FNC okays changes in human trafficking law

Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)

Victims of human trafficking in the UAE would have better protection and their tormentors would face stiffer penalties as the Federal National Council (FNC) approved amendments to a federal law against the crime on Tuesday. Under the amended provisions in Federal Law No. 51 of 2006 on combating human trafficking, victims would be briefed about their full rights and they would be given medical attention if they request so or if they appear to be in need of medical or psychological treatment.

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Qatar has 143 millionaires for every 1,000 households: Study

Source: The Peninsula (Read full story)

 Wealthy individuals in the Middle East and Africa saw the value of their assets rise by 9.1 percent to $4.8 trillion in 2012, a study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) showed, as strong economies and rising equity markets fueled regional growth. High net worth individuals in the Gulf Arab region continue to allocate heavily on cash and prefer regional stock markets when they invest in risky instruments, the report said.

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Major low-cost housing project set in Makkah

Source: Arab News (Read full story)

A major low-cost housing project is being implemented in Makkah to accommodate 2,300 Saudi families. Municipal and Rural Affairs Minister Prince Mansour yesterday inspected the progress of work at Um Al-Joud, located about 14 kilometers from the Grand Mosque.The first phase of “Makkah Oasis” has been completed and it will be handed over to 500 families. Prince Mansour said similar projects would be carried out in other parts of the country.

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Three arrested over political banners – Oppn says upholding amendment cancels constitution

Source: Kuwait Times (Read full story)

Security men arrested three young men yesterday hours after activists believed to be supporters of the opposition hanged huge banners carrying political slogans on top of bridges over some highways. The slogans on the banners called for the freedom of a number of activists currently in jail serving prison terms after they were convicted of insulting HH the Amir on Twitter. The slogans also called for abolishing article 25 of the penal code which stipulates the harsh prison terms on charges of insulting the Amir and undermining his authorities.

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Landmark Visit

Source: Gulf Daily News (Read full story)

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, began a landmark working visit to Canada yesterday. Talks during the visit are expected to focus on bilateral relations, strengthening economic and business co-operation, along with regional and international developments.

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Medicare cost in Oman lowest in GCC region

Source: Times of Oman (Read full story)

Starcare will soon have a presence in Al Khuwair, Azaiba and Al Khoud. Outside Muscat, the company is preparing to operate in Al Amerat and Buraimi, revealed Dr Sadik Kodakat, chairman of Starcare Group, which includes Starcare Health Systems (UK) and Starcare Hospitals in Oman and India, in an interview with Times of Oman.

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