Rapist singer must see out three-year sentence, Dubai cassation court rules

DUBAI // Two men, one a well-known singer, jailed for raping a Frenchwoman, have failed in an attempt to have their sentences overturned.

Emirati singer Saoud Abou Sultan, 34, and countryman A A, 23, were sentenced by the Criminal Court to three months in prison for consensual sex last November. The Court of Appeal overturned the verdict and increased the sentence for Sultan to three years and A A to one year. The Court of Cassation upheld the Appeal Court’s decision.

The court heard the attack happened at the singer’s villa on July 5 last year. A A got one year in jail for taking off the 19-year-old’s clothes and sexually assaulting her while she was unconscious but the singer took the girl’s virginity and was sentenced to three years, the court ruled.

The Frenchwoman was found the next morning, lying half-naked at a building site in Al Barsha, by an army officer who was out running.

Emirati corporal A M A, 45, said he tried to wake her but she would not get up. The woman was taken to hospital, where tests proved she had recently had sex.

Sultan rose to fame after taking part in the first series of popular Arabic television show SuperStar in 2003.

tzriqat@thenational.ae

5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152