Courts

Alleged traffickers 'were aiding women'

The dozen men convicted of forcing 18 Moroccan women into prostitution claim they were only facilitating the women's willful employment.

Marten Youssef

May 19, 2010

ABU DHABI // The 12 defendants convicted in Abu Dhabi's largest human-trafficking ring case told the Appeal Court yesterday that they were merely facilitators while the women were working as prostitutes. The court was hearing the men's appeal for the first time. They were convicted in January in the Criminal Court and given sentences from 10 years to life in prison.

Prosecutors said one of the women who was forced into prostitution fled the villa in which she had been held. She contacted police in Ras al Khaimah, who got in touch with authorities in Abu Dhabi. Several raids were conducted across the island, and court documents showed that 18 Moroccan women were rescued. They all maintained that they had been brought to the UAE with promises of legal employment before being forced into prostitution.

The man accused of being the leader of the trafficking operation fled, but was later captured and sentenced this month to life in prison in a separate trial. He presented the court with evidence that the women he is accused of trafficking travelled freely outside the country several times. The Appeal Court adjourned the hearing until prosecutors could present their case. @Email:myoussef@thenational.ae @Email:hhassan@thenational.ae

Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
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Know before you go
  • Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
  • If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
  • By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
  • Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
  • Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.