Knife and sword fights on FNC agenda

Hamad Al Rahoomi has questions for Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy PM and Minister of Interior. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

ABU DHABI // The Minister of Interior will be questioned in Tuesday’s FNC session about an increase in the number of knife fights among young people.

Five questions have been raised to Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, also Deputy Prime Minister, by members of the council.

Dubai member Hamad Al Rahoomi said that over the past two years, there have been more reports of fights involving knives or swords that have resulted in death or permanent deformities and disabilities.

Mr Al Rahoomi said that two weeks ago there was a fight in Al Ain that involved swords.

“There is the issue of how they are made available,” he said. “When a teenager goes to buy a sword, does no one ask what he wants to do with it?”

Mr Al Rahoomi wants to ask the minister how big this trend is “and what solutions could be provided, because most incidents are between young locals and they occur in residential areas”.

“Is it criminalised by law, or there is a legislative gap in that area?”

Mr Al Rahoomi will also ask Sheikh Saif why sponsors must pay the for the flight home of runaway maids.

“When you bring in domestic workers there is a contract between you both,” he said. “Now if I breach the contract the Government follows a procedure against me, but when the other side breaches it who protects me?

“This conveys a negative message, as if indirectly we are encouraging them, that they were right by running away.”

Mr Al Rahoomi will also ask if the ministry is considering a law that bans driving in heavy fog.

“I heard some officials say that they cannot cut traffic movement in certain situations – why is that? When one drives in such a situation, it should be considered reckless driving.”

Khalid bin Zayed, also a Dubai member, will ask why the speed limit on radars is inconsistent on some motorways.

“When I arrive at the highway I set my speed at 130kph but to our surprise, the portable radar catches me at less,” Mr bin Zayed said. “So why this inconsistency and lack of transparency?”