Watch: Mall escalator suddenly plummets down: Shoppers left in a pile at foot of the stairs in incident at Hong Kong mall caught on CCTV

Imagine being on a mall escalator that suddenly lurches out of control.

 That’s exactly what happen to shoppers in Hong Kong, leaving a pile of bodies and 17 people injured. CCTV footage caught the incident, which happened at the Mong Kok mall in Langham Place. Initially shoppers can be seen moving up the escalator, as happens every day in malls all over the world. But suddenly the up escalator starts moving rapidly down, throwing some people off the bottom and causing others to fall. The shoppers eventually end up in a pile at the bottom of the stairs. Other shoppers rushed towards them to make sure people were not badly hurt. The incident happened on Saturday, and since then the footage has been viewed thousands of times on social media. One eyewitness said: “I heard people screaming. The escalator was going down but the speed accelerated. “People started to panic and some fell down.”

Science behind setting the speed limits

Dubai: As regular motorists coming across different speed limits, most of us wonder why a particular road has a certain speed limit and how the authorities might have decided on having a certain maximum speed for a road.

Here, we bring you the science behind the speed limits and road designs.

How speed limits are set

1. “Speed limits are set by using a number of different factors and criteria such as the type of road, geometric design and in some cases existing vehicle speeds (percentiles such as mean or 85th). They are not randomly selected or determined by the number of lanes alone,” said Phil Clarke, principal consultant (road safety and incident management) at Traffic Research Laboratory.

2. “Various factors are considered to set the speed limits on the roads. The design of roads is done based on the road hierarchy developed during the planning stage. However, the actual posted speed is set lower than the design speed to ensure safe flow of traffic. The other practice to decide the posted speed of the existing road is using the method of the 85th percentile speed. A speed study survey is undertaken for the road where a new speed limit has to be posted. Based on the surveys, 85th percentile speed is estimated — this is the speed where 85 per cent of the vehicles drive,” said Nadeem Shakir, technical director, transport planning at Aurecon, an engineers consulting firm. Speeds are established using international best practices but adapted to local conditions.

Key factors involved in setting speed limits

Design classification of the road (expressway, arterial, collector or local)

Number of lanes on the road

Historical traffic volumes on the road

Cross roads and intersection spacing

Intersection controls (signal, roundabout etc)

Accessibility requirements

Geographical location (urban or suburban, CBD or non CBD)

Community typology (residential, industrial etc)

Accident Data

Type of road surface pavement

Pedestrian activities

Cyclist movements

Frontage and spacing from the on-street activities

Public Realm and Landscape requirements

How roads are designed

According to international best practices, prior to the design of a new road, the role that road will play in the road network and the desired speed of traffic on the road are established. The road is then designed to an appropriate design speed for the intended speed limit.

“The preliminary speed limit for the new roads is decided at the planning stage when the road network hierarchy is developed for a new master plan. The balance between mobility and accessibility is maintained to create the road hierarchy. Higher speed roads provide more capacity required for citywide mobility while lower speed roads are used for the safer accessibility within the communities,” said Shakir.

The first step involved during the planning process, according to Shakir, is to estimate the travel demand generated by any development using the trip generation rates.

“This demand is catered with the supply of multi-level hierarchical road network. The capacity for each road varies with the speed. A 120 kmph road can offer a capacity of up to 2,000 vehicles per lane, a 60-80 kmph arterial can offer a capacity of 1,200-1,500 vehicles per lane, while a 20-30 kmph local road can offer a capacity of about 550 vehicles per lane,”

Driver hits the pedestrains while performing stunts

Abu Dhabi: A 19-year-old driver who hit a pedestrian while pulling dangerous stunts in his vehicle has been arrested, Abu Dhabi Police announced on Wednesday.

The man who was driving a car with no number plate was trying to show off to a group of people in front of a school in Al Shamkha area on Tuesday when he lost control and swerved on to the pavement, hitting a man in the process. He also filmed a clip of the incident and posted it on social media.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohsin Al Mansouri, Head of Traffic and Investigation Section at Abu Dhabi Police Traffic Department, warned that youth who pull reckless stunts with their vehicles, especially during unstable weather, will be prosecuted. He added that such vehicles will be impounded.

Abu Dhabi Police called on parents to offer guidance to their children about the dangers of reckless driving and urged them to follow the rules.

SHARJAH TODDLER FALLS TO DEATH FROM 11TH FLOOR

Sharjah: Deaths of people falling from Sharjah residential towers in recent years seems to continue, with another death yesterday, despite attempts by authorities to stem the trend of deadly falls from unlocked windows and open balconies.

In the most recent fatality, a three-year-old Saudi girl fell to her death from the eleventh floor of a building on Jamal Abdul Nasser street in Sharjah after midnight on Saturday, a Sharjah Police official told Gulf News on Sunday.

The girl, identified as G.B.Y., climbed on a chair next to a window, slipped and fell through, the police said.

Sharjah police attributed the girl’s death to negligence.

The girl’s mother found the window of the living room open and her daughter missing. She then looked out of the window and saw her daughter lying motionless on the ground below and people gathering around her.

Police received a call at 1am reporting the incident and paramedics moved to the scene of the incident and found the girl already dead.

The girl had died on the spot and her body was taken to Al Qassimi hospital around 1.35am then forwarded to a forensic laboratory. Al Buhairah police station is investigating the case. Police said they will summon the parents for questioning.

Police investigation revealed that the girl climbed on a chair while family members were busy and did not notice the girl. Sharjah Police have repeatedly warned parents not to leave their children unattended at home and to instruct housemaids to keep a close watch on them.

Also, police have launched campaigns urging parents not to leave furniture items under windows or on balconies.

On Sunday, the police again urged the public to regularly lock windows and to place aluminium barriers to prevent children from falling.

Mother killed confronting thief at home

Fujairah : A 39-year-old woman was stabbed to death when she tried to prevent a thief from entering her house.

Her 11-year-old daughter, 9-year-old son, and 29-year-old housemaid, who also sustained stab wounds, were rushed to hospital, where their condition is stated to be serious.

Major General Mohammad Ahmad Bin Ganem Al Kaabi, Commander-In-Chief of Fujairah Police, told Gulf News that police received a call on Thursday at 3.30am reporting the incident.

The police immediately dispatched a team to the house where it found that the family members had sustained serious injuries in the attack. The assailant was identified as a 23-year-old Pakistani national.

A medical team rushed the injured family members to hospital, where the mother was pronounced dead on arrival.

The suspect was arrested within half an hour of the crime.

Sources told Gulf News that the woman who died is the wife of Emirati Dr Ebrahim Al Mansouri, Academic Vice Assistant Chancellor of Branch Affairs, at Sharjah University, Khor Fakkan branch. The victim worked as teacher in a Fujairah school. She was Jordanian. Her husband was outside the country when the incident took place. Funeral prayers will held on Thursday after Isha prayer at Omar Bin Al Khatab Mosque in Khor Fakkan.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Al Kaabi denounced the heinous crime, saying such incidents were alien to Emirati society, and wished the injured family members a full recovery.

He also praised the efforts of the police in identifying the assailant and tracking him down in quick time.

Dubai Authorities arrested a woman in Sharjah

Dubai: Authorities arrested a woman in Sharjah for offering unlicensed cosmetic treatments that contained fatal and unidentified chemicals.

The Asian woman was caught red handed after the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Interior and Sharjah Police arranged a decoy client to request for cosmetic treatment at a Sharjah hotel.

"We received a number of complaints against an unlicensed woman who carried out cosmetic procedures for Gulf women, who were mainly tourists,” said Dr Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health Policy and Licensing Sector at the UAE Ministry of Health, who was quoted in Emarat Al Youm.

An investigation was launch and authorities discovered that large amounts of money was transferred to the bank account of the suspect’s husband, who owned the illegal business, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health.

Authorities then arranged for a Gulf woman to pose as a client and book an appointment with the suspect at a hotel in Sharjah.

The Arabic daily also reported that a large amount of money was transferred in advance to the suspect’s bank account.

The suspect then laid out a large quantity of needs and injections that contained unidentified chemicals, and confessed that she was expecting a new shipment of products from Singapore soon.

Dr Al Amiri warned the public not to fall for deceptive ads that claim to offer cheap, easy cosmetic procedures and not to arrange for house calls from cosmeticians without receiving prior approval from the Ministry of Health. 

Dubai: Drivers will be fined Dh400 for each passenger who is found without a seatbelt

Dubai: Drivers will be fined Dh400 for each passenger who is found without a seatbelt inside the vehicle, a senior official told Gulf News on Saturday.

General Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, head of the UAE Federal Traffic Council, said that even if the if the driver is wearing his seatbelt, he can be fined if other passengers on the back seats are not wearing seatbelts.

“The fine is Dh400 for each passenger not wearing a seatbelt, so if the driver is wearing a seatbelt and other three passengers are not wearing it, then he needs to pay Dh1,200 in total for the three passengers, with four traffic points. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that passengers are using the seatbelt,” General Al Zafein said.

The new regulations, covering a comprehensive range of traffic discipline issues and violations, will be implemented on the first of July, according to General Al Zafein.

Officially signed by Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the new regulations cover multiple violations, the penalties for which include heavy fines, black points, and impounding of vehicles.

Gen Al Zafein said that the new rules will restrict short people and children below 10 years of age from sitting in the front passenger seat given that the seatbelt can choke the person.

“Children under 10 and every person who his less than 145 cm in height will be banned from sitting on the passenger front seat. Officers can fine the driver Dh400. If the person is taller than 145 cm, then he needs to show any document showing his height or he can complain against the fine with the traffic department,” he said.

He added that appropriate child car seats must be used for all children under the age of four. Lack of child safety seats for children up to four years of age will invite a Dh400 fine and four black points.

Official statistics show that 725 people died in traffic accidents in the UAE last year and the new traffic law will help to reduce the number of death on the roads, Gen. Al Zafein said. “We want to reach a figure of 3 deaths for every 100,000 people in the UAE. This law will help us in reaching our target for safer and better roads,”

Aiman ,Muneeb and Minal Khan Dancing on Dholki Exclusive Video & Pictures

The time has come for one of Pakistan’s cutest couple, Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt, to finally get engaged. With the wedding season going on, the two are all set to exchange their rings tonight itself. The couple had their dholki on January 4th with just friends and families around making it a private affair. The pictures of Aiman and Minal dancing at the dholki are already surfing on the social media and they certainly had such a wonderful time

NEW YEAR FIRE WORK & CELEBRATIONS IN DUBAI AND WHOLE WORLD

NEW YEAR FIRE WORKS OF BURJ KHALIFA 2017

NEW YEAR FIRE WORKS OF DUBAI 2017

NEW YEAR FIRE WORKS OF NORTH KOREA 2017

NEW YEAR FIRE WORKS OF LAS VEGAS 2017

NEW YEAR FIRE WORKS OF UAE 2017

NEW YEAR FIRE WORKS OF TAIWAN 2017

NEW YEAR FIRE WORKS OF JAPAN 2017

Dubai employer dupes job seekers, flees with their money

They paid Dh1,000 each for a 'dream' job that promised them 'attractive' salaries of Dh3,000 per month with perks. They are now living through a nightmare of a job hunt after being conned by a company that has vanished into thin air. The victims, mostly Indians, are scurrying for answers after the firm that hired them hastily shut its office and officials disappeared this month. Six victims of the recruitment scam have lodged formal complaints at the Naif police station and police are searching for company officials, including the owner, who is believed to be still in the UAE.

The modus operandi of this recruitment scam was simple. Put out ads on websites and lure victims with sweet salaries made sweeter with perks. The victims were allegedly asked to sign 'offer letters' by officials of the mobile phone accessories trading firm based in Frij Murar in Dubai's Naif area.

Those allegedly duped by the company told Khaleej Times that the Dh1,000 they paid was a 'security deposit' which would be refunded. Muhammed Lisan Moolakkadath, one of the victims, still cannot believe how this could have happened to him. He appeared lost for words when we met him. "I think we have been cheated by the company which recruited many of us through online job portals offering Dh3,000, plus commission and other benefits."

He said the company allegedly recruited unsuspecting sales people like him on December 18. "We were asked to sell mobile accessories worth Dh100," said Lisan, who is not just shocked but angry at the way he was taken for a ride. Nothing seemed amiss two weeks ago when he signed the 'job contract' with the company, which police said is not worth the piece of paper it's printed on. "I was asked to shell out the deposit money and they took copies of my passport, Emirates ID and other documents," said the duped candidate.

When Khaleej Times visited the closed office in Al Suwaidi building in Frij Murar earlier this week, we found a stream of job-seekers enquiring about the whereabouts of officials of the firm. We counted at least 25 people who had gathered outside the building. The number could be higher. Some went into a huddle on the next course of action. They seemed lost and desperate. Efforts to reach the owner were in vain as his phone was switched off. Sales staff who hoped to join work were left staring at the closed door of the flat that was converted into an office.

Some of the victims were clearly troubled as they had borrowed money to land the job. Dejection was writ large on their faces. "We have made a complaint with the police. I went to collect the offer letter after paying Dh1,000 deposit," said a young Indian from Bangalore who did not wish to be named. "The letter said I would be on probation for 15 days. They offered a plane ticket after one year. I will now have to fly home within a week if this issue is not resolved and I don't get my money back."

"My job offer had the letterhead and seal of the company. There was no reason to suspect them,'' said another job seeker, who has given up on his deposit he had borrowed from friends. The company said the security amount would be ''returned after two months of service''.

Another man who filed a complaint said there are more people who were cheated. "They keep coming to the office every day. The numbers will only keep growing," he said.

"The company gave offer letters to the complainants and asked them to pay deposit money. The owner then made off with the cash," a police official said. Some of the officials of the company were traced and were summoned to the police station in Naif. Three of the employees who allegedly interviewed the sales candidates told police that they too had not been paid for many months by the company.

"We don't know how many job seekers were really cheated. Different people keep coming daily to the office only to run into the shut door of the company's office," said a man who was swindled of his cash..

"My job offer bore the letterhead and seal of the company. I had no reason to doubt them. I now feel cheated and ashamed,'' said another victim of the scam.

Most of the job-seekers were lured by advertisements in career guidance sites put out by the limited liability company. The ad said it required Indian sales staff with a high school certficate for its mobile accessories business in Deira.

The job was to visit electronic and mobile accessories shops to canvass orders, collect and handover daily collection and improve client relationship. Work hours were bwteeen 9-5pm with a salary of Dh3,000 salary per month plus transport and telephone expenses, according to the advertisement.

What many candidates did not realise was there was a catch - a "Dh1,000 as security deposit which will be refundable (sic) in second month salary, if the candidate works consistently."

Most of the mobile accessories cost just Dh50 and sales staff like Mohammed Lisan tried in vain to sell these products in Dubai Sharjah and Ajman.

Career experts have been advising job seekers, especially expatriates on visit visas to be vigilant about advertisements and job offers that involve prior payment of money as 'security deposit', job processing fees or any other forms of advance cash payment - a sign of dubious recruitment. Fake agencies have taken job seekers for a ride in the past by offering jobs in well-known private and government departments.

source link below:

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/crime/uae-employer-dupes-job-seekers-flees-with-their-money

Best spots in Dubai to view New Year's 2017 Eve fireworks

Khaleej Times have put together a guide to view the best fireworks in town.

The cream on the cake for the New Year's Eve celebration 2017 is the magnificent fireworks display, which will shower the city as the clock strikes 12am on January 1, 2017.

While fireworks at the Burj Khalifa and Atlantis are the most sought after fireworks on NYE, Khaleej Times have put together a guide to view the best fireworks in town.

Burj Khalifa Fireworks

The world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa will light up with a spectacular fireworks display. Due to roadblocks by the Dubai Police, people are advised to reach the site as early as 6pm.

The event will also be live-streamed on MyDubaiNewYear.com, offering visitors the choice between 3 camera angles.

Best viewing spots: - Burj Khalifa at waterfront at the Dubai Mall
- Souq Bahar
- Burj Plaza
- South Bridage Building
- Boulevard Road
- Business Bay area
- Burj Al Arab
- Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Palm Jumeirah

Atlantis, the Palm

The fireworks show this New Year at Atlantis is going to be bigger and better than anything you have seen before. Fireworks will mark a 10-second countdown to midnight for each second.

Best places to view the fireworks: - Jumeirah Beach strip
- Atlantis The Palm Hotel
- The Anantara
- The Sofitel
- The Kempinski
- Madinat Jumeirah
- Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
- The Rixos
- The Kite Beach

Burj Al Arab

Organisers of the New Year Fireworks 2016 at Burj Al Arab are promising that the fireworks will be the biggest this year. There are several events planned by Jumeirah hospitality group in and around Burj Al Arab hotel as well.

Best places to view the fireworks: - Black beach
- Umm Suqeim Beach and Park
- Jumeirah Beach Park
- Any area on Jumeirah road

Jumeirah Beach Residences

An exciting firework show is also lined up at the Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR)

est places to view the fireworks: - Any open area at the JBR
- The Beach, JBR

In case slightly off the beaten track is your thing, here are some other hidden gems - good venues with no cover charge and no dress code, just a good view of the theatrics in the sky. And let's hope, with minimal traffic.

1. In front of Latifa Hospital, Dubai

This spot near Al Wasl Football Club is a lesser-known gem. You get a panoramic view of the city, and are spared the rush of being in the Downtown area.

2. Nad Al Sheba, Dubai

A photographer's secret delight, this one is away from the masses - even though on New Year's Eve no spot is entirely devoid of masses. You get a great clean view, and maximum exposure to the skyline. Take your cars and head out to this spot with a picnic basket full of midnight treats.

3. High-rises in Mankhool, Dubai

We're all for collective public experiences of watching the fireworks on the streets, but if you get some altitude under you, you're set for the midnight theatrics. Certain tall buildings in Mankhool and Bur Dubai have an unobstructed view of the Burj. Time to crash a house party there, maybe?

4. Near Box Park, Al Wasl Road

Drive to the stretch on Al Wasl road with lots of roadside parking. Park your car, mill around near Box Park. You get the view of Burj Khalifa, and you get some exercise, at no extra cost.

5. The Corniche, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi

If you can be around Khalidiya Palace, and near the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, wonderful - that's a good residential area to watch the skyline all lit up. Also Al Maqta, but the hustle bustle will all be at the Abu Dhabi Cornice. It's long enough, there's enough parking, and a good view is guaranteed.

6. Al Qasbah, and Al Majaz waterfront, Sharjah

Sharjah residents will line up to watch the fireworks behind the wheel - Eye of Emirates - that you can see from Al Qasbah. Several residential towers in the area afford a spectacular front-row view. The other spot is Al Majaz waterfront where there will be a musical fountain show, plus the fireworks at the stroke of 12.

This Sharjah road to remain closed for 3 days

Authorities have assured nearby roads and roundabouts will not be affected during this period.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Sharjah has partially shut down the arterial Ibrahim Al Madfaa street that connects the Kuwait Square and Government Square for urgent service.

The major street parallel to the Manakh and Musalla areas here shall be closed down for seven hours a day for development works for three days only, according to informed sources.

"The maintenance works on the exit of the street opposite the Government Square already started on Monday, and shall continue for two more days until December 29, from 10pm to 5am."

Drivers heading from the Kuwait square to the Government square need to take alternative roads to avoid congestion or any possible road hassles, the same sources urged.

"None of the nearby squares, roundabouts or roads shall be affected by the partial closure, and alternative roads will help drivers get to their destination as convenient as possible."

NEW YEAR 2017 IN DUBAI

10 weird New Year's resolutions we've heard around Dubai.

The unrealistic, the illogical, and the quirky - they're all here.

A widely-held belief that every New Year's Eve is to make New Year's Resolutions - also known as that one thing we promise ourselves that we would do to become better compared to the year that was. The other side of this is that we don't follow through with them and it becomes relegated to the heap of forgotten resolutions we make every single year. Here are some weird resolutions we have heard around Dubai. While some of them are doable and great, some are just waiting for someone to call them out on it for being too unrealistic.

"I'll lose half my weight!"

We understand you're dedicated and all, but not if you're going to risk your health. Don't fall into the trap of losing too much weight. Remember that there is a difference between being fit and being underweight.

"I'm going to be taller!"

No, there's no scientifically-proven way to gain more height. You're pretty much stuck with whatever height you have now.

"I'm going to break a record!"

It can be anything from breaking a personal record or if you really want to go for it, why not a world record? There are loads of bizarre and quirky records out there. You might even try your hand at making one.

"I'm going to learn something new every month!"

Could be anything from a new language, a new hobby, a new recipe you've always wanted to try out, even see a new country. You also come out smarter than you were before. Keep it at monthly unless you have a massive paycheck which can afford lessons or holiday trips every single day.

"I'm going to procrastinate less"

How many more articles on the Internet will you have to read before you're going to get work done?

"I'm leaving social media"

Your number one enemy will be your urge to check in what your friends are up to now and we all know that it takes a huge amount of restraint. Restraint-a lot of people don't have.

"I going to sort out some financial problems"

Start your year off in a good way by sorting out a least one of your financial woes. It could be as simple as paying off a friend you owe some cash or setting aside a segment of your paycheck.

"I'll try to leave Dubai this year"

Then we ask how long he's been here and he resigns to say 12 years.

"I'm trying the different cuisines in Dubai"

Being a multicultural country, Dubai has restaurants for every nationality. Why not try this out and get a new culinary experience all year round in 2017?

Ways in which the UAE law protects female workers

Legal experts believe that responsibility imposed on the employer is limited as they should also take measures to prevent this behaviour by introducing solutions.

Harassment of female employees is common world over. Many countries have issued legislations to ensure that there is not any kind of harassment against its employees, especially women.

In the UAE, many women, including employees, job seekers and students are harassed. However, many cases are not reported. The law preserves individual dignity as anyone can lodge a complaint to get their rights. However, the UAE law does not specify the types of harassments and there are no legislations to cover the workplace.

How are UAE women harassed at workplaces

Legal experts believe that responsibility imposed on the employer is limited as they should also take measures to prevent this behaviour by introducing solutions. They should be responsible for protecting women from harassment and bullying by defining sexual harassment and spreading awareness among employees to understand their individual responsibility towards women protection.

However this behaviour is punishable as per article 359 of UAE Penal Code that stipulates that any attempt to disgrace a female by words or by deeds on a public street or at a frequented place, shall be punished by detention for a period not exceeding one year and by a fine not exceeding Dh10,000.

The Dubai Human Resources laws have put a legislation to protect employees as per Article 206, which stipulates that employees can submit a written work-related grievance to a Complaints Committee and Human Resources about work environment and tools, physical abuse, offensive language, spreading gossips and rumours, humiliation of the employees and their ideas, verbal or written harassment, sexual harassment and much more.

How UAE women can overcome harassment at workplace

Dubai-based lawyer Mouza Ali said that many women are experiencing harassment at the workplace, which may be more than an offence against an individual as it is also a crime committed against the laws of the country.

Articles 359 and 364 of the UAE Penal Code consider incidents of harassment - whether physical or verbal - punishable by law.

"If it becomes sexual assault, the person will be sentenced to 15 years in prison to be followed by deportation," she said.

She also said that many women do not recognise how to deal with harassment at workplace and do not understand their rights and responsibilities under the law with regard to safety at the workplace. She said there is need to organise programmes that teach female employees on how to identify harassment. Companies should exercise anti-harassment policies to protect employees, especially women, she added.

Lawyer Mahmood Abdul Al Salam said: "I have been working here for three years and have not come across a sexual harassment case at the workplace, which means it is not a phenomena here."

He said that most people, due to development in technology, interact differently with people including women. "The matter will be considered as sexual harassment if the person used objectionable words or touched the person inappropriately."

Lawyer Fatima Abdulla said that most people do not differentiate between various types of harassment so there is a need for a clear line to be drawn. "People should understand when their acts will be considered as a crime. There is a need to spread awareness among people about laws, rights and responsibilities."

She added that most women do not complain because of long legal proceedings. "But the recent establishment of community policing may encourage women to report the matter.

Dubai woman loses thumb in tug of war, hospital stitches it back Staff Report/Dubai

The doctors fixed the thumb with a metal wire and repaired the nerves and muscles.

What started out as a fun game of tug of wars, took a violent turn after a women in her late 20's lost her thumb.

Dr Khalid Al Awadi, Head of the Hand Unit at Rashid Hospital said the woman came to the hospital two weeks ago in shock and pain, not believing that a popular game can result in the amputation of her thumb.

"She said her friends told her that wrapping the rope around her finger and pulling hard would be more effective in the game. After she wrapped her finger her friends suddenly pulled the rope which caused her thumb to be fully amputated," he said.

Al Awadi said that she was immediately sent to the operational theatre and was operated on by Dr Hamed Badawi, consultant hand surgeon and Dr Ehab El-Dlyami specialist hand surgeon at Rashid Hospital.

"The surgery, which took around 6 hours was a success. The doctors fixed the thumb with a metal wire and repaired the nerves and muscles. After the thumb heals, which will take around six weeks, the metal wire will be removed," he said.

Al Awadi said the patient will be able to move her fingers once the wire is removed and the patient undergoes physiotherapy.

Dr Alawadi mentioned that Rashid hospital has a great team of highly specialized hand surgeons who are available around the clock to provide such excellent work.

Dubai Shopping Festival 2017: These are the biggest deals

Lots of cars and gold to be won everyday. Plus, there's the fireworks

I don't love discounts, said no one ever!

Millions of shoppers and families will enjoy a jam-packed schedule of events at Dubai Shopping Festival when the event's 22nd edition kicks off on December 26.

The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), and the organisers of DSF 2017 revealed its plans to make the world take notice - including fashion shows, exclusive product launches, big names in entertainment, as well as opportunities to win cars, cash and gold.

DSF will also kick off the new Retail Calendar of Dubai, with the festival starting earlier than in previous years to take advantage of the holiday season retail buzz. Run under an exciting slogan - 'Shop. Win. Celebrate' - the festival will end on January 28, making this edition one of the longest in the event's history.

Dubai's annual Retail Calendar is developed by DFRE in cooperation with the Department of Economic Development. The calendar contains the full programme of anchor retail activities being conducted and promoted at a city-level including shopping related festivals, promotions and seasonal offer periods, mega-sales and clearance events, exclusive retail experiences and activations.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), said: "Returning for the 22nd edition, the Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the most important on Dubai's annual events calendar that will further enhance Dubai's position as an iconic year-round tourism destination offering unique shopping experiences. DSF is part of our efforts to leverage large-scale events to achieve a bigger goal - that of attracting 20 million visitors to Dubai as envisaged by Dubai's Tourism Vision 2020. This is also a time when the spotlight falls on our solid partnerships in the private sector, whose outstanding support has ensured the continuous success of DSF, contributing to the economic growth of Dubai."

Saeed Mohammad Mesam Al Falasi, Executive Director, Retail and Strategic Alliances, DFRE, said: "We are delighted to announce that Dubai Shopping Festival 2017 is going to be one of our biggest editions to date in terms of exciting offers for shopping, chances of winning great prizes, and spectacular entertainment experiences As the most important fixture in our annual retail calendar, we are expecting millions of shoppers and families to come to Dubai for a DSF that will run for a longer duration of 34 days, and which is set to exceed expectations. Working closely with all our stakeholders, the DSF team has pulled out all the stops to make this annual extravaganza memorable for the whole family, with regular favourites and plenty of new events for everyone to enjoy while offering an even more rewarding retail season for Dubai's diverse business community." 

As part of the exciting lineup of activities on the opening day of DSF 2017, one of DFRE's Strategic Partners, Dubai Festival City (DFC), an Al Futtaim Group development, will launch a stunning new waterfront attraction that is set to rival popular waterfront shows in other global destinations worldwide. The DFC launch event will culminate in a spectacular fireworks show celebrating the start of DSF 2017.

DSF 2017 events and activations will be run under three themed retail segments - Apparel & Fashion, Beauty & Perfume and Gold & Jewellery - that reflects the varied shopping experiences in store for residents and visitors, and also the important role played by DSF in Dubai's retail sector.

To make the shopping experience even more rewarding, thousands of retail outlets will be offering discounts of up to 75 per cent on a range of merchandise including apparel and fashion, consumer electronics, watches, perfumes, furniture, home appliances, and much more.

Dubai Shopping Festival 2017: Calendar of events

12-Hour Exclusive New Year Shopping starting 12 pm, January 1 - Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Me'aisem City Centre Al Barsha and City Centre Al Shindagha

A special promotion running on New Year's Day at Majid Al Futtaim Malls across Dubai will ring in the New Year. This exclusive New Year shopping experience will include a private sale from 12pm-12am offering upto 90 per cent discounts at retail outlets. Shoppers can also expect DSF exclusive rewards, promotions and offers for 12 hours, while food and beverage outlets will also have special offers. Visitors will be encouraged to shop to enter a draw for a chance to win Dh50,000 in mall gift vouchers. With every Dh200 spent, shoppers are entitled to one raffle ticket that goes into the draw, which will take place at 12 am at Mall of the Emirates on January 2.

Infiniti Mega Raffle daily draws from December 26 to February 4

The Infiniti Mega Raffle is back at the Dubai Shopping Festival with one lucky shopper winning an Infiniti QX70 plus Dh150,000 in cash every day. Raffle tickets may be purchased for Dh200 from EPPCO and ENOC petrol stations; Al Ghurair Centre; Global Village; Al Fahidi Street; Al Rigga Street; Al Seef Street; Baniyas Road; and the Gold Souk. The daily raffle draw takes place every night at 10pm live on SAMA Dubai TV.

Nissan Grand Raffle December 26 to January 28

One of DSF's great daily raffle draws, the Nissan Grand Raffle, which will take place with a live broadcast at 10 pm on SAMA Dubai TV. The raffle will award one of eight Nissan cars - Micra; Sunny; Sentra; Tiida Hatchback; X-Trail; Juke; Pathfinder; and Patrol to a lucky winner. Earn one raffle ticket upon purchase of non-fuel products worth AED 20at all EPPCO and ENOC petrol stations, as well as Zoom shops in Dubai.

Dubai Gold & Jewellery group promotion December 26 to January 28

The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG) will change the lives of 100 gold and jewellery buyers. DGJG is running a promotion for shoppers spending a minimum Dh500 at participating gold and jewellery outlets in Dubai the chance to win three fabulous gold prizes every day. Each day, one lucky winner will receive 1/2 kilo of gold, while two others will each win 1/4 kilo of gold. On the final day of DSF 2017, one shopper stands to win 1 kilo of gold. In all, there will be 100 winners over the 34 days of DSF, receiving a total of 34 kilos of gold. Customers who purchase gold jewellery worth Dh500 will get one raffle coupon and customers who purchase diamond jewellery, pearls or watches worth Dh500 will receive two raffle coupons to take part in the daily raffle draws to be held in the foyer of the Gold Souk in Deira.

'Happy Shopping, Happy Winnings' promotion December 26 to January 28, Participating malls of Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG)

The Community Mall promotion is an opportunity to shop and win Dh1 million in prizes. For every Dh200 spent at a participating mall, customers are entitled to one raffle coupon to win prizes up to Dh600,000 (with Dh100,000 given away every week for four weeks); plus a grand raffle will be held on the last day of DSF wherein three winners get to take home great prizes (Dh50,000, Dh50,000 and Dh100,000). A Scratch and Win portion of the coupon will offer the customer the chance to win instant prizes including gift sets, luxury watches and perfumes.

Dubai Festival City Mall promotion shoppers spending Dh250 at any outlet in Dubai Festival City Mall will have the chance to win a night's stay for four people at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. There will also be a chance to win a grand prize - a 2017 Lexus LX570.

VISA Impossible Deals December 26 to January 28

Every day during DSF, VISA customers will be able to take advantage of incredible, almost impossible deals available for each purchase using a VISA credit card. The deals will be impossibly tempting, typically with 20 per cent to 80 per cent off of electronics, travel, entertainment, luxury goods and cars. VISA's Impossible deals are possible with Careem, Damas, Ahmed Seddiqi, Jumeirah, Bond exhibition and Sharaf DG.

Annual favourites

DSF Fireworks December 29-31; January 5-7; January 12-14; January 19-21; January 26-28 

Festivals and fireworks go hand in hand and Dubai has become synonymous with both - each becoming even more spectacular every year. During DSF, the fireworks shows will start at 8pm at various locations in the city.

Market Outside the Box January 19-28, 2017, Burj Park

Taking place next to the pride of Dubai - Burj Khalifa - Market Outside the Box focuses on emerging local and regional designers, and gives them a chance to take centre stage during DSF. Market OTB showcases the emerging artists of jewellery design and accessories, home décor and fashion. More than 100 designers will display their products and promote grass-roots engagement. To make the outing truly exciting for the whole family, the 10-day Market OTB will also offer visitors the opportunity to experience a number of entertainment activities, including live shows and music concerts as well as food trucks and food from favourite local eateries.

Carpet and Art Oasis December 28 - January 15, Sheikh Saeed Halls 1 & 2, Dubai World Trade Centre

One of the longest-running events of DSF, the Carpet and Art Oasis is an exhibition and sale of some of the rarest, largest, and most unique handmade carpets and rugs from around the world. Carpet and Art Oasis will give visitors, carpet and art lovers an extraordinary range to choose from and a glimpse into the culture and history of countries represented at the exposition. Spread across thousands of square metres, the exhibition features carpets that represent the heritage and history of countries renowned for their carpet industries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China Iran and Turkey. 

Roaming Artistes December 26 - January 28

DSF 2017 will offer visitors many more events and activities that will further enhance the festival's image as a centre of shopping and entertainment including numerous roaming artistes and musicians who will spread the festive cheer in malls across the city including Gypsy Bigs- a troupe of professional jazz musicians, Car Stilt Walkers, Brimborians, three gliding bubbles, Crybtonia- a musical group with glowing LED costumes, Sparks Fire Dance circus acts, Wood & Wood featuring mime performances, Nutkins, the walkabout squirrels, and much more.

Beauty and perfume themed events

Beauty District January 6-14, The Fashion Catwalk, The Dubai Mall

Retailers will be offering promotions, and launching products while also conducting tutorials on how to achieve that special look at the Beauty District, featuring the region's top beauty influencers. Shoppers can also find great in-store promotions across the city as stores showcase their wide range of beauty products. This year, DSF introduces new innovative products from the Asian market as well as products that are not currently available in the UAE. DSF will also create exclusive beauty boxes with a range of beauty and perfume products endorsed by celebrities.

Apparel and fashion themed events

Fashiontainment January 12-14, Mall of the Emirates

Fashiontainment brings together a fusion of Fashion and Entertainment to create a fashion show with musical performances by an international celebrity. Top designer brands from around the world work as one with a celebrity musical act to showcase the latest fashion styles. Fashiontainment will be the opening act for a series of luxury & mid-luxury fashion shows that will run across two days along with in-store promotions.

Fashion Express January 12-14 - Ibn Battuta Malll; January 19-21 - Dubai Festival City Mall; January 26-28 - City Centre Deira

Fashion Express combines the very popular 'flashmob' with a 'pop up' concept to create an exclusive in-store event that not only entertains customers in the traditional common mall spaces, but also drives shoppers into the stores. Visitors will also have plenty of chances to be part of in-store promotions and to experience product launches taking place.

Street Runways December 29 - 3D Office (Dubai Future Foundation); January 5: THE BEACH; 17 January: Gold Souq; January 25: CITY WALK

A series of fashion shows partnering with high-street brands in specific locations across the city. This event will create a fashion show that features landmarks as a canvas to showcase the next fashion styles, using four key locations as the backdrop. Each fashion show will complement the area with the designs and fashion that the models will be wearing.