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Time of India
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Who are the ‘Justice and Dignity' and Al Islah groups the UAE just sentenced to life?
The UAE Supreme Court has confirmed the verdict in the Justice and Dignity case. Twenty-four individuals are sentenced to life. They are guilty of working with the Justice and Dignity group. They also funded the Al Islah group. Both groups are banned in the UAE. Authorities are seizing assets linked to these offences. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Who are the Justice and Dignity Group? About the Al Islah (Reform) Group Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The UAE Supreme Court on June 26 issued a ruling in the high-profile 'Justice and Dignity Terrorist Organisation' case, partially overturning a previous verdict by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals. The court found 24 individuals guilty and sentenced them to life defendants were convicted of collaborating with the terrorist group "Justice and Dignity" and of financing the outlawed "Al Islah (Reform) Group," which Emirati authorities associate with the Muslim organisations are banned in the UAE for attempting to destabilise the addition to the prison sentences, the court ordered the seizure of all funds, assets, and materials connected to the two offences. Authorities said these actions are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terror funding networks within the latest decision follows a previous July 10, 2023, ruling in which the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals' State Security Division convicted six companies and 53 individuals tied to the same case. That verdict included punishments ranging from fines of up to Dh20 million to life 'Justice and Dignity' group is considered a terrorist organisation by the Emirati authorities. It has been linked to the 2013 mass trial of 94 Emiratis accused of forming a secret organisation aimed at undermining state 2023, the group reappeared in legal proceedings as part of a broader case targeting individuals allegedly involved in subversive activities. According to the UAE government, this group sought to revive networks tied to political Islam and promote agendas aligned with extremist rights organisations, however, have criticised the trials involving this group for lacking due process and 'Al Islah (Reform) Group' is the Emirati branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, a transnational Islamist organisation banned in the UAE and several other Arab in the 1970s, Al Islah initially operated openly, focusing on education and religious outreach. However, by the 1990s, UAE authorities dissolved the group's formal presence, and in 2014, it was officially designated a terrorist government has accused Al Islah of attempting to seize power, promote extremist ideas, and maintain ties with foreign Brotherhood of its members have faced long prison terms for allegedly plotting against the state and accepting foreign funding to support their activities.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Time of India
UAE man jailed for paying Dh30,000 to sorcerers and sharing wife's private photos to win her back
The man's attempts included contacting three different sorcerers, spending Dh30,000 overall, before the authorities intervened and arrested him/ Representational Image A man in the UAE has been sentenced to six months in prison after being convicted of engaging in sorcery and violating the privacy of his estranged wife and her family. The Fujairah Court of Appeal upheld the initial ruling, which also included the confiscation and destruction of materials seized during the investigation. The case came to light after the wife filed a police report, accusing her husband of using black magic against her, their children, and her relatives. Her suspicions were confirmed when she was contacted by a spiritual healer who provided her with WhatsApp messages and photos that directly implicated her husband. According to a report by Emarat Al Youm , the husband admitted during police interrogation that he had gone online in search of someone who could cast love spells to restore his failing marriage. He found a woman from another Arab country promoting herself on social media as an expert in 'bringing back loved ones.' He contacted her via WhatsApp and paid her Dh20,000. As part of the ritual, he sent her personal images of his wife, a video of himself, and their phone numbers. Things took a turn when the woman demanded an additional Dh25,000. When he refused, she threatened to expose his actions by sending the compromising content to his wife. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Undeterred by the threat, the man turned to another practitioner, paying Dh10,000 for a second attempt at spellwork. When that too failed, he contacted a third woman who didn't initially request money, but before anything could proceed further, he was apprehended by authorities. Meanwhile, the wife had already moved out of their home two months earlier and had initiated divorce proceedings due to alleged abuse. Her suspicions regarding her husband's use of sorcery were further confirmed when a woman — believed to be connected to the earlier 'spiritual healer' — contacted her from outside the UAE and offered evidence of his actions for Dh35,000. Refusing to pay without seeing proof, the wife was sent photos, a video, and images of magical rituals. These materials were handed over to the police. The Public Prosecution brought four formal charges against the man: Engaging in fraudulent activities and sorcery with unknown individuals (whose phone numbers were later traced), Endangering others, Violating personal privacy by transmitting private images through WhatsApp, Illegally possessing and distributing private materials. These charges fell under the UAE's cybercrime and fraud laws and were classified as misdemeanors. The initial court found the evidence compelling and handed down a six-month prison sentence, along with an order to confiscate and destroy the incriminating digital materials. The man appealed the ruling, denying all charges in court. However, the appellate court rejected his claims, citing clear evidence and sound legal reasoning in the original verdict. The appeal was dismissed, and the six-month jail sentence was officially upheld by the Fujairah Court of Appeal. The case has garnered public attention for highlighting the intersection of digital privacy, superstition, and the misuse of technology in personal relationships. No further charges were reported against the spiritual healers involved, though their identities and phone numbers were part of the investigation. The court's final decision underlined the UAE's firm stance against sorcery, fraud, and cyber-enabled privacy violations.
Hi Dubai
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE Banks Raise Minimum Balance Requirement as Fee Exemptions Tighten
Several UAE banks will raise their minimum balance requirement to Dh5,000 starting June 1, tightening fee exemptions for customers who do not hold a credit card or personal financing. The move, up from the longstanding Dh3,000 threshold, means many account holders may now face a monthly fee of Dh25. According to a report by Emarat Al Youm , one bank has already rolled out the updated policy. The change is aimed at encouraging customers to either maintain higher balances or sign up for banking products such as credit cards or loans. Customers who do not meet the new balance requirement and lack qualifying financial products will incur the Dh25 monthly fee. Banks justify the shift as necessary for liquidity and operational cost management. Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial, said higher minimums help banks increase deposits, enhance loan offerings, and offset rising service costs. However, finance expert Dr Ben Lebig raised concerns over the burden this places on low-income residents, particularly those in the service sector. 'For workers whose salaries barely cover expenses and remittances, this rule may be impossible to fulfill,' he said. He urged banks to introduce tiered requirements based on income levels. Fee waivers will apply to customers with a total balance of Dh20,000 or more, or those transferring a salary of Dh15,000 or higher. Partial exemptions are also available for those earning between Dh5,000 and Dh14,999, provided they hold additional financial products. To ease the impact, experts suggest alternatives such as payroll cards, corporate accounts for low-wage employees, and zero-balance digital accounts. These options, commonly used in the Wage Protection System, can help workers stay compliant without added financial strain. News Source: Khaleej Times
Al Etihad
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Sharjah Ruler receives Asian champions, grants team Dh20 million reward
20 May 2025 15:11 SHARJAH (ALETIHAD) His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has emphasised the importance of continuous effort and dedicated work to achieve sporting accomplishments on international platforms—achievements that ultimately reflect on the Highness also stressed the need to educate young players, promote sportsmanship, and foster cooperation across all segments of the football community—from players to administrative and technical staff, as well as the fans—so that matches are held in a way that pleases came during His Highness's reception, on Tuesday, at Al Badi' Palace for the Sharjah Football Club's team, following their victory in the AFC Champions League 2, after defeating Singapore's Lion City Sailors 2–1. His Highness directed that the team of Sharjah Football Club be awarded Dh20 million in recognition of their historic achievement—winning the AFC Champions League 2 title for the first time in the club's history and the history of the Highness congratulated the players of the team, along with the administrative and technical staff, on winning the club's first Asian title—an accomplishment that marks a historic moment for the club and for Emirati football. His Highness said, 'We congratulate the officials of the UAE, the Emirati people, and all residents in the country on this victory that came after years of anticipation. We hope this joy continues with upcoming wins by the UAE national team.'His Highness stressed the importance of building a strong national team by ensuring player synergy through intensified group training. 'When playing for the national team, your loyalty should be to the country, not to your club,' His Highness told the players. 'You are now carrying the flag of the UAE, so you must give your best and put aside local league rivalries.'His Highness praised the choice of Coach Cosmin to lead the national team, noting that in the past, coaches were often unfamiliar with the players' skill levels. Now, with Cosmin's presence, the responsibility falls on the players to prove their worth, commitment, and love for the national team. His Highness encouraged the players to make a personal vow to themselves and to God to give their utmost for the national team. He also wished Sharjah FC success in choosing a new coach who could contribute as Cosmin did—pointing out that Cosmin loved the team so deeply he overlooked his own illness. His Highness prayed for his health and success in his mission with the national Highness also highlighted his personal interest in football, especially when it comes to the national team. He recalled the team's matches before qualifying for the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, saying he used to follow the team's progress and results daily. 'This comes from our love for our country and our children who play for it,' His Highness conclusion, His Highness stated that club managements must focus on educating players, enhancing their sense of responsibility, and avoiding interference in referees' decisions during matches. A single careless mistake by a player could cost the team victory and render all efforts in vain. His Highness stressed the importance of collective cooperation to ensure that matches reflect good sportsmanship and fair Highnes also took commemorative photos with the their part, the administrative and technical staff and players of Sharjah Football Club expressed their heartfelt gratitude to His Highness for his generous reward and unwavering support, which played a key role in the club's rise to the Asian podium. They appreciated his reception and continuous encouragement, affirming their commitment to His Highness's noble guidance and fatherly advice to represent the UAE with honour on international stages and to continue winning FC's first team claimed the AFC Champions League 2 title for the first time in the club's history after defeating Lion City Sailors in the final held last Sunday at Bishan Stadium in Singapore. Sharjah's players delivered their finest performance, scoring the winning goal in the seventh minute of stoppage time. The reception was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department; Sheikh Khaled bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs, and Free Zones Authority; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; and a number of senior sports officials.
Al Etihad
08-05-2025
- Health
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Biobank offers a life-saving opportunity at half the cost
8 May 2025 23:34 KIRSTIN BERNABE (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi resident Felize Flores-Navarro, a mother of three, wishes she had been able to bank her children's cord blood. As a cancer survivor, she was well aware of the life-saving potential that stored stem cells could hold. But, because the service was too expensive for her growing family, she and her husband had to let the opportunity battled cancer twice, the expat wanted to do everything possible to give her kids the best fighting chance if they ever need personalised treatment for a life-threatening disease."I know that not all cancers and conditions can be treated with stem cells from cord blood, but who knows when they may come in handy? Who knows what can be possible through the next scientific discoveries?" Navarro told blood, collected from a newborn's umbilical cord at birth, contains stem cells that can treat diseases such as leukaemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anaemia and certain immune disorders. It has been used in over 60,000 transplants worldwide, with ongoing research exploring its potential in new life-saving the UAE, private cord blood banking can cost anywhere from Dh20,000 to Dh38,000 - prices that are too steep for many expecting Dhabi Biobank, which is operated by global health champion M42, comes in as a game-changer as it offers the service at half the current market rates. Through the facility, families can get their newborns' cord blood stored for as low as Dh7,500."The pricing is offered as bronze (Dh7,500), silver (Dh10,000) and gold (Dh12,500) packages with different benefits, making it accessible and affordable for most families," Paul Downey, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Biobank, told lower rates, he added that the centre offers flexible payment plans, "including minimal upfront payments and customers can convert the payments to easy monthly instalments through participating banks."Since launching the new, affordable pricing in March, Downey said they've seen an encouraging response from the public. Life-Saving Treatments There is growing interest in cord blood banking, said Dr. Mai Mohammed Elsayed, an obstetrics and gynaecology specialist at Medeor Hospital in Abu Dhabi."As more families hear about its potential benefits - whether through discussions or emerging information - they're increasingly inclined to explore this option," she told Elsayed encourages families to consider the blood banking option, especially those "with a history of genetic disorders or medical conditions that could potentially be treated with stem cells" - as was the case with cord blood can be used to treat more than 80 disorders, said Downey of Abu Dhabi Biobank. "The cord blood stem cells can combat life-threatening and highly prevalent diseases like beta thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia and other blood disorders."UAE-based oncologist Dr. Arwa El Dhuwaib enumerated other conditions that can be cured through stem cell transplants. These include malignancies like leukaemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome, and neuroblastoma, some bone marrow failure and other types of hereditary anaemia. They can also be beneficial in treating metabolic diseases like Gaucher's disease, Hurler syndrome, and Niemann Pick syndrome; and immune deficiency diseases like severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Saving the Life of a Loved One Besides its powerful therapeutic potential, cord blood offers an advantage in genetic matching."The newborn's cord blood can be a perfect genetic match for family members requiring stem cell transplants or therapies. The 25% chance of siblings being a perfect match can help save the life of a loved one in a family," Downey El Dhuwaib, however, noted certain limitations, including "a risk that cord blood stem cells already contain premalignant cells and cannot be used to treat the child; the same is applied when there is a known genetic defect in a family."Nevertheless, the potential of cord blood in regenerative medicine remains significant."The development of stem cell-based therapies has a big potential to revolutionise the field of regenerative medicine and to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide," said Dr. El Dhuwaib, a paediatric haematology oncology specialist at NMC Royal Hospital Sharjah."There are plenty of ongoing research and clinical trials on using cord-blood-derived cells to regenerate or promote the repair of damaged organs, especially in cases when medical needs to prevent or reduce degenerative disease are still unmet with current practice. Examples of these trials are in type 1 diabetes, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord damage," the specialist added. World-class Facility Abu Dhabi Biobank is the region's largest multi-modal cord blood collection and storage facility. Its centre in the capital's Masdar City can store up to 100,000 cord blood units and more than 5 million pan-human samples."We firmly believe that these capabilities, complemented by our scientific expertise, make us the partner of choice for families, entities and governments," Downey said. Families can register by visiting Abu Dhabi Biobank's website at The centre's hotline 800 213 can also connect families to an adviser, who can explain the banking options.
