Category: Politics

Politics

A man has been accused of premeditated murder by cutting the throat of his manager after the latter had refused to let the defendant return to his country.

head dubai September 7, 2020 No Comments

A man has been accused of premeditated murder by cutting the throat of his manager after the latter had refused to let the defendant return to his country.
The Dubai Court of First Instance heard that the 21-year-old defendant from Kyrgyzstan, who worked at a garage in Al Quoz Industrial area, had a heated argument with his manager before slitting his throat with a sharp knife and then smashing his head with a hammer.
In June this year, Dubai Police were alerted about the murder and the defendant was arrested the day after the incident near his country’s consulate.

According to a policeman, the victim was found by his employees in a pool of blood and the defendant was the last person seen with him.

Politics

Dubai Crown Prince pays hospital bills of Nigerian mother stranded with quadruplets following

head dubai August 1, 2020 No Comments

Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has paid the hospital expenses of a Nigerian mother and her quadruplets stranded in the city with mounting medical bills, according to the hospital.

Suliyat Adulkareem, 29, gave birth to the babies, two boys, and two girls, at the Latifa Hospital for Women and Children on July 1.

They were born prematurely at nearly 31 weeks through an emergency C-section and placed on ventilators at the neonatal intensive care unit, the hospital said in a statement.

However, the family had no medical insurance and racked up more than AED 400,000 (about $108,000) in medical expenses since the quadruplets were born, their father Tijani Abdulkareem told CNN.

The Nigerian community and other nationals in Dubai rallied around them to help raise AED 42,000 (around $11,500) to pay part of the bills.

The Crown Prince stepped in to pay the bills after he came across the initial CNN report highlighting the family’s story.

He was moved by their plight and informed his office to assist the family, the hospital said.

Politics

Emirates to resume flights to Baghdad, Basra next month

head dubai July 28, 2020 No Comments

Emirates airline will resume flights to Baghdad and Basra next month, apart from Nairobi, taking its passenger network to 67 destinations. Flights to Nairobi, Kenya, will begin on August 2, while the Iraq-bound flights will start on August 10. Flights between Nairobi and Dubai and Basra and Dubai will operate three times a week, while those between Baghdad and Dubai will operate four times a week. The flights will be operated using Boeing 777-300ER.
Last week, the Dubai-based carrier announced that it will cover its passengers for COVID-19-related medical expenses and quarantine costs when they travel on Emirates, to and from the UAE and around the world.

Emirates said travellers will only be accepted on flights if they comply with the eligibility and entry criteria requirements of their destination countries.

Politics

COVID-19: UAE launches world’s first phase III clinical trial of vaccine

head dubai June 24, 2020 No Comments

Dubai: Following a ceremony held today via video conference between Abu Dhabi and Beijing, health authorities from the United Arab Emirates have announced the commencement of the world’s first phase III clinical trial of a COVID-19 inactivated vaccine.

Inspired by the UAE Leadership’s vision and commitment to overcome the pandemic through a global collaborative effort, a clinical cooperation agreement was signed between the Chinese pharmaceutical giant Sinopharm China National Biotec Group (CNBG) and Group 42 (G42), the Abu Dhabi-based leading artificial intelligence and cloud computing company. G42 will lead the clinical trial operations in the UAE under the supervision of the Department of Health of Abu Dhabi.

Attending the ceremony in the UAE were Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health & Prevention; Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman Department of Health Abu Dhabi; Ni Jian, Chinese ambassador to the UAE; Dr. Hamdan Musallam Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Red Crescent and Dr. Jamal Alkaabi, Acting Undersecretary of Department of Health.

In the presence of Liu Jingzhen, Chairman of Sinopharm; Yang Xiaoming, Chairman of Sinopharm CNBG; Li Can, President of Sinopharm International; Hao Peng, Chairman of SASAC; Dr. Ali Al Dhaheri, the UAE Ambassador to China, a large delegation of representatives from Sinopharm CNBG and Chinese medical authorities also took part in the ceremony connecting via video conference from the cities of Beijing and Wuhan.

Commenting on the initiative Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health & Prevention said: “Now more than ever, nations need to work in close partnership between the government and private sectors to create new initiatives, launch programs, develop policies, drive rigorous research, and develop capacity. It is for this reason that the United Arab Emirates welcomes all contributions by countries of the world, innovative entities and creative individuals who are committed to creating opportunities for joint collaboration towards confronting the threat of COVID-19 and defeating this global pandemic.”

The clinical trial process is usually divided into three phases. The first phase mainly looks into the safety of the vaccine. Phase II evaluates immunogenicity and explores the immunization process in a limited number of individuals. Phase III considers the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in a larger population sample. If a vaccine is confirmed safe and effective throughout the entire clinical trial process, the test is considered successful, and the vaccine enters into the large-scale manufacturing phase.

Sinopharm CNBG inactivated vaccine already passed phases I and II clinical trials without showing any serious adverse reactions, with 100% of the volunteers generating antibodies after two doses in 28 days.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman Department of Health Abu Dhabi said: “This partnership highlights the UAE’s broad multifaceted approach to combating the virus, which includes innovative research into effective treatments, enhanced testing capabilities, and continuous cooperation with the international community. The UAE will spare no effort in contributing to solutions to the current pandemic, solutions that will aid humanity’s ability to overcome the current pandemic.”

Through this joint collaboration, Group 42 and Sinopharm CNBG aim to accelerate the development of a safe and effective vaccine that could enter the market by the end of 2020 or early 2021 to benefit humanity as a whole.

Today’s clinical trial commencement is the start of a series of national initiatives, to not only foster the population health, but also enhance the UAE’s medical research and development capabilities, including the local capacity to manufacture the vaccine. These initiatives will be communicated on a regular basis as part of the UAE’s commitment to building a prosperous knowledge based economy.

Politics

Abu Dhabi launches digital payment platform for all government services

head dubai May 5, 2020 No Comments

Abu Dhabi: Payments for all types of government services will now be made available online through ‘Abu Dhabi Pay’, as the emirate looks to accelerate its digital transformation.

The platform, launched by the Department of Government Support, will be accessible through the TAMM portal, offering customers a secure and standardised way of making digital payments for all government services across different channels. Customers will also benefit from multiple safe payment options, one time payments for multi party services and a unified experience across all government channels.

The government entities that are currently available through the platform at this stage include the Abu Dhabi Police, Department of Health, Department of Energy, Department of Economic Development, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, and the General Administration of Customs.

“The launch of the new platform comes in line with Abu Dhabi government efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals and society in Abu Dhabi, and to facilitate a seamless and hassle-free access to all government services,” said Ali Rashid Al Ketbi, chairman of the department of government support – Abu Dhabi.

“Abu Dhabi Pay is an essential step forward in the efforts made by all parties to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position and leadership regionally and globally in the field of digital government,” he added.

Other features also available on the digital payment platform along with payment processing includes reconciliation and settlement, reports and audits. Payment channels include portals, mobile apps, POS, and cash deposit machines where payment methods include e-debit, e-wallet, credit cards, and cash. Currently, digital wallet and credit card payments are available while direct bank debit and other solutions for cash management will be added to the platform.

“Looking ahead, we will integrate ‘Abu Dhabi Pay’ with all of the digital channels of the remaining entities. This will include establishing the priorities and foundations required to complete the inclusion of digital channels for government agencies and communicating with them to study, prepare, and build the allocations required to complete the linking operations,” said engineer Mohammad Abdel Hameed Al Askar, acting director-general of the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority.

Politics

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid: Unification Day comes as a reminder of UAE’s ‘perseverance’

head dubai May 5, 2020 No Comments

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said that as the country and the world face testing times during the coronavirus pandemic, the 44th anniversary of the UAE Armed Forces’ Unification Day comes as a reminder of this nation’s “perseverance” and “ability to overcome challenges.”

In a statement to the UAE’s military journal, Nation Shield, on the occasion, which is observed on May 6 every year, Sheikh Mohammed said, “Today, as we face unprecedented testing times – as is the entire world – the memory of the unification of our armed forces comes to strengthen our belief in our ability to move forward and in successfully overcoming this test.”

He added that the day “shines a ray of light amidst the darkness we are experiencing”, in reference to the pandemic.

Sheikh Mohammed has also affirmed that international cooperation has never been more needed, as the world is facing the COVID-19 crisis.

The statement in full is as follows:

Honourable sons and daughters of the nation,

Today, we remember the unification of our armed forces, and this year, we are marking the day during the holy month of Ramadan. It shines a ray of light amidst the darkness we are experiencing from the coronavirus; highlighting the good and giving in our homeland, and the good character of Emiratis, and their incomparable determination.

On this anniversary, we remember our Founding Fathers and their ability to conquer challenges, and reminisce on history of our armed forces, and its victorious track record since its unification on this day in 1976, by our father – the symbol of goodness, giving, building and achievement – the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Today, we remember our children, who have died in the battlefields and have risen as martyrs, with appreciation and gratitude.

This occasion holds a special place in my heart, not only because I have lived through the early process of the unification of our armed forces, participated in its growth, kept pace with its various stages of development, and its progresses, but also because I enjoyed watching the active role the armed forces played in our country and society, as well as its success in integrating the civil, economic, cultural and psychological aspects of our Emirati model.

Moreover, our armed forces have excelled in protecting our security, stability, sovereignty and independence, and strengthening Emirati identity. It also succeeded in creating national human resources, affirming the merit and efficiency of the sons and daughters of the UAE, and embodying the principles of self-reliance.

And today, as we face unprecedented testing times – as is the entire world – the memory of the unification of our armed forces comes to strengthen our belief in our ability and perseverance to move forward, and in successfully overcoming challenges and this particular test.

The unification of the UAE Armed Forces goes hand in hand with the unification of the seven Emirates and the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. The Union’s survival depended on the unification of its armed forces, which proved to all, both locally and internationally, that the Union does not regress, and that its leadership is determined to consolidate its rules, build it up, and move it forward.

Officers, soldiers and citizens,

Over the past centuries, this region has been plagued by various types of epidemics, that would suddenly emerge and disappear without people knowing their source and the reason for their end. In the first half of the twentieth century, cholera, the plague, and other diseases have claimed the lives of thousands of people in the region.

There were no doctors, no treatment, and no vaccines. Nonetheless, our ancestors confronted these epidemics with courage, solidarity and altruism, and they overcame their ordeals. They stood up and continued to endure the difficult environment and harsh climate, and built, lived and preserved this land.

And today, the sons and daughters of the Emirates have risen as their ancestors before them, to confront this epidemic that swept the whole world.

Our healthcare and security sectors have seamlessly integrated into a working unit that operates harmoniously; providing an exemplary model for comprehensiveness, effectiveness and discipline.

Today, I extend my thanks and appreciation to my brother His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for his generosity and his wise leadership and management of the national effort made in the face of this pandemic.

Under the directives of His Highness to the Supreme Council for National Security and the National Crisis and Emergency Management Authority, and with his relentless work on control measures, our country was able to control the spread of the virus, unlike what unfortunately happened in other countries, most of which are developed nations.

Dear citizens,

The past four months have been very difficult for all countries and peoples of the world. The negative effects of the pandemic are still emerging. Sometimes, it seems as if time had stopped and revolved only around this mysterious virus.

For us, these months, which may extend to many more, are a test of our ability to bear and adapt to preventive measures, and the readiness of our institutions, the merit of our plans, and our preparations to deal with pandemics and their economic and social repercussions. It is also a test of our health, security and service infrastructures, the efficiency of our banking system, and an examination of our awareness, patience and social solidarity.

We have succeeded in all these tests, but this success is not final. Ahead of us and the entire world, are still major questions that await answers. Questions remain about the source of this pandemic, the secrets of its rapid spread and transmission from one country to another, from one continent to another, to ships in the high seas, and to remote areas on the tip of the earth.

Until further notice, the specter of pandemics will continue to haunt our globe, and will affect human behaviour, priorities and ways of life. It will be at the forefront of the concerns of countries and the world at large, mainly for ensuring that history does not repeat itself.

These past four months have proven that nations have never needed to cooperate with each other as much as they need to today.

Earlier, I said that the world remained for years questioning: which leads the other? Does politics lead economics or does economics lead politics? And which is the cart, and which is the horse? We found in the time of the coronavirus that the horse and its carriage are both carried and lead by health. And so, I ask now, is it possible that in the aftermath of this pandemic that health services do not advance to the top of national priorities in every nation in the world? Can states, whatever their economic system, compromise the centrality of their role in providing adequate preventive and curative services to all their citizens?

Will the role of the World Health Organisation, WHO, remain marginal and with scarce resources? And is it not time for everyone to realise that limiting environmental pollution and global warming is not just scientific dueling or tools in economic competition, but is a real and crucial issue that if ignored will lead to disaster for all?

In any case, humanity’s efforts, including that of scientists, researchers, doctors and nurses to defeat the pandemic will succeed. But what about the economic and social repercussions? How will the countries of the world face them and what will the bet be on?

Of course, every country is responsible for itself, but the reality of mutual dependence between the countries of the world, the size of the huge interdependence between their economies and the reality of contagion that does not recognise borders and distances, will not enable a country, whatever its capabilities, to face the consequences on its own. There is no substitute for international cooperation that rises above excessive selfishness, and the blind seeking of wealth and influence.

With regard to us in the UAE, we know our size and we realise that our voice is heard and our model is a subject of interest and respect, and one of the principles of our approach is our constant endeavor to expand areas of cooperation with countries of the world and with international and regional organisations.

Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, and the global economic downturn during the past four months, which followed years of a slowing world economy and a decline in international trade, our country has maintained its position as one of the top countries that provide developmental assistance, and has actively participated in international efforts to combat the pandemic, providing thousands of tonnes of medical aid to those who request or need it.

Officers, soldiers, and citizens,

We in the UAE are confident in our ability to absorb the effects of this pandemic and learn lessons from its repercussions at all levels, and resume the path of growth and progress, relying on the abundant sources of our self-power, with our people in the forefront, the unity of our home, the efficiency of our military and civil institutions, the strength and diversity of our economy’s assets, the superiority of our infrastructure, and our involvement in the digital age.

I congratulate my brothers and children of the armed forces on this occasion that is dear to our hearts, I congratulate our sons and daughters, and I extend my congratulations to my brother, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and to His Highness, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and to my brothers, Their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Council, and Rulers of the Emirates.

Politics

Dubai, hit by lockdown and oil price crash, could be headed for another debt crisis

head dubai April 28, 2020 No Comments

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai, the glittering commercial hub of the Gulf, is facing the risk of a debt crisis reminiscent of the 2009 crash that wiped out thousands of jobs and nearly half the value of the emirate’s stock market, economists are warning.

Only this time, declining business growth over recent years is being compounded by the double whammy of crushed oil prices and global lockdowns brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, cases of which have surpassed 8,200 in the United Arab Emirates.

“Dubai is the most vulnerable of the economies in the Middle East and North Africa to the economic damage from such (lockdown) measures,” U.K.-based consultancy firm Capital Economics wrote in a report this week. “We think that Dubai’s economy could contract by at least 5-6% this year if these measures last into the summer.”

Lockdown measures in the emirate, which is home to the world’s tallest building and largest mall, have seen all but essential businesses close. This “will cause Dubai’s economy to contract sharply, exacerbating overcapacity in key sectors and making it more difficult for the Emirate’s government-related entities (GREs) to service their large debts,” the firm wrote.

Politics

Coronavirus in UAE: Dubai provides free 24/7 consultations

head dubai March 11, 2020 No Comments

Dubai residents can now contact Dubai Health Authority (DHA) doctors via video and voice calls, for free 24/7 consultation and queries regarding Covid-19, the authorities has informed.

The DHA is providing this service through its “Doctor for Every Citizen” initiative, which was launched by the authority last December to fulfill the goals of Article 5 of the Fifty-Year Charter.

The initiative, which initially provided family medicine consultations for Emiratis, will now provide free consultation to all Dubai Residents for Covid-19.

The services will also help answer the queries of resident under self-quarantine from the comfort of their homes.

Dr Manal Taryam, CEO of the Primary Healthcare Sector at the DHA said that this will especially benefit residents on self-quarantine at home as they will be able to get any health-related queries they may have, answered without leaving the comfort of their homes.

She explained that passengers who return from ‘countries of concern’ have to undergo home isolation for 14 days to avoid spreading the virus. This is important as the incubation period of the virus is 14 days and they may be asymptomatic during this period.

While they are at home they should keep an eye on their health and are asked to not hesitate to contact the ‘Doctor for Every Citizen’ initiative if they develop a fever or any flu-like symptoms.

Dr Taryam said that the ‘Doctor for Every Citizen’ initiative will cover initial consultation and follow-ups were the physician uses a telehealth platform to communicate with the person while viewing his medical record.

The physician will also be able to request lab and radiology tests as well as issue electronic prescriptions.

Under the new service, the public will have 24/7 access to doctors, specialists and consultants who are DHA certified and trained on using tele-health.

“To access this service all they have to do is download the DHA mobile app and sign up. They then have to book an appointment for the ‘Doctor for every citizen’ service by calling the DHA toll-free number 800 342. Doctors and patients can opt for check-ups via video-call or voice-call.”

Politics

Girl, 15, raped after being forced to work in Dubai massage centre

head dubai March 9, 2020 No Comments

Dubai: A man has been accused of forcing a 15-year-old girl to carry out sexual activities at a Dubai massage centre and raping her after offering her a soda mixed with alcohol.

The Dubai Court of First Instance heard on Monday that the Bangladeshi girl testified that her aunt brought her to the UAE last year, before forcing her to work in a massage centre. When she refused to “please customers” after a massage session, her aunt kept her in the house promising to send her back to her country.

“I met the defendant who told my aunt that he fell in love with me. I refused to have an affair with him. He took me to a nightclub and offered me a soda. I didn’t know the drink was mixed with alcohol and I start losing my balance. I don’t remember what happened after that but I woke up in the man’s bedroom,” the victim said in records.

She said she later discovered that the 36-year-old Bangladeshi defendant had sex with her. Her aunt told her the defendant would pay for her studies if she had sex with him.

After one month, her aunt was caught by the police for prostitution work after which the victim was left in the care of the defendant.

“The defendant forced me to work at massage centres and was collecting the money himself. He threatened to keep me without food and water if I refused to comly with his orders and once he even beat me with a belt,” the girl claimed.

In August 2019, the defendant took her to a massage centre where she met a countrywoman and showed her signs of violence on her body.

“She felt sorry for what had happened to me and helped me reach a police station by calling a taxi.”

A 28-year-old Emirati policeman said the victim reported the incident at Al Qusais police station.

Dubai Police arrested the defendant at Al Nahda and he admitted to having an illegal affair with the victim and bringing women from Bangaldesh to work in massage centres.

Dubai Public Prosecution has charged the defendant with human trafficking and raping the victim. It has asked the court to award death penalty to the defendant.

The defendant is in police custody and the next trial is on March 19.

Politics

Buttigieg drops out of Democratic race two days before Super Tuesday

head dubai March 2, 2020 No Comments

Pete Buttigieg dropped out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination on Sunday, saying he no longer saw a change of winning, the day after fellow moderate Joe Biden won a big victory in South Carolina.

The move shook up the Democratic contest to pick a candidate to take on Republican President Donald Trump in November’s election and came two days before the 14-state Super Tuesday nominating contests that will offer the biggest electoral prize so far.

Buttigieg, a 38-year-old former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, who gained early momentum after he narrowly won the Iowa caucuses last month and finished a close second in New Hampshire, had sought to unite Democrats, independents and moderate Republican voters. But he finished a distant third in Nevada and fourth in South Carolina.

“Today is a moment of truth … the truth is that the path has narrowed to a close for our candidacy if not for our cause,” Buttigieg told supporters in South Bend on Sunday night. “Our goal has always been to unify Americans to help defeat Donald Trump and to win the era for our values.”

His departure leaves six contenders in the Democratic presidential race, which once had more than 20 candidates. An adviser told Reuters that Buttigieg was dropping out to avoid helping the odds of front-runner Bernie Sanders, a senator from Vermont and self-described democratic socialist.

“Pete was not going to play the role of spoiler,” said the adviser, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Could he have went through Super Tuesday and beyond? Sure. But this was not a vanity exercise.”

Buttigieg and Biden attempted to talk by telephone on Sunday but did not connect, according to a Buttigieg adviser.

Billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer abandoned his bid after finishing third in South Carolina on Saturday.

Earlier on Sunday, Democratic candidates commemorated the anniversary of a landmark civil rights march in Alabama in 1965.

Some worshippers at the African-American church in Selma, Alabama, where the event was held, turned their backs on moderate presidential contender Michael Bloomberg, who will first appear on ballots on Tuesday after skipping the first four contests.

Bloomberg, a former New York mayor, received a chilly reception at the historic Brown Chapel AME Church in Selma after the pastor, the Rev. Leodis Strong, told the gathering the billionaire businessman initially had turned down the invitation to speak.

“I was hurt, I was disappointed,” Strong said as Bloomberg looked on stonily. “I think it’s important that he came, and it shows a willingness on his part to change.”

About 10 people in the small church with a couple hundred in attendance stood up and turned their backs on Bloomberg as he spoke about racial inequality.

Biden and Bloomberg are trying to present themselves as the party’s best choice to take on Trump, saying Sanders is too far to the left to win the general election.

‘Just an insult’

Black voters are a key Democratic constituency, and Bloomberg has been criticized for supporting the use of a policing practice called stop and frisk in New York City that encouraged police to stop and search pedestrians and disproportionately affected blacks and Latinos.

“It’s just an insult for him to come here. It’s the disrespect for the legacy of this place,” Lisa Brown, who traveled to Selma from Los Angeles, told Reuters after turning her back to Bloomberg. She said the idea to protest Bloomberg’s remarks had circulated but that she stood as an individual, not an organized group.

The quiet protest suggests Bloomberg faces an uphill climb with some African-American voters, who carried Biden to a resounding victory in South Carolina.

Biden, who was vice president to the first black U.S. president, Barack Obama, was clearly the favorite at the Selma church. He was seated by the pastor, facing the pews where Bloomberg sat, and got a glowing introduction from U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, a black Alabama lawmaker.

“He has earned the right to be in this pulpit and to address you now,” Sewell told the crowd.

The candidates were in Selma to mark the 55th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” when civil rights marchers were beaten by state troopers and local police while crossing a bridge.

‘Looking for a Democrat’

Some Democratic Party officials expressed concerns last week about Sanders’ early surge, worrying that his aggressive policy priorities including establishing a mandatory government-run healthcare system for all in place of private health insurance could turn off moderate voters badly needed to defend competitive seats in Congress.

“I think the Democratic Party is looking for a Democrat – not a socialist, not a former Republican, a Democrat – to be their nominee,” Biden told “Fox News Sunday.”

Biden’s reference to a former Republican appears to have been aimed at Bloomberg, who switched parties multiple times in his career.

Sanders attacked Biden for taking contributions from political organizations called Super PACs and billionaires, at what he said was the expense of working-class, middle-class and low-income people.

“I don’t go to rich people’s homes like Joe Biden,” Sanders said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

Biden lags Sanders in fundraising and organization in Super Tuesday states and beyond.

Sanders planned to campaign on Sunday in heavily Democratic California, where he leads opinion polls.

The Sanders campaign said overnight it raised $46.5 million from more than 2.2 million donations in February, a huge sum dwarfing what any other Democratic candidate raised last year in any three-month period.

Biden said on Sunday his campaign had raised more than $10 million in the past two days, boosted by his South Carolina win.