Latest Picks from UAE


Gulf Today
18 minutes ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Air Arabia launches its new route from Sharjah to Russian city of Sochi
Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa's first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator, inaugurated its new route to the Russian city of Sochi with a frequency six weekly flights. The new service marks the sixth Russian city to be served directly from Sharjah, alongside Moscow, Kazan, Samara, Ufa, and Yekaterinburg, further expanding Air Arabia's network in the country. Commenting on the launch, Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, said, "We are glad to inaugurate our non-stop flights to Sochi, further strengthening our connectivity with Russia. This expansion not only provides our customers with a convenient and affordable air travel option between the UAE and Russia but also further strengthening tourism and trade ties between both nations. Sochi complements our growing network in the country and reflects our ongoing commitment to offering more travel opportunities to our customers." "Today, Sochi is actively developing as an international hub, attracting more and more foreign tourists and offering extensive travel opportunities for Russian citizens. The United Arab Emirates ranks among the top destinations served by the airport. The Emirate of Sharjah will become the third city in the UAE connected to Sochi Airport's route network, once again confirming the growth and strengthening of ties between our countries. Thanks to Air Arabia's wide route network, travelers will benefit from convenient connections to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, significantly expanding their international travel options," Alexey Starostin, CEO Aerod, managing company of Sochi airport. With the addition of Sochi to its network, Air Arabia now serves Russia from three airports in the UAE, including Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. This expansion highlights the airline's ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and Russia, while promoting tourism, trade and cultural exchange between the two countries. WAM


Sharjah 24
19 minutes ago
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
UAE, Iraqi Presidents discuss bilateral relations
Discussed the latest developments in the Middle East During the call, the two leaders discussed the latest developments in the Middle East, with both sides underscoring the importance of promoting dialogue and diplomacy as a means to foster peace, safeguard regional security, and fulfil the aspirations of all for development and prosperity. Explored opportunities to further strengthen the close ties between the UAE and The call also explored opportunities to further strengthen the close ties between the UAE and Iraq, in a way that advances progress and prosperity for both nations and their peoples. Greetings His Highness and the Iraqi President exchanged greetings on the occasion of the Hijri New Year, expressing their hopes that it brings peace, security, and stability to the region and the wider world.


Sharjah 24
19 minutes ago
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
UAE strongly condemns attack on UN Mission in CAR
Statement In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) underscored the UAE's strong condemnation of these criminal and terrorist acts, and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability. The Ministry reaffirmed that targeting UN and humanitarian missions constitutes a blatant violation of the principles of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, stressing the UAE's full support for the vital role of MINUSCA in promoting security and stability in the Central African Republic. The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the victim, and to the government and people of Zambia, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured peacekeeper. The Ministry further expressed its solidarity with the United Nations and its humanitarian missions, and the countries contributing to international efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region and worldwide.


Sharjah 24
19 minutes ago
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
FSC: Life imprisonment for defendants in ‘Justice, Dignity Org.'
Attorney General, Chancellor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, had partially appealed the appellate court's ruling that dismissed the criminal case against the defendants for collaborating with the "Terrorist Justice and Dignity Organisation" and financing the "Al-Islah Terrorist Organisation," citing their prior trial in Case No. 79 of 2012 - State Security. The Attorney General argued that the ruling was legally flawed in its application of the law, and should therefore be overturned. He emphasised that the court should have applied the penalties prescribed for the more serious offences of financing and collaborating with a terrorist organisation, while accounting for any portion of the sentence already served under the previous ruling. The court's decision to dismiss the criminal case for these two offenses based on a final ruling issued in Case No. 79 of 2012 - State Security Crimes - was misplaced. The prior judgement only convicted the defendants of a single crime, namely the establishment and management of the "Al-Islah Organisation" as stipulated in Article 180/1 of the Penal Code, and did not address the separate crimes of financing a terrorist organisation and collaborating with it, both of which are stipulated in Federal Law No. 1 of 2004 on Combating Terrorist Crimes, and carry independent and more severe penalties. The Federal Supreme Court reviewed the Attorney General's appeal, and in its session yesterday, ruled to partially overturn the judgment and reconvict 24 defendants, sentencing them to life imprisonment. The court based its decision on the clear legal distinction between the incidents in the two cases, which invalidates any claim that they share the same cause or subject matter. Each incident constitutes an independent criminal act subject to its own punishment under the law. Accordingly, the previous ruling in Case No. 79 of 2012 - State Security Crimes - does not carry legal weight that would prevent the prosecution of the defendants for the charges of financing and collaboration in the present case. Since the challenged judgment overlooked this principle and dismissed the criminal case based on the prior ruling- despite the difference in cause and subject matter- the judgment erred in its application of the law. This necessitated the partial overturning of these specific charges, limited to the defendants named in the Attorney General's appeal. It is worth noting that the State Security Chamber of the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal had previously convicted, in Case No. 87 of 2023, known publicly as the "Terrorist Justice and Dignity Organisation" case, 53 defendants who were leaders and members of the terrorist Muslim Brotherhood organisation, in addition to 6 companies. Sentences ranged from life and temporary imprisonment to fines totaling 20 million dirhams, while one defendant was acquitted. Following yesterday's ruling by the State Security Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court, the total number of convicted individuals in this case has risen to 83 out of 84 referred to trial.


Sharjah 24
19 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Sajaya to launch its summer programme on July 5
A Rich and Diverse Experience of Learning and Fun This year's programme promises a rich and diverse experience that blends entertainment with learning through a variety of specialised workshops and tracks. These include arts, sports, technology, cooking, life skills, and entrepreneurship, alongside sports camps and competitive contests. Empowering Girls Through Inspired Learning In her statement, Sheikha Al Shamsi, Director of Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, said: 'At Sajaya, we believe in the importance of investing the summer break in building skills and nurturing talents. The summer programme reflects our vision of empowering girls through inspiring experiences that shape their character, enrich their awareness, and enhance their creative and social abilities within a safe and motivating environment. This year, we have designed a comprehensive programme that responds to the interests of girls and gives them space to express their passions in their own unique way.' Wide Geographical Coverage Across Sharjah The summer programme will be held at Sajaya centres located across the Emirate of Sharjah, covering a wide geographical area that includes Sharjah city, Kalba, Khorfakkan, Al Dhaid, Mleiha, Al Kharous, Al Madam, and Al Thamid. This highlights the organisation's commitment to making its programmes accessible to girls across the emirate. Activities will be conducted in collaboration with several partner institutions, including Sharjah Ladies Club in Al Dhaid and Al Madam, the Children's Centre in Dibba Al Hisn, and studios in Al Hamriyah in partnership with the Sharjah Art Foundation, providing a well-rounded and varied experience. Interactive Participation and Youth Empowerment The programme also features participation by girls from the 'Friends of the Police' initiative in an interactive experience aimed at empowering participants and enhancing their leadership and social skills in an engaging and educational environment. Additionally, the programme will include dedicated market stalls where participants can showcase and sell their projects and products, fostering a spirit of initiative and economic empowerment. Supported by Strategic Partners The programme is supported by a number of strategic partners, including Sharjah Police and the Sharjah Sports Council, which are helping to provide transportation services to ensure a safe and smooth attendance for all participants. Registration Now Open Sajaya invites parents and girls to follow its social media accounts @sajaya_shj to register and be part of this inspiring summer journey.