Latest news with #Dh35


Time of India
30-06-2025
- Time of India
UAE: Man jailed for hiring sorceresses, attempting black magic to win back wife
A UAE court upheld a six-month jail sentence against a man who made multiple attempts to win his wife back, allegedly through the use of black magic on her and their children. According to Khaleej Times, the Fujairah Court of Appeal maintained the decision against him. He was convicted of engaging in sorcery and violating the privacy of his wife and her family by sharing personal photos with an alleged "spiritual healer" via WhatsApp. The decision from the Fujairah Court of Appeal came after the first court sentenced him to six months in prison and also ordered the confiscation and destruction of the seized materials. He appealed the verdict, denying the charges in court. However, the appellate court rejected his denial, finding the original ruling was based on solid evidence and legal reasoning. The shocking case came to light after she approached the police and filed a report claiming her husband had used black magic on her, their children, and her relatives. She found out about this after a spiritual healer sent her photos and WhatsApp conversations confirming the involvement of the husband. During questioning, the man admitted that he searched online for someone to perform love spells to win back his wife. He also revealed that he tried reaching out to multiple women for love spells, according to local news outlet Emarat Al Youm. He connected with her through WhatsApp and agreed to pay her Dh20,000. The man also sent her personal photos of his wife, a video of himself, and phone numbers. Trouble mounted for him when the woman sought an additional Dh25,000 and he refused to pay. His denial led the women to threaten to expose him by sending the images and messages to his wife. The man ignored the threats and searched for another sorcerer and paid Dh10,000. Even the second attempt failed; he contacted a third woman who didn't ask for money, but before anything progressed, he was arrested by police. Wife gets to know about husband's plan The wife said that her suspicions turned out to be true when a woman from outside the Emirates contacted her and provided evidence of her husband's use of magic for a fee of Dh35,000. This comes after she had filed for divorce due to ongoing abuse and had left the marital home two months prior. When the wife refused to pay without proof, the woman sent her photos, a video, and images of spells, which she submitted as evidence to authorities. Man charged with offences The man was charged with four offences: engaging in fraud and sorcery with unknown individuals (whose phone numbers were traced), endangering others, violating privacy by sending personal images via WhatsApp, and unlawfully possessing and sharing private materials. The case was classified as a misdemeanour under cybercrime and fraud laws, Khaleej Times reported. The appeal from the man was dismissed, and the initial verdict against him was upheld.


Al Etihad
29-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Gridora, Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre partner to deliver transport infrastructure projects worth Dh35 billion
29 May 2025 18:40 ABU DHABI (WAM) Gridora, the new infrastructure platform established by ADQ, IHC and Modon Holding, has signed its first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) for the delivery of high-impact transport infrastructure agreement marks a key milestone in Gridora's mission to champion the delivery of strategic infrastructure this agreement, Gridora and ADPIC will establish a framework for potential collaboration in relation to supporting the development, planning, and implementation of strategic infrastructure projects within the Emirate of Abu initial focus of the MoU will be to establish a working committee to explore potential opportunities and identify pilot projects, activities, and initiatives Gridora could would be considered from several projects ADPIC aims to deliver within the emirate, with the centre having been mandated to implement projects with an estimated value of at least Dh35 of Gridora, Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, said, 'Gridora's expertise and resources will deliver world-class infrastructure, empowering the nation's ambitious economic and population growth goals. Our MoU with ADPIC reflects our shared commitment to accelerate the implementation of critical transport infrastructure, combining innovation, scale, and vision. The delivery of these high-impact infrastructure projects will be transformative to Abu Dhabi, and we look forward to working closely as a trusted infrastructure partner to ADPIC.'Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, commented, "This strategic partnership between ADPIC and Gridora underscores a shared focus on creating transport infrastructure that enhances Abu Dhabi's continued growth as a global city. By leveraging Gridora's capabilities, this collaboration aims to accelerate project delivery, improve cost efficiency, and deliver long-term value for Abu Dhabi and its communities."Director-General of ADPIC, Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, said, 'At ADPIC, we see infrastructure as a powerful enabler of opportunity, economic growth, and long-term sustainability. This MoU with Gridora advances our shared commitment to accelerate the delivery of high-impact projects that enhance connectivity and quality of life across the emirate. By combining our strategic vision with Gridora's delivery capabilities we are shaping a future-ready emirate that aligns with Abu Dhabi's strategic vision and long-term goals.'Group CEO of Modon Holding, Bill O'Regan, said, 'With this MoU, we can unlock Gridora's capability to deliver critical infrastructure, ensuring the long-term growth of the recently announced infrastructure platform. We look forward to seeing Gridora move forward with purpose, enabling world-class cities with cutting edge infrastructure.'Operating under Modon Holding and established in partnership with ADQ and IHC, Gridora serves as a strategic platform for collaboration with specialist partners and capital providers, enabling the delivery of large-scale, high-impact infrastructure projects. Gridora has adopted a dual-focus business model spanning 'Infrastructure Projects' and 'Infrastructure Investments,' enabling it to lead across the full infrastructure lifecycle. This MoU with ADPIC marks the first in a series of planned engagements to advance high-impact public-priority infrastructure, enhance and foster long-term collaboration between the public and private sectors and is a testament to the significant scale of Gridora's business.


Al Etihad
26-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi apartment rents saw 10% YoY rise in Q1 2025: Asteco report
26 May 2025 08:15 A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi's real estate market sustained its upward momentum in the first quarter of 2025, with average apartment rents climbing 10% year-on-year (YoY) and 4% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ), according to the latest market report from real estate consultancy report noted particularly robust growth in the high-end rental segment, where rates increased between 8% and 12%. The mid-tier market also recorded solid gains, with rents rising between 5% and 8%. 'This widespread positive performance, characterised by increasing rents and high occupancy, underscores the fundamental strength and consistency of demand within Abu Dhabi's residential sector,' Asteco said in the the rise in rentals, some low-end apartments remain relatively affordable on Abu Dhabi Island. In areas like Al Khalidiyah and Al Bateen, studio apartments are available for Dh25,000 to Dh35,000 annually, while one-bedroom units range from Dh28,000 to Dh45, Central Abu Dhabi and the Corniche, studios are priced between Dh30,000 and Dh35,000 per year, and one-bedroom apartments can be rented for Dh40,000 to Dh50,000 the healthy rental gains, supply continues to come online at a steady pace. In Q1 2025 alone, approximately 1,200 new residential units were delivered across developments including Jubail Island, Bloom Living – Cordoba Phase 1, Al Jurf Gardens in Ghantoot, Al Raha Beach and Rawdhat Abu Dhabi. The total number of new residential handovers for 2025 is expected to reach 5,500 units, concentrated in key investment zones such as Yas Island, Masdar City, Saadiyat Island and Al Reem to Asteco data sheet, 700 new apartment units and 500 villa units were completed in Abu Dhabi during the first quarter of 2025. This follows the completion of 2,850 apartments and 2,750 villas in 2024. By the end of 2025, total completions are projected to reach 4,000 apartments and 1,500 villas, reflecting a continued expansion in residential supply across the office sector is also gearing up for fresh supply, with the Quartz Tower on Yas Island set to be delivered in Q2, and other major projects like Shams Tower, The Link, and City Square in the pipeline for late 2025 into terms of sales, the market saw 8,700 residential transactions between March 2024 and March 2025. These included 4,100 off-plan deals and 4,600 sales of completed units, which comprised 3,250 apartments and 1,350 villas and townhouses. Notably, transactions for completed properties grew by 6% QoQ and surged 42% YoY reflecting strong demand from both investors and prices also showed a healthy upward trajectory. Apartment prices rose 4% on QoQ and 7% YoY, with high-demand areas seeing annual gains of over 15%. Villa prices increased by 4% QoQ and 8% YoY, with premium locations such as Saadiyat Island registering annual gains exceeding 15%.Asteco observed that 'well-located villas within prime communities continue to outperform the market average', underscoring the premium that buyers place on quality and launches performed strongly, with high absorption rates within weeks of release. 'This reflects sustained buyer confidence in the long-term value and appeal of new developments,' the report noted. Going forward, Asteco said that the Abu Dhabi real estate market remains 'well positioned for continued positive performance in the near to medium term'. Although new supply may moderate the pace of growth in rentals and values, overall market momentum is expected to remain intact, with further upside potential for both capital and rental values.


Arabian Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE gets Swiss robots and drones
Drone and robotics are evolving industry worldwide as well as in the Middle East where the UAE has taken a leadership role in gradually deploying them in government departments and public facilities – in addition to bringing in driver less vehicles and flying taxis – to transform its urban infrastructure into smart cities where drones, machines, robotics and AI will play a crucial role. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), that regulates the drone industry, has registered nearly 24,000 industrial- and commercial-grade drones as well as more than 100 business licenses dealing with the use of drones including renting and offering drone display services. Globally, 8.2 million drones were active in 2024, which is expected to grow to 9.5 million by 2029. In 2025, the global revenue in the drones market worldwide will reach US$4.4 billion, according to Statista, a global market intelligence provider. The global market for connected commercial drones is forecast to grow from US$18.6 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 15 percent to reach US$21.4 billion (Dh78 billion) in 2025 and US$37.3 billion in 2029, according to a research report. ADVERTISEMENT In 2023, the Dubai Government announced that it aims to increase the robotics sector's contribution to Dubai's GDP to 9 percent by 2032. The emirate wants to turn robotics into a Dh35 billion (US$9.5 billion) industry. As part of the Dubai Robotics and Automation (R&A) Program, 200,000 robots will be provided over the next 10 years until 2032, to increase efficiency and productivity in various sectors including services, logistics, and the industrial sector, and enhance the competitiveness of Dubai's economy. More than 20 billion robots will be serving 10 billion human beings by 2050, reshaping lifestyles, labour markets and societies, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs told delegates at the World Government Summit in February this year. Reflecting on the drastic changes in the last 25 years since the year 2000, Al Gergawi said, 'The world's population has grown to 8.2 billion today, and the global economy has expanded from $34 trillion to $115 trillion by 2024. International trade surged from $7 trillion to $33 trillion over the same period.' He highlighted the rapid growth of digital connectivity, with internet usage soaring from less than 7 percent of the global population in 2000 to over 60 percent today. 'In 2050, over 20 billion robots will assist humans, and the space economy is expected to reach US$4 trillion,' he said. Private sector businesses have started to bring in some of the best technologies in drones, robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, etc, that will help the UAE to realise its Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy that aims to strengthen the UAE's position as a global hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and to increase its contribution to the national economy by advancing innovation and future technologies. It also aims to position the UAE as a global model in adopting leading-edge technologies to serve society and achieve happiness and sustainability. While a number of global conglomerates are also entering and setting up their branches to introduce driverless cars, flying taxis and drone-led home delivery eco-system, others are appointing local companies as their sales and servicing agents who will deploy these technologies in the UAE and the region. ADVERTISEMENT With rapid transformation driven by the government's futuristic vision, the UAE will soon see large-scale deployment of robots across all public services ranging from courier to food delivery – that will push up the demand for robots and drones. Sigma Enterprises is bringing Swiss robots and drones for the GCC countries to protect critical infrastructure, assets and increase the flow of data for increased efficiency and cost reduction. Sigma Enterprises, a member of the Mazrui International, has taken a leadership role in bringing the latest Swiss robotics and drone technology to the GCC countries that are famous for precision data, surveillance supported by Artificial Intelligence that will play a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure including oil and gas, utility, nuclear power plant, manufacturing industries, airport and aviation assets, among others. Sigma Enterprises showcased the Swiss precision robotics and drones solutions from Anybotics, Flyability and Wingtra at the First Swiss Future Tech event held in Abu Dhabi recently. Sigma, which represents a number of global technology and engineering products in the Gulf, has acquired exclusive distribution rights for Swiss based Anybotics, Flyability and Wingtra in the UAE. It is currently deploying them with its customers offering end-to-end solutions, training and after-sales service. The introduction of world's best robotic technology from ANYbotics with Swiss precision by Sigma Enterprises in the region will boost the revenue in the robotics market to US$241.95 million in the UAE this year with service robotic dominating the market with projected market value of US$223.75 million. This is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.45 per cent to US$360.12 million by 2029. Bilateral trade between the UAE and Switzerland has exceeded US$2.5 billion, according to Dr. Arthur Mattli, Swiss Ambassador to the UAE. 'In an ever-evolving world, we are witnessing a quiet revolution through the evolution of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, robotics, data science, precision technology, innovation as well as he development of the drone technology,' Dr. Arthur Mattli said. 'With our shared ethics of precision and innovation, we can assure you that machines will not replace us but protect us. The accuracy of their data will determine the effectiveness of the new smart cities that are being built across the world. 'Sigma Enterprises' partnership with leading Swiss tech firms represents a significant collaboration between the two nations who share similar ideologies in innovation and technology. This partnership is a historic milestone in our relationship and marks the beginning of Emirati-Swiss collaboration that will strengthen the ties between the UAE and Switzerland. 'Today, we celebrate not just technology but also mission, collaboration, and the pioneering spirit that drives innovation forward. ANYbotics, Flyability, and Wingtra do not just build machines; rather, they are pioneers of the future. They combine innovation, artificial intelligence, and Swiss precision to develop smarter tools benefitting various industries,' Dr. Arthur Mattli concluded. ANYbotics is a fast-growing company with over 100 employees focused on supporting the inspection needs of workers in oil & gas, power, energy, mining, processing, chemicals, transportation, and construction. In 2023, SIGMA Enterprises signed an agreement to bring the latest robotics solutions from ANYbotics – one of the world's most renowned producers of industrial and commercial robots that play crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure. Since 2016, Swiss robotics company ANYbotics developed innovative, intelligent, and integrated robotic solutions that improve workers' lives, increase productivity, and support more sustainable industrial facilities. Partnering with global technology leaders, ANYbotics provides large asset operators with autonomous, automated, end-to-end robotic inspection solutions for complex, hazardous, and explosive industrial environments. Sigma Enterprises also has signed up with Flyability and Wingtra to deploy their latest drone technology that will play a great role in monitoring, surveillance, data analytics, preventive maintenance and help sustain the life-cycle of critical infrastructure and physical assets. Mr. Charbel Khoury, Group CEO of Mazrui International, said, 'Mazrui Group is a diversified business conglomerate with interests in trading, construction, services, real estate and oil and gas sector, with a legacy of more than five decades. We have been bringing the latest industrial solutions to help our economy with the best services and solutions. 'We are delighted to collaborate with ANYbotics, Flyability, and Wingtra to bring the latest improved technologies in challenging landscapes of industries like oil and gas, construction, chemicals, power and utilities, and metals in the UAE and broader GCC. Our partnership with these Swiss robotics and drone technology solutions providers will help us to strengthen the life-cycle of the region's critical infrastructure, reduce maintenance cost, and extend the life-cycle of assets and maximising profitability of businesses.' Flyability is a pioneer in the development of indoor drones designed to access and inspect hard-to-reach, hazardous environments — eliminating the need to send humans into dangerous spaces. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Switzerland, the company leads the market in commercial indoor drone technology, driven by continuous innovation and a strong focus on research and development. Flyability is transforming traditional inspection methods by enabling safe, efficient, and cost-effective visual data collection across industries. On the other hand Wingtra, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is the global leader in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones for professional surveying. Since launching in 2017, Wingtra has built a strong global presence, partnering with over 80 major surveying equipment dealers across 50+ countries. With a team of 100+ employees — over 40 dedicated to research and development, and many alumni of ETH Zurich — Wingtra designs, manufactures, and supports its products in-house. The WingtraOne drone, equipped with best-in-class sensors and PPK technology, delivers survey-grade aerial data with exceptional accuracy and efficiency, serving industries from construction and mining to environmental monitoring. Also published on Medium. Notice an issue? Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.

Gulf News
29-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Sharjah developer unveils new midscale hotel brand ‘Nest' at ATM 2025
DUBAI: Sharjah-based master developer Arada has entered the hospitality sector with the launch of 'Nest Hotel' – its first entirely homegrown hotel brand. The midscale brand was unveiled at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The debut property for the Nest Hotel brand, managed by Arada Hospitality, will be located within Arada's Dh35 billion Aljada megaproject in Sharjah. It represents a significant milestone as the first completed hotel in Arada's planned 1,031-key portfolio of hotels and serviced apartments within the expansive lifestyle destination. Nest Hotel Aljada is slated to open its doors in October this year. The hotel will feature 431 design-led rooms spread across two buildings. It will be located next to the Nest Campus student housing, directly opposite the upcoming Arada Central Business District, and a mere five-minute walk from the popular Madar family entertainment and retail complex. Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said, 'Nest Hotel embodies Arada's dedication to creating quality and value-driven destinations that put people first. We're launching this hospitality brand to ensure a guest experience that fosters community and wellbeing, starting with Aljada, Sharjah's most exciting urban destination.' What's new at Nest Hotel According to officials, the hotel is set to incorporate innovative digital hospitality features, including mobile check-in, digital room access, energy-efficient systems, coworking lounges, a guest pool, and all-day dining facilities. The launch of Nest Hotel strengthens Arada Hospitality's portfolio, which already includes Nest Campus student housing and a variety of other community-focused brands such as fitness operators Wellfit, FitnGlam, FITCODE, and The Platform Studios; F&B concepts Boost Juice, The Reformatory Lab, and Hungry Wolves; and the Zad food truck destination. Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer of Arada, added, 'Designed with insights from Nest Campus residents and the wider Aljada community, Nest Hotel is designed for travellers and visitors who expect more from their stay; more convenience, energy and connection to the surrounding districts.' He said, 'It is a next-generation hotel that offers both comfort and relevance to the modern guest, right in the heart of a thriving community.' Arora said the Nest Hotel Aljada is five minutes from Sharjah International Airport. Arada also anticipates the hotel will cater to the increasing demand from Sharjah's MICE and leisure tourism sectors. Sharjah International Airport saw an 11 per cent growth in traffic in 2024, reaching 17 million passengers. The hotel will also serve the Aljada community, attracting 8 million visitors last year. Aljad is a 24 million-square-foot development with 25,000 homes planned for the development. The megaproject integrates residential, retail, entertainment, sports, education, healthcare, and business components within a green master plan. Alongside Nest Hotel, Aljada is also home to hotels operated by international groups, including Vida Aljada, The Address Aljada (both operated by Emaar Hospitality Group), and Rove Aljada (jointly operated by Emaar Properties and Meraas).