Injured Cafeteria Worker Admitted to Kuwait Hospital

By V.M.Sathish

Police investigates whether it was a suicide or homicide attempt

SHARJAH – A stressed Malayali expatriate worker has been admitted to the Kuwait Hospital after he sustained serious injuries from a sharp knife, which was used to cut meat and vegetables in the cafeteria kitchen where he worked. While the cafeteria worker’s deep injury on the abdomen on Tuesday is attributed by some to an unsuccessful suicide attempt, the man denies that he tried to kill himself or some one else stabbed him deliberately. He came back from India only ten days back and was not happy to work in the cafe. “I don’t know how he got injured. There was a minor dispute and he rushed to the kitchen. Later we found him bleeding and was taken to the room. Later he was admitted to the hospital,” said one partner of the cafeteria located near Rolla.

Police officials came to the crime scene and found out the kitchen knife that caused the injury. “His colleagues and the cafeteria owner were questioned and later released Police Investigation is on to find out whether the deep injury was due to a suicide attempt or a work related quarrel,” said sources. If it is proved to be an unsuccessful suicide attempt, the man risks imprisonment because suicide is a crime. “Even though it is a minor injury, the sharp weapon caused serious internal injury. A surgery may be required,” said his relatives.The injured man denied that someone stabbed him or he tried to harm himself. “I was cutting onion and accidentally the knife penetrated my stomach. Nobody stabbed me,” he says. Recently a number of suicide cases are reported from expatriate workers due to work related problems. He had called his family prior to the incident, said a relative. His wife and three children live in India.

S Ali, a man in his mid thirties has just returned from his home recently. Earlier he was running the same cafeteria for sometime and was not successful. “The daily collection used to be around Dhs.500 per day, which was later declined to Dhs.250 per day. Later he was retained to work in the cafeteria,” said one of his relatives. Before going to India for Ramadan, he wanted the owner to allow him to work outside with the cafeteria visa. “He had some dispute with the cafeteria owner about his job and visa status. He was not interested in working there any more and did not want to pay for the visa,” said one source. According to him, the cafeteria owner had detected the man deliberately throwing away meat and other food items from the kitchen to the waste box. He has some family problem and had borrowed money to pay for the visa. He was unable to pay any more money to the visa, said his close associates. The stressed and short-tempered man is accused of quarrelling with a customer.

TECOM Chief Bin Byat Proposes Closer Indo-Gulf Ties

New Delhi – India: Ahmad Bin Byat, Director General of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone called on the Middle East – particularly the Gulf -- and India to form closer relationships to maximise the competitive advantages that each has for mutual growth and prosperity. Bin Byat is leading a delegation from Dubai Holding which includes representatives from its various companies to the 21st Indian Economic Summit (27-29 November), which focused on talks and ministerial-level meetings with policy and decision-makers in Delhi.

Bin Bayt met with the Chief Minister of Kerala Oommen Chandy, Chairman of Wipro Azim Premji and President of Microsoft International, Jean-Philippe Courtois to discuss investment initiatives and ways of co-operation. Following the meetings, Bin Byat pointed out that: “The Gulf has an impressive accumulated liquidity that is looking for interesting investments in its natural markets. With the largest pool of IT manpower in the world, a strong manufacturing industry and an important financial services sector, the Middle East - and the Gulf in particular - can highly benefit from India’s current growth.” He stated that: “With the second biggest pool of English speakers, a strong system of higher education, important natural resources and a business-friendly government, India is ready to become a major player on the world economic stage.

“In 2004, India’s GDP grew by 8.2 per cent and I hope to see greater growth through increased business relations in the next decade,” he said. The Dubai Holding Executive Chairman pointed out that the two-way trade between India and the GCC is of the order of $12 billion. “The sectors that we are looking at with the most interest are real estate, infrastructure, energy, retail, finance, entertainment and tourism,” he said. Bin Byat added that: “The GCC is India’s second largest trading partner. It is also the largest single origin of imports into India and the second largest destination for exports from India. Dubai Holding has already announced a keen interest in India’s potential.”

Saeed Al Muntafiq, Director General of Dubai Development and Investment Authority held a meeting with Sir Martin Sorrel, chief of world’s largest advertising and communication firm WPP Group during his participation at the 21st Indian Economic Summit (27-29 November) in New Delhi. Al Muntafiq and Sorrel discussed the developments in the media and advertising sector, especially in the Arab region and exchanged views on the future of the sector. They agreed on the importance of ensuring transparency to help promote growth of the advertising sector. During the meeting they discussed ways of cooperation and agreed to meet again to discuss the possibilities further. Sorrel expressed his appreciation for the rapid progress of the UAE, which makes it an attractive choice for investors and businesses in the region. Al Muntafiq assured the importance of offering all possible facilities and services that will help in catalyzing the economic growth and attracting international experts. WPP is a communications services group with more than 84, 000 employees in 2000 offices in 106 countries and includes some of the leading advertising companies worldwide.

SPIRIT OF NORWAY WINS MINA SEYAHI GRAND PRIX TO CLAIM BIG WORLD TITLE BOOST

But it’s not over yet say Curtis, Eker, as Victory 77, Qatar 96 aim for one last Class 1 attack in Dubai

Dubai, UAE, 2 December, 2005: Steve Curtis and Bard Eker in Spirit of Norway took a huge step towards the 2005 UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship with a commanding victory in the Mina Seyahi Grand Prix in Dubai today (Friday).After surviving a mid-race mechanical worry, Curtis and Eker, who had wrapped up the Pole Position world title 24 hours earlier, won by 15.5 seconds from Abdullah Al Sulaiti and Matteo Nicloini in Qatar 96 in the penultimate Class 1 race of the season, which was sponsored by Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina Having set off carrying hopes of a home victory to mark UAE National Day, Mohammed Al Marri and Jean Marc Sanchez in Victory 77 were hindered by engine problems and had to settle for third place as the double Middle East challenge to Spirit’s supremacy failed to bring about an upset.It will now take a mechanical disaster to prevent Curtis from clinching his seventh Class 1 world crown, and Eker his first, in next Friday’s Dubai Grand Prix sponsored by Emirates Airline and Dubai Duty Free. Neither are taking anything for granted, however, particularly after the mechanical worry they felt on their way to victory. “It was a great run,” said Curtis. “But we did have a vibration half way through the race and we’re not sure what that was. It’s always in the back of your mind that something could go wrong, and we have one more Pole Position race to get through as well as the last Grand Prix so it’s not over yet.” Proudly waving the Norwegian flag at the prize giving ceremony on the breakwater at Dubai International Marine Club, Eker said: “There’s another race left and we have to do it all over again next weekend.

“We felt a vibration in the middle of the race, when we were 26 seconds ahead, and that made us a little anxious. But we’re changing the engine now as this one has been used for two races.” Thrust into the limelight with regular Qatar 96 driver Sheih Hassan Al Thani still recovering from injury after last month’s crash in Doha, Al Sulaiti performed superbly in his first race with Nicolini, although he survived one major scare and may lose out next weekend. “It was an excellent race for us,” he said after holding on to second placed with just two seconds to spare. “We had a good start, taking second place at the first turn, and we managed to maintain that position although Victory 77 was getting closer and closer. “Then just before the final lap both engines shut down. I looked behind and saw 77 but then Matteo re-started the engines and luckily they responded.” He added: “If Sheikh Hassan recovers fully then he will be back in the seat next weekend, but I’ll be here if I’m needed.”

Sanchez, third in the championship with Al Marri last year, said: “At the start we nailed it, but the left engine wouldn’t pull and it was a struggle throughout the race because of that.”After being fastest in the morning practice session and holding third position early on, Jorn Tandberg and Christian Zaborowski in Jotun were halted by mechanical problems on lap six of 16-lap, 90-nautical mile race. With EPPCO again the official suppliers of fuel, the season now reaches its climax with the final Pole Position race at 3pm next Wednesday followed 24 hours later by the Dubai Grand Prix.“We’ve had a great season so far and we have some more exciting racing to look forward to, with the World Championship still at stake,” said Saeed Hareb, UIM Class 1 Race Co-ordinator and Managing Director of Dubai International Marine Club.

UAE Chapter of the Young Arab Leaders to host a welcome reception for the delegates of the Forum

Dubai, UAE – The UAE Chapter of Young Arab Leaders is to host a dinner reception for the delegates of the Young Arab Leaders Forum. The Forum which will take place at Madinat Jumeirah on December 3rd – 4th will be attended by a large number of high profile personalities, experts and heads of prominent corporations local and international.Saeed Al Muntafiq, Chairman of the UAE Chapter will welcome the delegates. Al Muntafiq said, “This is a significant forum as Young Arab Leaders from all around the world will come together to share, discuss and exchange views and ideas regarding various issues that would support and strengthen the role of the Arab youth and in turn contribute to the growth and development of the region.

Al Muntafiq added, “What the Arab world requires at this stage is to consolidate all efforts in order to define a future vision, and put in place strategic plans to face the challenges that act as obstacles in the path of ongoing development. Herein lies the significance of this Forum, where a number of Arab leaders will address the issue of development in the region and ways to support it.”

He said that great efforts have been made by the members of the Organizing Committee from the different parts of the world, and the contributions made by the different chapters of the organization in Arab world in order to position and hold the forum on a level that is in line with the reputation of the organization and the quality of its achievements since its inception.

Daman Securities is an active participant and is sponsoring the welcome dinner. Shehab Gargash, the General Manager of Daman Securities, expressed his pleasure in this participation and said, “We are pleased to get together with our partners and brothers from all around the world to discuss the best ways to support the Arab youth, and help them in leading the process of growth and development of their nations.”

Furthermore, he added that, “The organization has been working towards ensuring stronger relations with the corporations of the public sector, and it is necessary for them as members of the organization, and as managers of private corporations to work on unifying their efforts to achieve the organization’s objectives, and that is what they look forward to achieving at the forum.”

There is great interest from all braches in the Arab world and some of the important Arab leaders from Europe and the US to attend the Forum which will host speakers that will include leading officials and CEOs of prominent companies from around the world besides experts and academics. The Forum will offer a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences and will concentrate on the ever-evolving issues facing the Arab leaders today and ways of overcoming these challenges by developing a strategic plan that the participants will implement during the next year

Gulf Air Launches New Services to Dublin and Johannesburg

Manama, Bahrain: Gulf Air has launched its flights to Dublin and Johannesburg.

A traditional Arabian reception ceremony marked the launch at Bahrain International Airport last night (fri), in the presence of dignitaries. A 'mock up' of a typical Bahraini village, complete with henna-ladies, falcon-sporting men, bakhour, dates and kahwa and, traditional performances awaited passengers, VIPs and local media representatives.Gulf Air President and Chief Executive James Hogan and media representatives from Dublin, arrived by the inaugural Dublin-Bahrain flight and joined the reception. Earlier on Friday morning, Hogan, accompanied by Irish Ambassador to Bahrain, based in Saudi Arabia Tom Russell and a group of Bahrain media held a ribbon cutting ceremony before boarding the first flight out to Dublin.

The evening reception, which was attended by Civil Aviation Under Secretary and Gulf Air Board Member Captain Abdul Rahman Al Gaoud, corporates and other dignitaries, also flagged off the inaugural flight to Johannesburg.A ribbon-cutting ceremony, in the presence of South African Ambassador to Bahrain, based in Saudi Arabia Dr Abdulhameed Kabier marked the inaugural flight to Johannesburg.Gulf Air announced in August the expansion of its international network with the introduction of non-stop flights between Bahrain and Dublin and, between Bahrain and Johannesburg. The Dublin service will commence with three flights per week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with timings designed for excellent onward connections to the Far East and Australia. (Photo Caption: for left president & Chief Executive James Hogan, Irish Ambassador to Bahrain, based in Saudi Arabia Tom Russell, Vice president finance Ahmed AlHammadi with Gulf Air cabin crew)

"Gulf Air is the only Pan Arab airline to fly non-stop to Dublin. Passengers, particularly those travelling onward to US destinations, will find this very convenient as they can complete their US immigration formalities in Dublin itself, thus avoiding the queues in the US on arrival and get on with their businesses," says Hogan. "Besides, business and leisure passengers travelling to the Middle East region can fly direct without stopping over at Heathrow or other European destinations for connecting flights."

Passengers will enjoy, on board Airbus A330, Gulf Air's state-of-the-art Skybed in First and business class and other signature services, Sky Chef and Sky Nanny, unique to Gulf Air. Dublin becomes Gulf Air’s seventh destination in Europe in addition to the daily services to London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris and Athens and four days-a-week services to Istanbul and Larnaca.

Gulf Air, in association with Tourism Ireland, had organised a series of events ahead of the Dublin launch. A weeklong music, dance and culinary shows, followed by a Gulf Air Irish Charity Ball, marked the launch. Gulf Air also flew in four of its SkyChefs to Dublin recently, giving a flavour of its unique on-board dining experience to Irish people. Gulf Air returns to South Africa after eight years, as part of its dynamic expansion programme. It is Gulf Air's 46th destination in 32 countries, flying three times a week to Johannesburg on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with return flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

"We understand the importance of Johannesburg as a new destination for both business and leisure travelers. The new route has been planned to provide excellent links between the commercial heart of Africa and Bahrain," says Gulf Air Vice President Sales and Marketing Danny Barranger. "With growing business and leisure potential in South Africa and the Gulf region, the timing of our services is just right. The outbound travel from South Africa has been witnessing a dynamic growth and Gulf Air is well placed for the South African businesses to reach the Gulf markets."

ANKARA, 30 Nov 2005 (IRIN) - Human rights groups fighting for gay rights have called on the United Nations to act on reports of executions based on sexual orientation in Iran. "We are against the death penalty on any grounds, however, I find it particularly abhorrent that these executions were reportedly carried out based on people's sexual orientation and in the name of Islam," Kursad Kahramananoglu, head of the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA), the oldest and only membership-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) organisation in the world, said from Istanbul."The UN has not done enough on this issue across the board," he said, calling for a worldwide ban on the death penalty.

He is not alone. In November the US-based International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLRHC) cited new reports from Iran that two young men who had been hanged in public in the northern city of Gorgan may have been executed because of their sexual orientation, prompting the IGLRC to call on UN human rights experts to investigate such cases, while demanding government accountability for any violation of human rights. But according to Kahramananoglu, getting reliable information out of the country has proven difficult, while the IGLHRC is following up on information circulating that 92 hangings and death sentences had taken place in Iran within the past four and a half months alone, a 16 November statement by the group said.

?e are alarmed at these latest hangings and call for an immediate investigation by the UN and national human rights monitors,·stated Paula Ettelbrick, executive director of IGLHRC. ?t? clear that a pattern is emerging in which young men are executed as couples and that the crimes they allegedly committed always involve some form of sexual assault of another male.·Public executions, in and of themselves, are considered to be cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment under international law and the IGLHRC has long documented specific conditions in Iran involving clear violations of human rights law, the statement read.

Earlier this year, rights groups the world over were outraged when two teenagers: Mahmoud Asgari, 16, and Ayaz Marhoni, 18, were publically hanged on 19 July in Mashad, provincial capital of Iran's northeastern Khorasan province, on charges of homosexuality.

"To execute people simply because they are gay or have had gay sex just isn't acceptable in the 21st century," David Allison, spokesman for the London-based LGBT advocacy group Outrage, said at the time.

Prior to the boys' executions, the teenagers were reportedly held in prison for 14 months and severely beaten with 228 lashes. The length of their detention suggests that they committed the so-called offences more than a year earlier, when they were possibly around the age of 16, a statement by Outrage explained.

?hen the first reported executions came to our attention in July, it was nearly impossible to determine whether the two men were executed because of their sexual orientation,·continued Ettelbrick. ?ut this pattern that we have identified, along with the extraordinary increase of public death sentences being carried out under this new government, requires a response not just from the global LGBT community but from all human rights advocates.·IGLHRC is joining with Al-Fatiha, the international LGBT Muslim organisation, in its call for European governments to seek further details on these recent executions, and in its support for a resolution from Canada introduced at the UN expressing concerns over human rights violations in Iran.

IGLHRC will also continue to strategise with Al-Fatiha, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, ILGA and Gay Association, and other human rights groups on how to influence world opinion and international human rights experts to demand that Iran honours its commitments under international law to suspend use of the death penalty, the statement added.

According to ILGA, Iran is one of at least seven countries today which still retain capital punishment for homosexuality. Others include Mauritania, Sudan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The situation with regard to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is unclear.