Latest news with #KhaleejTimes
Khaleej Times
17 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah: Indian woman found dead in apartment days before joining new job
A 30-year-old Indian woman was found dead in her apartment near Rolla Park in Sharjah on Saturday morning, according to Malayalam news channel Media One. The woman, identified as Athulya Shekhar, was set to start a new job at a company located in a nearby mall. Khaleej Times has reached out to the Sharjah Police, and a comment was awaited at the time of filing this report. Athulya had been living in Sharjah for the past two years. Recently, she celebrated her birthday by visiting her sister, who lives close by, according to the news channel. She shared sweets and spoke with joy about starting her first job. Speaking to the news channel, her family said, "It was her birthday on Friday. She was planning to join the job soon, and she also visited her sister, shared sweets and congratulated her." Khaleej Times has contacted Atulya's family, the Indian Consulate in Dubai, and social workers assisting with the case for more details. The channel reported that Athulya had requested some money from her husband to cover her commute to work. She then gave him some gold ornaments in exchange for some cash. He then left the apartment, and after returning, reportedly found her dead. Her father told the channel that she had been looking forward to her new job and was very close to her daughter. Athulya is survived by her husband, and her daughter who is studying in Grade 10 in India. Her father, a former Gulf expat, now works as an autorickshaw driver in Kerala.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Who was Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled AKA Sleeping Prince? Saudi Royal dies after 20 years in a coma
Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, famously known as the Sleeping Prince, has sadly passed away on Saturday, 19 July 2025, after remaining in a coma for 20 years. The Saudi royal was just 36 years old at the time of his death. His tragic story has captured attention not only in Saudi Arabia but around the world. Born in 1990, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud and the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. His life took a devastating turn in 2005 when he was met with a serious car accident at the age of 15 in London. At the time, he was training as a military cadet. The accident caused severe brain injuries and internal bleeding, which left him in a coma for two decades. Why Was He Called the Sleeping Prince? Due to his long-term coma, the Saudi royal was often referred to as the Sleeping Prince. Despite his condition, his family held on to hope. Occasionally, they reported subtle physical responses like finger or hand movements, which they believed were signs of improvement. His father, Prince Khaled bin Talal, frequently shared videos of these small gestures on social media, keeping his son's story alive. Medical Care and Family's Efforts for Recovery After the accident, Prince Al-Waleed was flown to King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, where he was placed on a ventilator. His family went to great lengths by inviting international medical experts to assess his condition and attempt recovery. However, despite advanced treatment and constant care, the Sleeping Prince never regained full consciousness. Announcement of His Passing and Family's Tribute Prince Khaled bin Talal, the father of the late Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled, announced his son's death on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, "With hearts full of faith in Allah's decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, we mourn our beloved son Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him." The message reflected the family's emotional journey and their unshaken faith during these past 20 years. Funeral Arrangements in Saudi Arabia {يَا أَيَّتُهَا النَّفْسُ الْمُطْمَئِنَّةُ، ارْجِعِي إِلَىٰ رَبِّكِ رَاضِيَةً مَّرْضِيَّةً، فَادْخُلِي فِي عِبَادِي، وَادْخُلِي جَنَّتِي}بقلوب مؤمنة بقضاء الله وقدره وببالغ الحزن والأسى ننعى إبننا الغاليالأمير الوليد بن خالد بن طلال بن عبدالعزيز آل سعود رحمه اللهالذي انتقل… According to reports from Khaleej Times, the funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled are set for Sunday, 20 July 2025, and will be held separately for men and women: Men's prayers will be held after Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh. Women's prayers will take place after Dhuhr prayer at King Faisal Specialist Hospital. Condolences will be accepted for three days, from 20 July to 22 July. Male mourners can visit Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's palace in the Al-Fakhriyah district, while female mourners are welcome after Maghrib prayer. The Legacy of the Sleeping Prince Despite being in a coma for two decades, Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled remained a symbol of hope and resilience in Saudi Arabia. His story brought attention to the power of faith, medical science, and the bond between family members in the face of tragedy. His passing marks the end of a deeply emotional chapter for the Saudi royal family. FAQ: Q. Who was Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal? Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal, also known as the Sleeping Prince, was a Saudi royal and the great-grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. He remained in a coma for 20 years following a car accident in 2005. Q. Why was he called the Sleeping Prince? He was called the Sleeping Prince because he spent two decades in a coma after a serious car accident in London. His family reported slight physical movements over the years, which gave them hope that he might recover. Q. How did Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled fall into a coma? In 2005, Prince Al-Waleed was met with a serious car accident while training as a military cadet in London. He suffered a major brain injury and internal bleeding, which left him unresponsive and in a coma for 20 years. Q. When did Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled die and how old was he? Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled passed away on Saturday, 19 July 2025, at the age of 36. He had spent the last 20 years on life support at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Q. When and where were Prince Al-Waleed's funeral prayers held? The funeral prayers for Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled took place on Sunday, 20 July 2025. For men: After Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh For women: After Dhuhr prayer at King Faisal Specialist Hospital Condolences were accepted from 20 to 22 July. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
'Sleeping Prince' of Saudi Arabia dies after remaining in coma for 20 years since 2005 London car accident
Sleeping prince of Saudi Arabia dies after remaining in coma for 20 years. Prince Alwaleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Arabia's 'Sleeping Prince' died in the age of 36 after spending nearly 20 years in coma since 2005 car accident in London. Prince Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, his father, confirmed the news of his son's passing. He wrote, "With hearts full of faith in Allah's decree and destiny, and with profound sadness and sorrow, we mourn our beloved son Prince Al-Waleed bin Khaled bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may Allah have mercy on him, who passed away to Allah's mercy today." Funeral prayers for Prince Alwaleed will be held on Sunday (July 20) after the Asr prayer at Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, Khaleej Times reported. — allah_cure_dede (@allah_cure_dede) What happened to 'Sleeping Prince' of Saudi Arabia? Prince Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Saud suffered severe brain injuries and internal bleeding in the horrific accident when he was just 15 years old in 2005. Since then, he was kept on a ventilator but he never regained full consciousness. Specialists from America and Spain treated him but he never came out of coma apart from showing little movements. Prince Al-Waleed was studying at a military college in London when he was involved in the devastating car crash. After the accident, he was hospitalised at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh where he remained in a coma. Clips shared on social media in 2020 showed Prince Al-Waleed lifting his fingers as a woman greets him. His father took care of him for the last two decades and opposed withdrawing life support. Born in April 1990, Prince Al Waleed was the eldest son of Prince Khaled bin Talal Al Saud, a prominent Saudi royal and nephew of billionaire Prince Al Waleed bin Talal.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah: Video of man torturing cat goes viral; rescuers call for action, stricter laws
A chilling video has been making the rounds across various local animal rescue groups and social media accounts, showing a man burning the genitals of a stray cat in Sharjah. The video has sent shock waves across the rescue community, who were quick to identify the location of the incident through the video, pinning it down to Noor Mosque near Buhairah Corniche. The clip, seen by Khaleej Times, shows the man laughing while engaging in the act with a lighter, as a friend films him, during the evening hours. Khaleej Times has been unable to verify the origins of the video, but understands it was first posted on social media about three weeks ago. Enraged rescuers have been sharing the video across social media, while also reaching out to Sharjah Police for help. The authority has since responded and is said to be investigating the matter, according to a Dubai-based cat rescuer Tasmiyah A, who told Khaleej Times that an officer contacted her about the video she posted on July 9. "They contacted me through my social media account to ask for details," she said. "They asked me where the incident took place, when it happened and who the man in the video was. They said it was a serious matter that required further investigation and thanked me for my cooperation." Khaleej Times has reached out to Sharjah Police for a comment. A comment was awaited at the time of publishing. Community outrage "Watching someone burn a cat's genitals with a lighter and laugh was horrifying, but what struck me even more was that he felt confident enough to record it and post it online," said Tasmiyah. "It's not that we don't have laws to protect animals — we do. But without consistent enforcement and public awareness, some people still think they can get away with cruelty. No one should feel they can commit such cruelty without consequences." She urged her followers to report the incident on the Biosecurity Early Notification System, a platform created by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) to report food safety threats, animal diseases and agricultural pests. Rescuers and residents have also been using the link to report animal abuse and dumping incidents. She also reached out to Sharjah Police in the comments along with other users to avail help. "I truly hope something comes from this," said the rescuer. "This man needs to be found, and the law needs to be applied clearly and publicly, not just for justice, but to show that animal cruelty is taken seriously. Because until people see real consequences, animals will continue to be abused, mistreated, and treated as if they aren't living beings too. "And for every case like this that's caught on camera, there are countless more that never are: cases we see and hear of that never reach the point of investigation. These stories come to us all the time. It's heartbreaking to think how many animals suffer in silence, simply because no one was watching with a phone. We have to do better for them," she said. Possible identity Many rescuers have a hunch of who the man might be after tracing a suspected account on social media. Although unable to completely confirm his identity, they have passed on the tip to the authority. The man's account, which used to be public on Instagram, has now been changed to private mode. "Whilst we understand that not everyone shares the same compassion for animals, it is beyond comprehension and a real shame how anyone can go out of their way to harm them," said rescuer Melissa M Stanton. "If people are unwilling to help them, at least don't hurt them." Another rescuer Z.Q, who asked to go by their initials, hopes the cat-abuse video results in a police complaint, transparent prosecution, and visible sentencing. She also emphasised how important it is to spread awareness among the public. "Educational campaigns in schools, mosques, and community centres can build empathy and awareness. Animal welfare hotlines, volunteer training, and coordinated response teams between police and municipal authorities would significantly reduce cruelty and neglect." "Sell-side practices — such as selling untagged or unmicrochipped animals — facilitate abandonment and abuse. Mandatory microchipping or tagging of animals sold in pet shops and breeders, coupled with strict licensing and fines for non-compliance, would ensure traceability. Those who abandon animals, regardless of their health status, must be held legally accountable," she added. Another rescuer who wished not to be named, said she is hoping for the best and urging authorities to "take appropriate measures for future". What UAE law says about animal abuse Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law prohibits crimes against animals. Article 466: A penalty of incarceration and/or fine shall be imposed on anyone who deliberately and without justification kills or seriously injures [certain animals]... as well as anyone who leaves a stray animal in conditions that poses a danger to people. Article 471: A penalty of incarceration for a period not exceeding one year or a fine not exceeding Dh10,000) shall be imposed on anyone who, deliberately and without justification, kills or poisons any domesticated or tamed animal other than those stated in Article 466. Article 472: A fine not exceeding Dh5,000 shall be imposed on anyone who harasses, tortures or maltreats a domesticated or tamed animal, as well as anyone who abstains from caring for such animal when he is entrusted therewith or is duly bound to take care of it. Article 473: A fine not exceeding Dh3,000 shall be imposed on anyone who, by his fault, causes wounds or injuries to any animal or cattle belonging to another person, and if such fault causes the death of such animal, the penalty shall be a fine not exceeding Dh10,000. Furthermore, a separate and older law — Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 concerning the Protection of Animals from Abuse and Neglect — prohibits the use of animals for scientific experiments. Anyone using animals in this manner "without authorisation from the competent department or the competent authority" will face hefty penalties starting from not less than Dh50,000 and going up to Dh200,000, along/or with imprisonment of not more than a year. In 2020, the Federal Public Prosecution had also warned that people selling ill or injured animals will face a fine of Dh200,000. In case of finding a stray animal, the law advises residents to do the following: 1. Seize the animal if it constitutes danger or is suffering from pain or disturbance. 2. If the owner cannot be identified or contacted, consult a veterinarian immediately upon the animal's suffering from pain or disturbance and take action according to the veterinarian's opinion. 3. If the owner is identified, oblige him/her to pay for all expenses incurred. This law concerning animal protection, which was enacted in September 2007, states that animals should not be left alone or abandoned; that they should be taken care of or supervised by people with knowledge, skills and qualifications, and that both the animal and its living conditions must be checked at least once a day. Under the law, animals are entitled to rights, including the right to have enough space enabling them to move freely, according to their needs, to be fed and watered adequately according to their age and species, and to be transported and housed safely. Recent regulations Abu Dhabi has been making strides in animal welfare, with recent laws making it mandatory for pet owners to register their microchipped cats and dogs under a new animal ownership service, which was launched on February 3. Under new regulations introduced by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), pet owners must register their animals on the TAMM platform, and failure to comply will result in fines starting next year. The new system aims to reduce stray animal population, track pet records, enable proper identification and improve animal welfare, while creating a centralised database for owners and their microchipped pets. In 2023, authorities in Abu Dhabi had also launched an investigation into reports about cats being abandoned in the desert. Videos showing several cats abandoned in a desert went viral on social media, with many rescue groups expressing shock over the incident.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Al Ansari Exchange offers customers up to Dh60 cashback after remittance delay
Al Ansari Exchange customers impacted by the recent remittance delays have received cashback vouchers ranging from Dh20 to Dh60 that can be used in their next transaction, the company confirmed to Khaleej Times on Friday, with assurances that enhanced safeguards have been implemented to avoid recurrence of the incident. The issue started on July 5, when customers who sent remittances had to wait for days to clear their transactions. It happened on a busy weekend, when many expats — after getting their monthly salary — sent money back home earmarked for household expenses, education, rent, medical bills, and other expenditures. Al Ansari Exchange, touted as the UAE's largest remittance and foreign exchange company, had apologised to their customers and noted a technical glitch caused the delay. Last week, Al Ansari Exchange confirmed to Khaleej Times that the remittance delays experienced on July 5, 'have been fully resolved and all other services remained unaffected by the technical issue.' In yet another statement on Friday, July 18, Al Ansari Exchange said: 'We have thoroughly investigated the incident and have since implemented enhanced safeguards to prevent recurrence. (We) remain steadfast in (our) commitment to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and the highest standards of security and reliability.' 'As a gesture of goodwill and in appreciation of our customers' patience and understanding, we have extended cashback vouchers ranging from Dh20 to Dh60. These amounts were determined based on the value of the transaction fees and the length of the delay. The vouchers are redeemable on customers' next remittance transaction,' the company added. Al Ansari Exchange, a subsidiary of listed company Al Ansari Financial Services PJSC, again acknowledged the inconvenience experienced by their customers and 'affirmed that immediate and comprehensive remedial actions were taken.' 'We sincerely thank our customers for their continued trust and loyalty,' the company added.
