Latest news with #A.H.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
'Wish they could eat': Palestinian expats in UAE spend Eid praying for relatives, donating
Muslims across the UAE, like many others around the world, began their Eid Al Adha festivities on Friday, June 6, with early morning prayers in mosques and open prayer grounds. But for Palestinians expats, the celebration carries a complex and bittersweet weight. While the festivities unfold in the UAE, the place they now call home, many still carry the burden of loved ones living in Gaza, where destruction and hardship have cast a shadow over what should be a day of joy. For Jana A, a 24-year-old Dubai-based Palestinian, "celebrating Eid this year was bleak, marked by grotesque scenes of death, suffering and destruction aired on TV and our social media platforms. "It's impossible to go about celebrating Eid after seeing these images," she said. The young UAE resident said she has "not been to Palestine for 7 years mainly because of increasing settler violence in our village's area". A.H. (name withheld on request), a Dubai resident originally from Palestine, shared her thoughts on the matter. 'My parents and relatives are fine. But just because everyone at home is safe doesn't mean that we don't know what's happening in Gaza. It's hard, especially during Eid.' The 32-year-old copywriter, along with her brother, took part in a fundraiser to support those in Gaza who couldn't afford the festivities. 'It's one of the best experiences I've had,' she said, reflecting on the solidarity and connection she felt with those in need back home. For some Palestinians in the country, this Eid was not just about prayers and donations — it was a reminder of the resilience of their people, the hardships their loved ones face, and the deep connection that extends beyond borders, even in the darkest times. 'We've been living in Dubai for almost 10 years now, and it never gets easier seeing our brothers and sisters in Gaza, scraping by and barely having enough to eat," A.H.'s brother, M.A.H said. "Eid should be a time for celebration, but it's hard to feel that joy when you know what's happening back home. Still, we made the most of it, meeting with family here and donating to our friend's fundraiser. That's how we found some peace," the 36-year-old software engineer added. For Zain, a 23-year-old Palestinian from Sharjah, Eid in UAE starkly contrasts celebrations "back home." In Palestine, the festivities are never-ending; for 3 days, families go door-to-door, exchanging greetings with relatives. In UAE, the celebrations are shorter for Eid, as the number of relatives in the country are less, with most of her extended family staying in Palestine, Zain added. For this Eid, Zain's wish is heart-wrenchingly simple. She wishes her aunt in Palestine can eat. "I wish they can get food. It's not that they can't afford it, it's that there is simply nothing available." Jana fondly remembered the "tight-knit community" in Palestine; "the smell of soil, the taste of fruits that my family has planted and harvested for years, the warmth of the breeze traveling all the way from the Mediterranean." For Eid, her wish is to "go home; for all Palestinians to go home" and experience "the feeling of belonging [that] only lays in Palestine".
Jordan News
15-04-2025
- Jordan News
Individuals Arrested in Lebanon's Bekaa Region for Involvement in Arms Smuggling - Jordan News
Individuals Arrested in Lebanon's Bekaa Region for Involvement in Arms Smuggling The Lebanese Army announced on Tuesday the arrest of individuals in the Bekaa region as part of efforts to combat arms smuggling. In a statement, the army said: اضافة اعلان "As part of the efforts to combat arms smuggling across the Lebanese–Syrian border, a patrol from the Directorate of Intelligence in the Bekaa region arrested the Syrian national (A.H.) for his involvement in arms trafficking and smuggling. A number of military weapons were found in his possession," according to the Lebanese National News Agency. The statement added: "Army units, each accompanied by an intelligence patrol, also raided the homes of other suspects in the towns of Kark – Zahle and Gaza – Western Bekaa, arresting the Lebanese citizen (A.A.), who was working for the detainee (A.H.)." The seized weapons were handed over to the relevant authorities, and investigations have begun under the supervision of the competent judiciary.
Ya Biladi
27-03-2025
- Health
- Ya Biladi
King Mohammed VI presides over Laylat Al Qadr vigil seated after shoulder surgery
The Ministry of the Royal Household, Protocol, and Chancellery announced that King Mohammed VI will preside over a religious vigil for Laylat Al Qadr on the evening of Thursday, March 27, 2025 (Ramadan 26, 1446 A.H.), at the Royal Palace in Rabat. Due to movement constraints following surgery on his left shoulder, the King will perform the Al-Isha prayer and Tarawih in a seated position, in accordance with the Quranic verse: «Who, standing, sitting, or lying on their sides, invoke Allah». The Royal Cabinet previously announced that the King underwent successful surgery on December 8 after sustaining a humerus fracture during a sporting activity. This Ramadan, he has not presided over the traditional Hassanian religious lectures.
Arab Times
25-03-2025
- Arab Times
Kuwait Exposes Raffle Scam as Lawyers Advocate for Prize Draw Integrity
KUWAIT CITY, March 25: Kuwait's Criminal Investigation and Licensing Department of the Criminal Security Sector's General Department of Criminal Investigation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, identified a network involved in manipulating raffle draw results, and arrested a few of the members of the network, following the circulation of a video on social media showing an individual tampering with the prize draw process. In a press statement, the Ministry of Interior explained that extensive investigations led to the identification of the individual, identified as A.H., in the video. He serves as the Head of the Raffles Department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It was discovered that he exploited his position to systematically manipulate multiple raffles for companies that announced prizes to ensure certain individuals won, and he had obtained financial compensation for doing so. During investigations, a network was uncovered that meticulously manipulated multiple raffles. One of the members of the network was an Egyptian employee of a charity society, identified as F.D., who won several prizes, including five cars in her name. Also, two cars were won in the name of her husband, identified as M.G., who is an Egyptian employee of a press company, through a systematic fraud scheme. After obtaining legal permission, security teams arrested the three suspects. F.D. was arrested while she was attempting to leave the country via Kuwait International Airport. When questioned, she confessed to her involvement in the fraudulent schemes through her husband, who had a connection with his Egyptian colleague, identified as M.S. Her husband had suggested that she participate in the raffles, and confirmed a Dominican national, identified as working at a logistics services company would win, under the condition that he would waive the prize in exchange for a sum of money ranging from KD 200 to KD 600 for each prize. Meanwhile, A.H. admitted to manipulating the raffles in collaboration with and agreed to divide the proceeds between them. Further investigations revealed that M.S. left the country on March 1, and left on March 23. Both individuals are being pursued and tracked through Interpol under legal frameworks. Security authorities have also identified other winners suspected of involvement in similar fraudulent schemes. Their cases are currently under review with relevant authorities, and appropriate legal action will be taken against them. Meanwhile, a growing number of lawyers and activists have called for stricter oversight of festival and bank raffles. Social media users have raised concerns about recurring winners, urging authorities to review past draws. Lawyer Salah Al-Hashem, who previously flagged similar issues in 2017, recalled witnessing names being drawn multiple times in a single bank raffle. Despite an investigation committee being formed, no concrete actions were taken at the time. President of the Kuwait Society for Information Security Dr. Safaa Zaman highlighted the role of technology in providing solutions to deal with these issues, as technological tools are typically known for their integrity and transparency. She said, 'There are many electronic applications available that allow for electronic coupon submissions, random electronic draws, and the selection of multiple winners without any bias or fraud.' Dr. Zaman explained that what sets this method apart is its integrity, speed, ease of participation, and transparency. Also, this method allows for data analysis and provides reports on participation patterns, which help to develop and improve the shopping process. However, there are potential risks related to hacking into these systems and manipulating the selection process. When choosing electronic systems, they must be secure and equipped with encryption tools to prevent any tampering or fraud. Overall, electronic systems are far superior to traditional methods, offering advantages in terms of ease of participation, coupon completion and submission, monitoring, regulation, and the ability to detect any tampering or attempted manipulation during the draw process. There are many applications with distinctive features that offer various opportunities for selection. Some of these applications incorporate advanced security measures and artificial intelligence technologies for ensuring a random, unbiased selection process, free from human error or manipulation. Meanwhile, Lawyer Salah Al- Hashem revealed that he is one of those affected by the draw process, as he raised the issue in 2017 when a winner's name was repeated 18 times in a bank raffle. He said during his participation in a previous draw with prizes ranging from KD 5,000 to KD 100,000, he noticed that the names of certain winners were repeatedly drawn in subsequent raffles. Lawyer Al-Hashem explained that he contacted the then Minister of Commerce and Industry Khaled Al- Roudhan, who formed an investigation committee headed by Dr. Mohammed Al-Fayli. The committee made some observations regarding the bank raffles, but unfortunately, no further action was taken. Many users on social media, especially on the X platform, have highlighted the repeated appearance of the same names in festivals or bank draws. Some reported that certain winners' names were repeated five or more times, sometimes monthly. They urged the relevant authorities to review all previous draws. Furthermore, Lawyer Enaam Haidar said cheating in competitions or television programs, such as illegal voting or manipulating results, is a violation of the law. She explained that if the cheating is aimed at making a profit or obtaining financial prizes illegally, it constitutes a breach of the Kuwaiti Penal Code (Article 110 on fraud). Those responsible for cheating could face penalties, including imprisonment or fines, depending on the severity of the offense. Lawyer Haidar indicated that all parties involved in supervising and participating in the Ya Hala Festival could be held accountable for failing to ensure the integrity of the competition if it is proven that they neglected to properly monitor the voting process, and they may be subject to fines.
Express Tribune
18-03-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Eidul Fitr likely to be observed on March 31 in Pakistan
Listen to article The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, along with zonal committees, will meet on Sunday evening, March 30, 2025 (Ramazan 29, 1446 A.H.), to sight the Shawwal moon, which will determine the end of Ramadan and the date for Eidul Fitr celebrations in Pakistan. The main meeting will be held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, where religious scholars, meteorological experts, and other stakeholders will review moon sighting reports from across the country. Last month, the Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) used scientific assessments, astronomical calculations, and modern observational data to forecast the visibility of the Ramadan and Shawwal crescents. According to astronomical models, the Shawwal moon is expected to be visible on March 30, indicating that Eidul Fitr will likely fall on March 31, 2025. However, the final decision will be made after the committee examines testimonies, as unaided-eye moon sighting remains a religious requirement in Pakistan.
