A Dubai court has handed down a severe verdict in a high-profile embezzlement case, sentencing an Asian man to jail and deportation for stealing 15kg of 24-karat gold valued at Dh3.2 million. The defendant was also ordered to repay the full amount, plus 5% annual legal interest, from the date the judgment became final until the debt is settled. The case, which began in early 2024, involved two partners who filed a criminal complaint with Dubai police after discovering the theft. The Public Prosecution’s investigation confirmed the defendant’s guilt, leading to his conviction for embezzlement of entrusted property. Initially, the Dubai Criminal Court sentenced him to six months in jail, imposed a fine equivalent to the stolen gold’s value, and mandated his deportation. Despite appeals to higher courts, the verdict was upheld. Subsequently, the partners pursued a civil lawsuit, seeking Dh4.5 million in compensation, which included the gold’s value and additional damages for financial and moral harm. The civil court ruled in their favor, emphasizing the defendant’s direct financial and moral harm to the plaintiffs. The court’s decision underscores the legal consequences of property rights violations in Dubai.
分类： society
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Abu Dhabi bans trucks on 2 roads starting December 1; alternative routes revealed
Starting December 1, 2025, Abu Dhabi will enforce a ban on heavy vehicles, including freight trucks, tankers, and construction equipment, on two major roads: Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road (E11) and Al Raha Beach Road (E10). The Integrated Transport Centre (AD Mobility) announced this decision on Friday, emphasizing its goal to improve traffic flow and safety in the city. As part of this initiative, truck traffic will be redirected to alternative routes, specifically Al Faya–Saih Shuaib Road (E75) and Al Hafar (Al Adla).
This move follows an earlier regulation implemented in early 2025, which prohibited heavy vehicles from operating on Abu Dhabi roads during peak traffic hours. The restrictions are in effect from 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, with additional limitations on Fridays from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. These measures aim to alleviate traffic congestion caused by the slower movement of heavy vehicles and to protect critical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, from excessive wear and tear.
The initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to address the increasing volume of vehicles in the city and enhance the overall commuting experience for residents. By rerouting heavy vehicles to less congested areas, authorities hope to create a safer and more efficient transportation network. The Integrated Transport Centre encourages all stakeholders to adhere to the new regulations and stay updated on further developments through official communication channels.
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Pope Leo XIV accepts resignation of Spanish bishop accused of abuse in first known case for pontiff
In a significant move, Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Rafael Zornoza of Cádiz, Spain, who is under investigation for alleged sexual abuse of a young seminarian in the 1990s. This marks the first known instance of the new pontiff removing a bishop accused of such misconduct. The Vatican issued a brief statement confirming the acceptance of Zornoza’s resignation but did not elaborate on the reasons. Zornoza, 76, had submitted his resignation last year upon reaching the standard retirement age for bishops, but it was only accepted after recent reports of the investigation surfaced. Spanish newspaper El País revealed earlier this month that Zornoza is accused of abusing a former seminarian while serving as a priest and director of the diocesan seminary in Getafe. The alleged victim, in a letter to the Vatican, claimed Zornoza engaged in inappropriate behavior and manipulated him into seeking psychiatric treatment to ‘cure’ his homosexuality. The Diocese of Cádiz denied the allegations but acknowledged the ongoing investigation by the church tribunal in Madrid. Zornoza has temporarily suspended his duties to focus on his health, as he battles an aggressive form of cancer. This case is part of a broader reckoning within the Spanish Catholic Church, which has faced widespread criticism for decades of abuse and cover-ups. In 2023, an official probe suggested hundreds of thousands of victims could exist, prompting the church to launch a compensation plan for survivors.
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UAE weather: Dubai temperature to dip to 22ºC; alerts issued for fog
As the UAE transitions into the winter season, residents can anticipate a comfortable climate with temperatures remaining below 30ºC. On Saturday, November 22, 2025, the weather across the country is expected to be fair to partly cloudy, with occasional dust in eastern regions. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has issued red and yellow alerts for fog, particularly affecting visibility in certain areas until 10:30 AM. Low clouds are anticipated over the sea and islands, accompanied by a gradual drop in temperatures. In Dubai, the mercury is forecasted to range between 22ºC and 30ºC, while Abu Dhabi will experience lows of 21ºC and highs of 30ºC. Humidity is expected to increase by night and into Sunday morning, potentially leading to fog or mist formation in coastal and internal areas. Winds will remain light to moderate, with speeds ranging from 15 to 25 kmph, occasionally reaching up to 40 kmph. Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf will be slight to moderate, while the Oman Sea will remain calm. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and exercise caution during periods of reduced visibility.
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Nigeria sees one of worst mass abductions as 315 taken from school
In a devastating early morning raid, armed assailants stormed St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger state, Nigeria, kidnapping over 300 children and staff. The attack, which occurred around 02:00 local time on Friday, marks one of the largest mass abductions in the country’s history. Initial reports estimated 215 victims, but the Christian Association of Nigeria later revised the figure to 303 students and 12 teachers after a thorough verification process. The school, a Catholic institution, had reportedly ignored government orders to close its boarding facilities despite intelligence warnings of heightened security risks. Local police and security agencies are now conducting extensive search operations in nearby forests to rescue the abducted individuals. The incident has sparked widespread fear and anger across Nigeria, with citizens demanding stronger government action to protect schools and communities. This kidnapping is the third such attack in Nigeria within a week, following the abduction of over 20 Muslim schoolgirls in Kebbi state and a church attack in Kwara state that left two dead and 38 kidnapped. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has postponed his foreign engagements, including the G20 summit in South Africa, to address the escalating security crisis. The central government has also ordered the closure of more than 40 federal colleges and public schools in several states. The rising insecurity has fueled public outrage, with many calling for more effective measures to combat the growing threat of criminal gangs, locally known as bandits, who frequently kidnap for ransom. Despite the government’s ban on ransom payments, the practice continues to thrive, exacerbating the crisis. The mass abduction has also reignited debates about religious persecution in Nigeria, with U.S. right-wing figures, including former President Donald Trump, accusing Islamist militants of targeting Christians. However, the Nigerian government has dismissed these claims, stating that terrorist attacks affect people of all faiths and are often driven by resource competition rather than religion.
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Seven bodyguards arrested over Mexican mayor’s murder
In a shocking turn of events, Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan and a vocal opponent of cartel violence, was brutally assassinated on November 1 during a public Day of the Dead ceremony. The incident has sent shockwaves through Mexico, highlighting the pervasive influence of organized crime in the region. Authorities have since arrested seven bodyguards allegedly involved in the murder, accusing them of complicity through negligence in the aggravated homicide of the 40-year-old mayor. The attorney general’s office in Michoacán state confirmed the arrests, which were carried out by both state and federal officials, including the National Guard. The suspects were led out of a municipal building near the crime scene on Friday, according to the Associated Press. Manzo, who was attending the ceremony with his family, was shot seven times by a lone gunman, causing panic among bystanders. His bodyguards later restrained and shot the assailant. Manzo had been a prominent critic of the extortion and threats faced by avocado growers in the region, and had called on the federal government to take stronger action against cartels. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), known for drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion, has been implicated in the murder. The cartel is notorious for targeting public officials who resist their demands. On Wednesday, Mexican officials arrested Jorge Amando, the alleged mastermind behind the assassination. The CJNG, considered the most powerful criminal organization in Michoacán, is engaged in violent turf wars with other gangs over control of drug, arms, and fuel smuggling routes, often resulting in deadly confrontations. Manzo’s assassination has sparked mass protests and raised serious questions about the effectiveness of security measures for public officials in Mexico.
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Number of children abducted in Nigerian school attack raised to more than 300
In a harrowing escalation of Nigeria’s security challenges, 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted by armed assailants during a brazen attack on St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Niger state. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the updated figures on Saturday, revising an earlier count of 215 students. The final tally was determined after a thorough verification process led by the Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of CAN’s Niger state chapter, who visited the school on Friday. Yohanna revealed that 88 additional students were captured while attempting to flee during the assault. The victims, aged between 10 and 18, included both boys and girls. This incident occurred just four days after 25 schoolchildren were similarly abducted in Kebbi state, located 170 kilometers away. No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings, but authorities have deployed tactical squads and local hunters to rescue the victims. Yohanna dismissed claims by the state government that the school had reopened, labeling them as false and urging families to remain calm. School kidnappings have become a grim hallmark of Nigeria’s insecurity, with armed gangs targeting educational institutions to maximize attention. UNICEF reported last year that only 37% of schools in conflict-affected states have early warning systems. The attacks coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump’s allegations of targeted violence against Christians in Nigeria, though such incidents affect both Christian and Muslim communities. The recent Kebbi state attack occurred in a predominantly Muslim area. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was in the U.S. meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday.
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Thanksgiving meal costs more in US
As Thanksgiving approaches, New Yorkers are feeling the pinch of rising food costs, with the price of a traditional holiday meal significantly higher than the national average. According to the New York Farm Bureau, a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people in New York will cost an average of $66, or $6.60 per person, marking a 20 percent increase compared to the national average of $55.18. This contrasts with the national trend, which saw a 5 percent decrease from 2024. In New York City, shoppers have reported noticeable price hikes for holiday staples like turkeys, yams, and vegetables. Lisa Smith, a 77-year-old retiree from Brooklyn, shared that while she can manage her grocery expenses, the rising costs have impacted her other expenditures, such as travel and transportation. Major retailers like Walmart and Target are offering low-cost meal deals to alleviate the burden, with ShopRite providing free turkeys or hams to loyalty cardholders who spend $400 during a specified period. The American Farm Bureau Federation noted that the average cost of a 16-pound frozen turkey in New York is $28.27, compared to $21.50 nationwide. Amanda Powers, Director of Communications at the New York Farm Bureau, attributed the higher prices to labor shortages, rising farm wages, and increased production costs. Meanwhile, Angel Hernandez, a 53-year-old from Queens, expressed concern over the high cost of food, particularly turkeys, as he prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving with his 10-year-old son. Deloitte’s 2025 Thanksgiving Index indicates that food costs have risen at a more normal historical rate, with an estimated $76.50 for a meal serving eight people, up 0.6 percent from 2024. Despite the challenges, some New Yorkers, like Ella Sauter, find relief through their jobs, which provide food assistance, easing the financial strain of the holiday season.
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Cargo ship fire in Los Angeles nearly contained after shelter-in-place order lifted
A significant fire aboard the container ship One Henry Hudson, docked at the Port of Los Angeles, was nearly under control by Saturday afternoon. Authorities are still evaluating whether the burning of hazardous materials has caused substantial environmental contamination. The blaze, which erupted on Friday night, led to a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby communities due to fears of airborne hazardous substances. The order was lifted by morning, and the ship was moved offshore, where fireboats continued to douse a small section still ablaze, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson Adam Van Gerpen.
The fire, believed to be electrical in origin, started below deck and spread to multiple levels, causing a mid-deck explosion. Approximately 100 cargo containers, some containing lithium-ion batteries and other hazardous waste, were burned. However, it remains unclear which specific materials were affected. All 23 crew members were safely accounted for, and no injuries were reported.
A safety zone of half a nautical mile and a temporary flight restriction were established around the vessel. Port operations resumed by morning, and over 100 firefighters were deployed to combat the blaze at North America’s busiest seaport. The 1,102-foot (336-meter) ship is operated by Ocean Network Express, headquartered in Singapore. The company expressed gratitude to first responders and pledged full cooperation with investigations. The ship had previously docked in Japan, stopping in Kobe, Nagoya, and Tokyo before arriving in Los Angeles.
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Our babies were taken after ‘biased’ parenting test – now we’re fighting to get them back
Keira, a 39-year-old Greenlandic mother, recounts the heart-wrenching moment her newborn daughter, Zammi, was taken from her arms just two hours after birth. ‘I started counting the minutes from the moment she was born,’ Keira recalls, her voice trembling. ‘When they took her, I sobbed uncontrollably, whispering ‘sorry’ to my baby. It felt like a part of my soul died.’ Keira’s story is not unique. She is one of many Greenlandic families living in Denmark who have had their children removed by social services following parental competency tests, known as FKUs. These tests, which include cognitive tasks, personality assessments, and interviews, have been criticized for being culturally biased and linguistically inappropriate, as they are conducted in Danish rather than Kalaallisut, the native language of most Greenlanders. In May 2023, the Danish government banned the use of FKUs on Greenlandic families after decades of criticism, but the tests continue to be used on other families. Despite the ban, only 10 cases involving FKUs have been reviewed, and no children have been returned to their families. Keira’s 2024 assessment concluded she lacked ‘sufficient parental competencies,’ a decision she disputes. She remains hopeful, keeping a cot and baby clothes ready for Zammi’s return. Meanwhile, other Greenlandic parents, like Johanne and Ulrik, whose son was adopted in 2020, face even steeper odds. The Danish government has stated it will not reopen adoption cases, leaving many families in limbo. The emotional toll on these parents is immense, as they fight to reclaim their children and preserve their cultural heritage.