Obaida killer to learn fate as date is set for Dubai cassation court

Nidal Ali's death sentence was upheld by Dubai Court of Appeal on January 22.

DUBAI // A date had been set for the killer of Obaida Al Aqrabawi to appear before the Court of Cassation - the final stage of his trial.

Jordanian Nidal Ali, 48, will attend his first hearing before the court on February 13. His death sentence was upheld by Dubai Court of Appeal on January 22.

Ali was convicted by the criminal and appeal courts of the kidnap, rape and premeditated murder of the 8-year-old boy. He was also found guilty of drinking alcohol without a licence and driving under the influence.

His mental evaluation ruled out any mental illness and stated that the killer was aware of his actions at the time of the murder.

Jordanian Obaida was kidnapped on May 20 last year while playing outside his father’s garage in Sharjah’s industrial area. His body was found two days later in Al Warqa, Dubai.

His killer admitted to drinking excessive amounts of alcohol that day and killing the boy but denied sexual assault and kidnapping.