UAE-based expat on trial for kissing Arab woman by force

It wasn't the first time the man harassed someone.

An American citizen based in Dubai is currently on trial for forcibly kissing an Arab woman who was attending an exhibition run by him, Khaleej Times reported

The 58-year-old defendant, who is of Arab origin, is accused of grabbing the woman's "face and kissing her on the lips while she was alone at the exhibition." 

After he was detained by Dubai police, the man confessed to harassing the woman during the incident, which took place on March 26. 

The woman didn't immediately report the incident

In her complaint against the man, the victim said she had visited the expo managed by him. 

"I wanted to open my own business in Oman and thought I could use the artworks on display. The accused, who is one of the fair owners, welcomed me and showed me around. We exchanged numbers for business purposes and he walked with me to the door. He kept talking for about 20 minutes and I could not find a way out of our conversation," she said

The woman added she was shocked when he violently grabbed her face and kissed her. 

Upset and shaken, she rushed out of the place but didn't report the incident to police at the time because she didn't want to tell her mother about it. 

It wasn't the first time the man harassed someone

In the days after the incident the woman's friends advised her to report the matter to authorities, revealing to her that the man had a history of attacking women. 

"They told me to lodge a complaint against him because they knew how he was like and that he did the same to another woman earlier. That woman opted to keep quiet about the incident," she explained.

In her statement to prosecutors, the victim added that she later sent a message to the man on WhatsApp because she felt the need to give him a chance to explain his behavior. 

He replied telling her he enjoyed the kiss and would do it again. He also sent her a picture of himself. 

The woman then decided to report him and he now faces legal consequences over his actions. 

5 things you can do to help people in Lebanon this Ramadan

Here are some of the ways you can offer help this Ramadan...

Throughout the month of Ramadan, people show their weak side during fasting hours, their obsession with Vimto, or simply sleep their day away until iftar is ready.

While this holy month keeps us busy with friends and family gatherings, highly anticipated TV shows, and good food, we shouldn't forget about the spirituality and good deeds that accompany it.

To make a change this year, find out how you can help others who are in need of a hot iftar meal and some clothes to keep warm.

Here are some of the ways you can offer help this Ramadan:

1. Donate to Ajialouna Organization

Ajialouna is an award-winning Lebanese NGO that empowers women and provides the less fortunate with medical aid, food, and education.

In Ramadan of 2017, they broke the Guinness World Record for the longest iftar table.

From the comfort of your home, you can donate to empower a woman, pay for an orphan's iftar, and gift new Eid clothes those in need via this link.

2. Volunteer with FoodBlessed

This initiative aims to feed the poor in Lebanon by distributing food packages, and more importantly, raising awareness on dealing with leftovers. 

Even better, it is volunteer-driven, which means not only can you donate, but also kill time during the day by volunteering with them.

3. Engage with the Lebanese Food Bank

This NGO and member of the Regional Food Banking Network in Dubai provides food on a daily basis to families and individuals in need.

They collect excess food from partner restaurants, hotels, caterers, supermarkets, and fruit, vegetables, and food exporters/importers and deliver them to over 70 NGO partners. You can donate to help them keep going.

4. Be part of Shams Network's Salam Ramadan Kitchen

In Ramadan 2017, the Shams Network team distributed 800-1000 meals every day to the poor residing in Sabra and Shatila camp in Beirut. 

This year, the initiative is moving to a remote area, one that is nowhere to be found on the map: Al-Faour village, which is located in the eastern Beqaa Valley... and you can help them accomplish this mission.

The initiative will offer food to the Lebanese, Palestinian, and Syrian refugees who live in this village, while using minimal plastic and good recycling!

5. Simply help people on the streets!

Source: Visit Dubai

While this option sounds like a no-brainer, very few of us think of donating food to homeless people.

Although food surplus is inevitable during Ramadan, packaging and donating this food is a simple act with great impact.