Graphic by Joaquin Kunkel
UAE Updates
A look at what's been going on in the UAE this week.
Apr 30, 2017
####Dubai flying taxis to be demonstrated at Expo 2020
On April 26, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority confirmed that the first demonstration of the Vertical Take-Off and Landing Vehicles, also known as flying taxis, will take place at the Expo 2020. Dubai won the bid for Expo 2020 over Izmir, Turkey, Yetakerinburg, Russia and São Paolo, Brazil. The theme of the expo is Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.
The flying taxi project is part of a partnership between the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority and the U.S. American transportation network company, Uber, which will eventually be operating the vehicles.
The plan also includes building VertiPorts — charging platforms for the vehicles — since they will be powered by electric engines.
The 2020 demonstration is intended to carry regular passengers, thus being a de facto launch of the service on a very small scale. However, it remains unclear as to when the service will be available on a larger scale.
####Filipina domestic worker likely to be given death sentence verdict
On April 26, Filipina domestic worker, Jennifer Dalquez, had a hearing on her case for murder before the final verdict, which will be announced on May 24. Dalquez was found guilty of killing her employer in December 2014 and was sentenced to death by the Al Ain Court of First Instance in May 2015. She claimed the killing was done in self-defense, as her employer attempted to rape her.
Dalquez’s defense wants to have her acquitted and Dalquez herself told the Judge on April 26 that she wished to return to the Philippines.
The sons of Dalquez’s former employer were ordered to swear 25 times in the name of Allah that the accused was guilty on April 26. However, the two sons did not show up and Dalquez was then asked to swear in the name of Allah that the killing was unintentional.
The final verdict in the case has been delayed several times and the case has received international attention. The #SaveJenniferDalquez campaign, which is being pushed by several international groups, has been one reaction.
Another reaction came from the GABRIELA Women’s Party, a feminist Filipino left-wing party, which urged Filipino president Rodrigo Duterte to visit the UAE on his trip to the Middle East in early April 2017 to get Dalquez acquitted.
####Abu Dhabi International Book Fair displays rare collection
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is taking place from April 26 to May 2 in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The fair displays a large and rare collection of Arab, European and Communist literature, including a first edition of Das Kapital, signed by its author Karl Marx. The book is valued at more than 6 million AED.
The fair also includes what experts claim are the first two Arabic books ever printed— a dictionary and a grammar book. There are 1,181 exhibitors at the fair, from 63 countries, exhibiting more than 500,000 titles.
Entry to the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is free and open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday to Thursday, and from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays.
Jakob Plaschke is News Editor. Email him at feedback@thegazelle.org.
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