in the papers. Further investigations showed that the beneficiary of the purchases made via the plaintiff's credit card was the defendant and that there was no relationship between the two parties. As the defendant appeared before the court but did not provide evidence that he had returned the amount, the court ruled that he be obligated to return the amount claimed. As far as the request for compensation is concerned, the court stated that the defendant had committed an error by unlawfully embezzling the amounts claimed, which resulted in material harm on the part of the plaintiff. Taking into consideration the moral harms that the plaintiff sustained due to what the defendant did as embodied by grief and sorrow, the court estimated the compensation due to be paid by the defendant to the plaintiff at Dhs3,000.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ohio bill to celebrate ‘natural family' month excludes LGBTQ+, single parents
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A new Ohio bill plans to designate a month celebrating 'natural families' with 'a clear male leader,' legislation that a leading advocacy group said invalidates single parents and 'takes direct aim at LGBTQ+ families.' House Bill 262 was introduced at the Ohio Statehouse on May 13 to recognize the weeks between Mother's Day and Father's Day as 'Natural Family Month.' The proposal is backed by the Natural Family Foundation, a Westerville-based organization that defines a 'natural family' as one man and one woman 'committed in a lifelong monogamous relationship' with their 'biological or adopted children.' Why this transgender Ohioan says he's leaving the state 'For society to survive, the fabric must be mended by readjusting the social constraints/contracts to once again favor the age-old natural family prototype,' the foundation's site states, noting that, 'Within the family there must be a clear male leader and that leader must come from the family's lineage.' The foundation didn't respond to NBC4's request for comment. Dwayne Steward, executive director of Equality Ohio, condemned H.B. 262 as 'discriminatory, dehumanizing legislation,' and 'a calculated act of strategic erasure.' 'It not only invalidates the existence of single parents and countless other caregivers, but it takes direct aim at LGBTQ+ families,' Steward said. 'The so-called 'Natural Family Foundation,' the group pushing this legislation, has made their ideology clear: if you're not a heterosexual, monogamous couple with children — led by a biological male from the family lineage — you don't count as a family at all. As an adoptive parent, myself, I feel this erasure personally.' More than 23% of households in Ohio include single parents, U.S. Census data shows. A report from the Williams Institute at the University of California Los Angeles found Ohio's LGBTQ+ population is the sixth largest in the nation, with about 557,000 adults identifying within the community. 'This should be a welcoming state:' DeWine denies claim of 'anti-LGBTQ+ climate' in Ohio H.B. 262 comes ahead of LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June and the 10th anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, the 2015 decision establishing the right to same-sex marriage. Reps. Beth Lear (R-Galena) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) introduced the bill with the support of 26 Republican lawmakers, and argue the designation is needed given the U.S. fertility rate recently reached a historic low. 'At a time when marriage is trending downward and young couples are often choosing to remain childless, it's important for the state of Ohio to make a statement that marriage and families are the cornerstone of civil society, and absolutely imperative if we want to maintain a healthy and stable republic,' Lear said. Williams argues H.B. 262 would promote 'the economic and social stability that comes from raising children in healthy, two-parent households.' 'With America facing declining birth rates and a shrinking population, we can no longer afford to ignore the foundational role that strong families play in sustaining our future,' Williams said. 'We must use every tool at our disposal to support the families that are building the next generation of Americans.' Ohio mayors urge more communities to ban anti-LGBTQ+ conversion therapy The bill adds to the list of Statehouse legislation that opponents deem 'anti-LGBTQ+,' like a law banning gender-affirming care for trans youth that is currently in effect while litigation continues. Another is a measure that went into effect in February requiring academic institutions to set separate bathrooms based on students' 'biological sex.' Watch a report of some Ohio mayors calling for an end to conversion therapy in the video player above. A law coined by supporters as 'The Parents' Bill of Rights' requires teachers to notify parents before teaching 'sexuality content' and of changes in a student's mental, emotional or physical health. A national crisis hotline said it received a significant increase in calls from LGBTQ+ youth in Ohio within hours after Gov. Mike DeWine signed it into law. Lawmakers have also debated a proposal to ban universities from asking students their preferred pronouns and another penalizing school districts that use students' chosen name and pronouns without parental permission. Williams reintroduced a bill in April that opponents argue will amount to a ban of drag queens in public. Still, when asked in March to respond to claims that Ohio is fostering an unfriendly climate for LGBTQ+ residents, DeWine said he 'would totally disagree with that.' 'I don't think we have done that,' he said. 'Look, you go back and look at everything that I have said as governor, in 'State of the State' speeches and other times, this should be a welcoming state. We want everybody to come to Ohio and feel welcomed in the state.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Gulf Today
12-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Adnoc L&S 1st quarter revenue up 41% YoY at Dhs4,339 million
Adnoc Logistics and Services (Adnoc L&S) announced on Monday financial results for the first quarter (Q1) ending March 31st, 2025. Adnoc L&S revenue for Q1 was $1,181 million (Dhs4,339 million), a 41 per cent year-on-year increase. Ebitda rose by 20 per cent to $344 million (Dhs1,262 million) in the same period, driven by robust performance across all business segments, sustaining the Ebitda margin at 29 per cent. Net profit for Q1, 2025 was $185 million (Dhs678 million), down 5 per cent compared to Q1, 2024, mainly due to lower commercial shipping rates, but up 3 per cent compared to the previous quarter. Despite evolving market conditions, Adnoc L&S' strategic diversification and resilient business model supports delivery of strong net profit and operating cash flow. The company continues to unlock additional value and efficiencies from its extensive portfolio of assets, while leveraging progressive synergies from its shipping and logistics subsidiaries, Navig8 and Zakher Marine International (ZMI). Captain Abdulkareem Al Masabi, CEO of Adnoc L&S, said, 'Adnoc L&S continues to deliver robust financial results and significant business growth. Our recent acquisition of 80 per cent of Navig8, and the integration of their capabilities into our expansive services portfolio, further strengthens our customer offerings and international footprint, unlocking new shareholder value. 'Moving forward, we will continue to deliver on our transformational growth strategy while leveraging cutting-edge technologies and AI solutions to further enhance operational efficiencies.' Revenues from the Integrated Logistics segment increased to $628 million (Dhs2,307 million), up 23 per cent compared to Q1 2024. The increase was largely driven by higher revenues from Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects including the Al Omairah Island and Hail & Ghasha projects, and improved utilisation and rates earned from Jack-Up Barges (JUBs). Integrated Logistics' Ebitda rose by 15 per cent to $182 million (Dhs669 million) compared to Q1 2024. Revenues from the Shipping segment increased 87 per cent to $469 million (Dhs1,722 million), compared to Q1 2024, driven primarily by the consolidation of revenue from the Navig8 tanker fleet. Shipping Ebitda increased 26 per cent to $143 million (Dhs527 million) compared to the same period last year, generating a robust Ebitda margin of 31 per cent. Revenues from the Services segment increased 9 per cent to $84 million (Dhs310 million) compared to Q1 2024. Ebitda from the services segment grew 52 per cent year-on-year to $18 million (Dhs66 million), mainly driven by higher Borouge Container Terminal volumes and shares of profit from Integr8. Earlier Adnoc Logistics & Services announced shareholder approval of all agenda items at its Annual General Meeting, including a final dividend of $136.5 million (Dhs501.3 million), bringing the 2024 full-year dividend to $273 million (Dhs1,001 million), a 5 per cent increase year-on-year, in line with Adnoc L&S' progressive dividend policy. The final dividend, equivalent to 6.78 fils per share, will be paid to shareholders on record as of 3rd April 2025. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Chairman of Adnoc L&S, said, '2024 was a transformative year for Adnoc L&S, marked by accelerated global expansion, record financial performance, and bold strategic moves. 'We continued to strengthen our fleet and completed a pivotal $1.0 billion (Dhs3.7 billion) acquisition of 80 per cent of Navig8, significantly enhancing our global reach and operational capabilities. Our strong performance in 2024 allowed us to deliver outstanding shareholder value, including a 5 per cent increase in our full-year dividend, while advancing sustainability, innovation, and industry leadership.' He added that Adnoc L&S is positioned for continued growth, driven by organic expansion, strategic acquisitions, and cutting-edge technology investments. 'With a growing fleet of next-generation vessels and a steadfast commitment to efficiency and sustainability, we remain focused on delivering Adnoc's energy to the world while contributing to the UAE's economic ambitions. The momentum we have built sets the stage for an even more exciting future,' Dr. Al Jaber stated. Adnoc L&S delivered exceptional financial growth, driven by strong market demand, strategic acquisitions, and operational efficiency. Revenue increased 29 per cent year-on-year to over $3.5 billion (Dhs13 billion), while net profit rose 22 per cent to $756 million (Dhs2.7 billion). Ebitda grew 31 per cent year-on-year, reflecting Adnoc L&S' ability to scale operations while maintaining profitability. Since its 2023 IPO, the company's share price has increased by 178 per cent, significantly outperforming the ADX and strengthening investor trust in Adnoc L&S' long-term strategy.
