Sheikh Mohammed attended a marriage ceremony ... with a robot

"I attended an unusual Islamic marriage contract ceremony."

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is no stranger to surprises ... but this time it's seriously out-of-this-world.

On Sept. 9, Sheikh Mohammed tweeted a video of himself attending an Islamic marriage contract ceremony (aka melcha) between two members of his administration: Omar al-Ulama and Amal bin Shabib. 

Both the bride and the groom work for the Dubai Ruler's office. 

But, it wasn't Sheikh Mohammed's presence that caught people off guard. It was the presence of a robot. 

A robotic machine, which helps connect those in the Service 1 center, located in Emirates Tower, with a court official via video call, helped settle the contract between the judge, the newly weds and their families. 

The couple became the first to formalize their marriage contract ceremony using the new smart service. 

Once the legal formalities were completed, another robot delivered printed copies of the contract to be signed. 

"I attended an unusual Islamic marriage contract ceremony"

The marriage agreement was completed using the service package Mabrook Ma Dabrat (congratulations on your marriage), according to Gulf News

The service employs a smart technology - connecting those present in the center with a Dubai Courts official - all in accordance with sharia and legal procedure. 

Seriously though ... the future is here ... and it's in Dubai!

People absolutely loved it!

Because how could they not?

2 Arabs will be deported from UAE for selling firecrackers

Al Ain Criminal Court of First Instance has ordered the deportation of both GCC men, in addition to paying AED 1,000 fines.
Source: Shutterstock

Two young Arab men have been found guilty of selling firecrackers without a license and promoting them on social media.

Al Ain Criminal Court of First Instance has ordered the deportation of both GCC men, in addition to paying AED 1,000 fines.

According to Khaleej Times, official court documents stated that police arrested the duo after investigations suggested that they had been promoting the firecrackers on various social media sites including Facebook.

The men, both in their 20s, would then sell the illegal explosives to people who had placed orders online, including children.

Prosecutors charged the men with selling firecrackers without a license and promoting the explosive materials through social media.

Initially, both men had denied the charges when they appeared in court, emphasizing that they were not aware that the sale or promotion of firecrackers on social media and without a license was illegal in the UAE.

"Fireworks can start fires and thus threaten the safety of the members of the community and their property," an Abu Dhabi Police official told a local media outlet.

The official added that fireworks and firecrackers can potentially cause physical damage, and pollute the environment. 

In the past, UAE authorities have continuously warned residents and traders to refrain from selling or buying fireworks and firecrackers without permission as it is against the law.