DUBAI // A former fitness coach for the UAE national football team has been accused of breaking into a warehouse and stealing a computer and a safe containing Dh245,000 (US$66,700).
PC, a 43-year-old Frenchman, was charged along with AT, a 45-year-old Italian business manager, and TB, 48, from Belgium. The men's Filipino driver, RI, 40, was charged with breaking and entering but not with theft.
The men denied the charges in Dubai Misdemeanours Court on September 7. The next hearing will be on October 5.
PC was a fitness coach for the national team for more than five years, according to the UAE Football Association. He joined the squad when Bruno Metsu, now with Qatar, was coach and he was part of the team that won the 2007 Gulf Cup. Most recently, he worked for the Al Wasl Club in Dubai.
The men are accused of breaking a lock and entering a Jebel Ali warehouse on June 22, then stealing the computer and safe. If convicted of the charges of armed robbery, breaking and entering, they face a maximum sentence of five years in jail.
amustafa@thenational.ae
The five pillars of Islam
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Opening Rugby Championship fixtures:Games can be watched on OSN Sports
Saturday: Australia v New Zealand, Sydney, 1pm (UAE)
Sunday: South Africa v Argentina, Port Elizabeth, 11pm (UAE)
