Prosecutors in Abu Dhabi will present their case in February against dozens of people accused of planning "violence and terrorism" on UAE soil.
The 84 defendants were referred to the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal, otherwise known as the State Security Court, for trial on terrorism charges.
Most of the those referred to the court by Attorney General Hamad Al Shamsi were said to be members of the Muslim Brotherhood, which is outlawed in the UAE, among other countries.
This week, the court heard evidence from two prosecution witnesses relating to allegations of money laundering against five defendants and six companies they manage, state news agency Wam reported on Friday.
The public session – which was also attended by defence lawyers and families of the defendants – revolved around the financial statements of the companies owned by the defendants and the alleged money laundering activities benefiting the Muslim Brotherhood.
The next court date, in which prosecutors will present their case, has been set for February 7 and 8.
The defendants, who have not been identified, are alleged to have used laundered funds to finance a secret terrorist organisation.
The charges refer directly to establishing "another clandestine organisation for the purpose of committing acts of violence and terrorism on UAE soil", Wam reported.
The defendants are accused of trying to conceal the crime and its evidence before they were arrested and tried, the agency said.
"Acting on a body of evidence gathered by investigation, the Attorney General ordered a probe into the details of this crime, with legal representation assigned for each suspect," it said.
"After nearly six months of investigation yielding sufficient evidence of its commission, the Attorney General referred the defendants for trial."
Tax authority targets shisha levy evasion
The Federal Tax Authority will track shisha imports with electronic markers to protect customers and ensure levies have been paid.
Khalid Ali Al Bustani, director of the tax authority, on Sunday said the move is to "prevent tax evasion and support the authority’s tax collection efforts".
The scheme’s first phase, which came into effect on 1st January, 2019, covers all types of imported and domestically produced and distributed cigarettes. As of May 1, importing any type of cigarettes without the digital marks will be prohibited.
He said the latest phase will see imported and locally produced shisha tobacco tracked by the final quarter of this year.
"The FTA also maintains ongoing communication with concerned companies, to help them adapt their systems to meet our requirements and coordinate between all parties involved," he said.
As with cigarettes, shisha was hit with a 100 per cent tax in October 2017, though manufacturers and cafes absorbed some of the costs to prevent prices doubling.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
THE SPECS
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm
Torque: 353Nm from 1,450-4,700rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Top speed: 250kph
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: Dh146,999
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
