Latest news with #KhaleejTimes
NDTV
5 hours ago
- NDTV
Kerala Woman Died By Suicide In UAE, Husband, In-Laws Booked In Dowry Case
Kerala: The husband and the in-laws of the 32-year-old Kerala woman, who was found dead with her toddler in the United Arab Emirates's Sharjah, have been booked for a dowry harassment case. The victim, Vipanchika Maniyan-- a native of Kollam district in Kerala-- allegedly died by suicide at her Sharjah apartment on July 8. Her one-year-old daughter was also found dead under tragic circumstances. Later forensic report confirmed the child died from "airway obstruction, possibly by a pillow", raising suspicions that the child may have been killed before the mother took the extreme step. Per a Khaleej Times report, a handwritten note in Malayalam -- believed to have been written by the dead woman-- was found in the house that contains details suggesting emotional distress and allegations of abuse. Now, the victim's family has accused her husband, Nidheesh Valiyaveettil, and his family of physical and mental harassment of both victims. In her complaint to Kerala police, the victim's mother, Shyamala, alleged that Maniyan faced persistent dowry harassment and racial abuse from her husband and in-laws. Per reports, Maniyan and Valiyaveettil got married in 2020 and moved to Sharjah. The victim's mother claimed that following her marriage, Maniyan was regularly harassed over dowry, humiliated over her appearance, and isolated by her husband and in-laws. The complaint alleged that the victim's hair was cut to make her look "less attractive", as she was fair-skinned while her husband and his family were dark-skinned. Shyamala also alleged that her granddaughter, Vybhavi, who was just one year old, was physically harmed after Maniyan opposed Valiyaveettil's "relationships" with other women. Due to marital dispute, Maniyan had been living separately in an apartment in Al Nahda, Sharjah, with her daughter for the past few months. But Valiyaveettil had sent her a legal notice for divorce. Unable to bear the ongoing harassment, Maniyan took the extreme step on July 8, according to the complaint. The victim's mother accused Valiyaveettil, his sister Neethu Beni, and their father of abetment to suicide. Police said a case has been registered under Sections 85 (cruelty by a husband or his relatives towards a woman) and 108 (Abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Sheikh Mohammed turns 76: 5 times Dubai Ruler went viral, won residents' hearts
Over the years, Sheikh Mohammed has led Dubai with unwavering conviction and heartfelt compassion — qualities he has consistently demonstrated through countless acts of kindness. As the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, he has built a lasting legacy rooted in Emirati hospitality, all while remaining deeply attentive and appreciative of those around him. Time and again, he has shown that he is not only devoted to the well-being of citizens and residents, but also a grounded and approachable leader who cherishes time with his family. Today, as he turns 76, Khaleej Times looks back at just a few of the many moments where the Dubai Ruler touched hearts — mere drops in the vast ocean of his generosity. 1. When he went around town right before his birthday When you think of a royal celebrating their birthday, what stereotypes would come to your mind? Perhaps, a lavish gathering or jetting across the world to bring in the big day. Sheikh Mohammed, however, took many residents by surprise two years ago as he went around town — using the Metro and dining at well-loved restaurants — just ahead of his big day. Take a look at his journey in the Dubai Metro, below: صاØب اÙ�سÙ�Ù� اÙ�Ø´Ù�Ø® Ù�ØÙ�د بÙ� راشد اÙ� Ù�Ù�Ø°Ù�Ù�Ø� Ù�ائب رئÙ�س اÙ�دÙ�Ù�Ø© رئÙ�س Ù�جÙ�س اÙ�Ù�زراء ØاÙ�Ù� دبÙ� (رعاÙ� اÙ�Ù�Ù�)Ø� Ø®Ù�اÙ� ذجÙ�Ù�Ù� Ù�Ù� دبÙ� Ù�سذخدÙ�اÙ� Ù�ذرÙ� دبÙ�. HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, tours #Dubai using #DubaiMetro. — RTA (@rta_dubai) July 14, 2023 2. When he gifted an Iraqi girl a herd of horses Sheikh Mohammed's love for horses is no surprise to anyone. His generosity, combined with his love for the animal, have often made headlines. A viral video tugged at the heartstrings of the Dubai Ruler, in which he saw a young 8-year-old girl crying uncontrollably over the demise of her favourite horse. The girl said that her only horse had recently fallen ill and that she tried to care for it, even though the doctor had advised her to stay away. The UAE royal then gifted her a herd of horses and ordered that a training centre be built for her. 3. Meeting Kuwaiti child who loves Dubai In 2023, Sheikh Mohammed won the hearts of a child and those around him by meeting a Kuwaiti boy who had gone viral for expressing his love for Dubai. Badr, the young boy, earlier gave an interview to a Kuwaiti news outlet, in which he said that he wanted to visit Dubai to see the Burj Khalifa. At the time, he was actually on his way to the emirate for the Eid holidays, excited even though it would not be his first time seeing the tallest building in the world. Take a look at the photograph below: 4. When he appreciated hard-working employees In a moment of warm appreciation, the Dubai Ruler took to his social media platform to praise an immigration officer. Abdullah Al Baloushi stopped a traveller in a wheelchair and asked her son kindly why she was leaving the country. When told she was leaving due to doctors' appointments, Al Baloushi apologised to the son: "Sorry, forgive me, I stopped her because I saw you bidding her farewell and wanted to let you say your goodbyes again. We wanted to ask her to pray for us and to forgive us for any shortcomings. We shall wait for her to return as soon as possible'. The Dubai Ruler retweeted a video of a Radio Jockey talking about the incident and said, 'A salute to whoever brings a smile or joy to a traveller's heart. This is the Dubai we want." In March, he hailed one customer service employee who works at a vehicle inspection and registration centre in Dubai's Al Qusais. The Ruler shared pictures of the "diligent young man" who was "committed to completing transactions efficiently". He noted that customers at the centre expressed their gratitude for his "cheerful" nature and his attitude towards them. 5. Charitable concert Imagine being in the '80s and watching Queen, U2, David Bowie, and Elton John performing simultaneously at London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's John F. Kennedy Stadium. In 1985, Sheikh Mohammed provided the largest single donation to the concert — which was being held to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief. Nearly 2 billion people tuned in to watch the live stream, making it an incredibly historic event of the time.
Khaleej Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Bank consultant loses Dh100,000 to WhatsApp-based online trading scam
Satish Gadde (name changed on request), an Indian bank consultant in Dubai, has filed a police complaint after losing Dh100,000 to an online trading scam — money he borrowed through a personal loan and is now repaying in Dh8,000 monthly instalments, more than half his salary. The entire scam unfolded over WhatsApp chats. Gadde was added to a group and never once spoke to or met the people who tricked him. 'Looking back, I can't believe I went through with it,' he told Khaleej Times last week. 'I trusted people I knew nothing about, not even what they sounded like. That's what eats me up the most.' Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. It all began in April, when Gadde, who hails from Andhra Pradesh and earns Dh14,000 a month, was added to a WhatsApp group called Stock Market Strategy C4. The group had 137 members and was operated by admins using Indian mobile numbers. 'At first, I ignored the messages,' he recalled. 'But then I started seeing members post screenshots of huge profits and deposit slips. It looked convincing.' What Gadde didn't realise was that the group was part of an elaborate con where scammers posed as successful investors to build credibility. 'They had people pretending to be customers, constantly thanking the admin for helping them make money. I thought I was missing out.' Eventually, he received a private message from one of the admins offering to guide him personally. Over the next few days, Gadde was encouraged to open a trading account on a platform called Following the admin's instructions, he wired Dh65,000 in two instalments to a UAE bank account. He also transferred Rs800,000 (roughly Dh35,000) from his Indian accounts to another bank account provided by the scammers. 'To be honest, I had some doubts,' he admitted. 'But they sent me what looked like official documents — a company registration from India and even a certificate that claimed to be from the US Securities and Exchange Commission. That reassured me.' These certificates later turned out to be fake. Once the funds were deposited, Gadde's account on the fake trading platform began showing steady profits. 'There were real-time charts and graphs. I would stare at the screen for hours. It felt real.' The illusion shattered when the so-called account manager messaged him claiming that an IPO had been purchased on his behalf — and unless he deposited another Dh620,000, his entire investment would be lost. 'That's when I panicked,' Gadde said. 'I tried calling, but no one answered. A week later, the website vanished.' In the days that followed, he dialed several numbers from the WhatsApp group, hoping to reach someone. 'Most were switched off. A few would ring, but the call would cut the moment I brought up my case,' he said. 'It was clear they wanted nothing to do with me once the money was gone.' Attempts by Khaleej Times to reach the numbers linked to the group and access were met with dead ends. A domain search revealed that the registrant details were redacted for privacy. 'My life's been turned upside down,' he said who filed a complaint with Al Riffa Police station last month . 'I shared my story so others don't fall into the same trap. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.' In recent months, Khaleej Times has uncovered several fraudulent trading platforms promoted via call centres in India and the UAE. These scams follow a familiar script — build trust, show fake profits, then block withdrawals once larger sums are invested. Earlier this month, the UAE Ministry of Interior issued a public alert on X, urging residents to verify the licensing status of trading platforms through the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) before investing.
News18
16 hours ago
- Business
- News18
What Is UAE's Golden Visa And Can You Get It For Rs 23 Lakh? FAQs Answered
UAE Golden Visa: Can any Indian get a lifetime UAE visa by paying Rs 23 lakh? UAE authorities have now issued clarifications to set the record straight. Dubai Golden Visa: The UAE Golden Visa has been the subject of much buzz lately — especially after misleading social media posts and reports went viral about special deals, new nomination rules, and even a 'lifetime" visa being available for Indians at a fixed cost. UAE authorities have now issued clarifications to set the record straight. Here's everything you need to know and all your questions answered on the UAE Golden Visa. What is the UAE Golden Visa? The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor. First introduced in 2019, it offers 10-year validity (renewable) and targets investors, professionals, exceptional talents, scientists, entrepreneurs, and outstanding students. It aims to attract and retain global talent to contribute to the UAE's economic and developmental growth. Can You Get UAE Golden Visa for Rs 23 Lakh? No, there is no such fixed-rate Golden Visa available for Rs 23 lakh. This false claim gained traction on social media in India, misleading many into believing that a lifetime visa could be purchased for Dh100,000 (roughly Rs 23 lakh). However, the UAE government has officially denied any such scheme. Authorities warned the public to rely only on verified channels and not fall for offers that sound 'too good to be true". Is UAE Golden Visa a Lifetime Visa? No, the UAE Golden Visa is not a lifetime visa. It is valid for 10 years and is renewable upon meeting the criteria. The rumour about lifetime visas being granted to select nationalities, including Indians, was also false. A UAE official clarified to Khaleej Times that 'there is no such thing as a lifetime visa for any nationality." Can Any Indian Get UAE Golden Visa? Not automatically. Indians — like any other nationality — must meet the eligibility criteria set by UAE authorities. There is no nationality-specific entitlement. Claims that Indians are being offered Golden Visas in a special scheme have been refuted by the UAE government. Who All Are Eligible for UAE Golden Visa? According to the UAE government guidelines, the following categories of people may be eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa: Applicants must meet specific financial, academic, or professional benchmarks based on the category they apply under. How to Apply for UAE Golden Visa? The application can be made through official channels, including: You will need to submit documents proving your eligibility — such as educational degrees, salary certificates, investment documents, or recognition awards — depending on your category. What Was the Confusion Over UAE Golden Visa and What Authorities Said? A misleading campaign circulated through social media and WhatsApp groups in India sparked the confusion. The message falsely claimed that Indians could get a lifetime Golden Visa for Dh100,000 and even nominate others. Some reports implied that Indian businessmen were being offered the visa at fixed rates. The Khaleej Times reported that UAE officials have categorically denied all such claims. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security confirmed there is no such programme and urged the public to verify any information with official government websites. The UAE Golden Visa remains a merit-based long-term visa programme. However, viral social media rumours about lifetime visas, fixed-price packages, or nationality-based entitlements are completely false and have been officially denied. Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Abdu Rozik reacts to reports about being arrested at Dubai Airport: ‘God is always with the right person'
On Saturday, reports claimed that social media influencer and Tajikistani singer Abdu Rozik was arrested at Dubai International Airport for alleged theft. However, the Bigg Boss 16 contestant's team issued a statement denying the arrest, clarifying that he was only briefly detained. Rozik was in Dubai to attend an award function and, on the red carpet of the event, he indirectly addressed the reports, assuring everyone that everything was fine. Abdu Rozik took to Instagram and reshared stories of him talking to the media on the event's red carpet. Abdu said, 'I want to say to everyone, I love Dubai, and I am here with all of you. God is always with the right person. I am fine; everything is good. Lots of love and thank you so much for supporting me.' He also spoke about his upcoming projects and said, 'So many things are coming up, you guys need to follow me and watch.' Also Read: Abdu Rozik detained at Dubai airport; his team issues statement: 'We will take all legal action to protect…' A post shared by Abduroziq Official (@abdu_rozik) Later, Abdu Rozik shared a post on social media. It read, 'You're not born a champion. You become one!' Reacting to his post, one fan wrote, 'What's going on at Dubai airport? Abdu is an amazing person! Oh god, I'm dying to serve Abdu! He's adorable!' Another user wrote, 'We love you, Abdu. God bless you with all the happiness and success.' A few others went on to ask why he was accused of theft at the Dubai airport. A post shared by Abduroziq Official (@abdu_rozik) Reacting to the reports of Abdu Rozik's detention, his team had told Khaleej Times, 'First of all, he was not arrested—he was only detained by the police. Abdu Rozik provided an explanation and was released. He will be attending the award ceremony in Dubai today. Secondly, information in the media is not correct. We will take all legal action to protect Abdu Rozik and his image. Also, we will provide you with all the information later on to inform the Indian people. Believe us, we have a lot to say regarding this issue.' Rozik attended the award ceremony in Dubai on Saturday night, accompanied by his Bigg Boss 16 friend Shiv Thakare. Other Indian celebrities present at the event included Rakhi Sawant, Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiya, Vishal Kotian, and Divya Agarwal. On the work front, Abdu Rozik was last seen on Laughter Chefs Season 2. However, he had to exit the show after a few weeks due to visa issues.
