A businessman who killed a female friend in a heated argument has been sentenced to five years in prison.
Dubai Criminal Court heard how the Lebanese defendant, 40, assaulted the woman on July 25 last year.
A friend of the victim alerted police officers when she discovered the victim lying dead on her bed in her apartment in Motor City.
“I found the door of her flat open so I went inside and found her dead on the bed,” the witness, 28, told the court.
“I screamed and ran out of the apartment crying and then called police.”
Officers investigating the incident interviewed the apartment building security guard who revealed he had seen the defendant drunk on the night of the attack.
When police arrested the man he admitted fighting with the victim after drinking alcohol.
“He told us that she [the victim] slapped him and he slapped her back before launching his attack,” a police officer told the court.
“He also told us that when he saw her bleeding as a result of his assault, he offered to take her to hospital, but she refused.”
A forensics report said the woman, in her 40s, suffered multiple fractures to her skull.
The nature of the injury was found to be consistent with having her head repeatedly banged against a solid object.
Appearing in court last May, the defendant denied a charge of premeditated murder. He was ordered to be deported after serving his sentence.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
The biog
Favourite book: Animal Farm by George Orwell
Favourite music: Classical
Hobbies: Reading and writing
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
