Abu Dhabi education official denies embezzling Dh430,000


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ABU DHABI // An education council official embezzled more than Dh430,000 by contracting his private company to carry out maintenance, a court heard yesterday.

Emirati AZ, head of the youth and education department at Abu Dhabi Education Council, also stole items from the council's old premises and resupplied them to its new facility, and took tools home, prosecutors told the Criminal Court.Staff at his department complained to the Public Prosecution and handed over video evidence.

AN, an Australian who worked with the Emirati at Adec, was also accused of embezzlement. Both denied the charge.

The Emirati's lawyer, Asma Al Zaabi, asked for a long adjournment to prepare her defence. The judge said he would give her two weeks or the defendant could have his bail revoked and remain in custody until she was ready.

Sayed Abdul Baseer, chief justice of the court, asked the Australian if he wanted a lawyer.

"I do not have money to appoint a lawyer," he said.

"You do not have money but you have companies," the judge replied.

"I do not have money or companies," the Australian insisted.

The case was adjourned until January 28.

Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush

Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”

A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.

“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”

Timeline

1947
Ferrari’s road-car company is formed and its first badged car, the 125 S, rolls off the assembly line

1962
250 GTO is unveiled

1969
Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder, acquiring 50 per cent of the company

1972
The Fiorano circuit, Ferrari’s racetrack for development and testing, opens

1976
First automatic Ferrari, the 400 Automatic, is made

1987
F40 launched

1988
Enzo Ferrari dies; Fiat expands its stake in the company to 90 per cent

2002
The Enzo model is announced

2010
Ferrari World opens in Abu Dhabi

2011
First four-wheel drive Ferrari, the FF, is unveiled

2013
LaFerrari, the first Ferrari hybrid, arrives

2014
Fiat Chrysler announces the split of Ferrari from the parent company

2015
Ferrari launches on Wall Street

2017
812 Superfast unveiled; Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary

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