Connect with us

Business

Dubai court denies extradition of Guptas to South Africa

Published

on

A Dubai court has denied South Africa’s extradition request for businessmen Atul and Rajesh Gupta, who face charges of political corruption.

The Guptas are accused of using their connections with Jacob Zuma, president of South Africa from 2009 to 2018, to win contracts, influence ministerial appointments and laundering of state funds. Zuma and the Guptas have denied all wrongdoing.

The Indian-born brothers left South Africa after Zuma was unseated in 2018. A judicial inquiry established in the same year to examine allegations of graft during Zuma’s years in power recommended criminal charges against the Guptas.

 

The decision to reject extradition by Dubai Court of Appeal was based on insufficient legal documentation and followed a comprehensive and thorough legal review process that found that the request did not meet the strict standards for legal documentation as outlined in the extradition agreement between the UAE and South Africa that entered into force in April 2021.

Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi, the Minister of Justice, discussed the ruling over the phone with South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola.

The two extradition requests for fraud and corruption were not accompanied by a copy of a current arrest warrant order as required rather they were cancelled arrest warrant orders, the UAE justice minister later said in a statement which was carried by state news agency WAM.

The UAE judiciary has indicated that South Africa can resubmit the extradition request with new and additional documentation. Lamola, said they would “promptly appeal” the decision.

– WAM

Journalist for 25 years with leading publications in India and UAE such as The National, Mumbai Mirror, DNA, Indian Express and former Sports Editor of eIndia.com. Now managing editor of Headline.ae, part of MEMc (https://www.memc.co)

Announcements

Fuel prices in UAE announced for December 2024

Published

on

The UAE fuel price committee has announced petrol and diesel prices for the month of December 2024. The new rates will apply from December 1, and are as follows:

Super 98 petrol will cost Dh2.61 a litre, compared to Dh2.74 in November.
Special 95 petrol will cost Dh2.50 per litre, compared to the current rate of Dh2.63.
E-Plus 91 petrol will cost Dh2.43 a litre, compared to Dh2.55 a litre in November.
Diesel will be charged at Dh2.68 a litre compared to the current rate of Dh2.67.

Continue Reading

Announcements

Dubai’s variable Salik and parking rates: What this will mean for your wallet

Published

on

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that it will implement Variable Road Toll Pricing (Salik) and Variable Parking Tariff Policies, including event-specific parking tariffs, as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance traffic flow in the city.

The Variable Road Toll Pricing (Salik) system, set to launch at the end of January 2025, will offer motorists toll-free passage between 1am and 6am. During weekdays, the toll will be Dh6 during morning peak hours (6am to 10am) and evening peak hours (4pm to 8pm). For off-peak hours, between 10am and 4pm, and from 8pm to 1am, the toll will be Dh4. On Sundays, excluding public holidays, special occasions, or major events, the toll will be Dh4 throughout the day and free from 1am to 6am.

The Variable Parking Tariff Policy, scheduled for implementation by the end of March 2025, sets parking fees at Dh6 per hour for premium parking spaces and Dh4 per hour for other public paid parking spaces during morning peak hours (8am to 10am) and evening peak hours (4pm to 8pm). The tariffs will remain unchanged during off-peak hours, from 10am to 4pm, and from 8 pm to 10pm. Parking will be free at night, from 10pm to 8am, and all day on Sundays.

Congestion pricing policy :
The Congestion Pricing Policy for event areas introduces a fee of Dh25 per hour for public paid parking spaces near event zones. This policy will be rolled out initially around the Dubai World Trade Centre during major events, starting in February 2025.

Continue Reading

Announcements

Etihad Airways adds 10 new destinations for 2025

Published

on

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, announced the launch of ten new destinations starting in 2025.

The new destinations are Algiers, Atlanta, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Krabi, Medan, Phnom Penh, Taipei and Tunis. They will complement Etihad’s previously revealed new destinations for 2025: Prague, Warsaw, and Al Alamein.

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “Launching ten new destinations in a single day underscores our unwavering commitment to growing our airline with a fantastic route network and world-class, customer-focused service. This incredible milestone would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of our team and the ongoing support of our guests.”

Etihad’s expansion is set to bring tens of thousands of new visitors directly to Abu Dhabi, boosting its position as a premier destination for leisure, business, and cultural tourism. The move aligns with the UAE capital’s efforts to attract international travellers and reinforces its reputation as a hub of connectivity, innovation, and hospitality.

“The launch of these ten destinations is supported by our impressive hub, Zayed International Airport, which boasts the ‘wow’ factor and ample space to accommodate our rapid growth, further enhancing the exceptional guest experience,” said Neves. “2025 marks a pivotal year for Etihad, with more than 90 destinations in over 50 countries, a fleet of more than 110 aircraft – including our amazing new A321LRs – welcoming over 20 million guests onboard. Most importantly, it will support us in bringing over a million visitors to Abu Dhabi to enjoy our home.”

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2024 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/