Three Emirati women who underwent sex change operations abroad to become men have failed in their bid to legally change their gender in the UAE.
The Federal Appeal Court turned down the request to have their names and sex changed in the government's registry.
Their lawyer said his clients had grown up with the physical appearance of men and that the surgery had been to correct their reproductive organs to match that.
In September 2016, a law was passed permitting a sex-change operation if a person’s gender is unclear or if a medical examination confirms that their physical features do not match their biological, physiological and genetic characteristics.
The authorities have said that any surgery should be 'corrective' and not 'elective' based on preference.
But Lawyer Ali Al Mansouri, who has represented the three since 2016, said his clients come under 'corrective'.
“I have official government medical reports for the health authorities that recommend that they undergo sex change operations," he said.
Based on that the Emiratis underwent sex change operations, he said.
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However, the report from a medical committee appointed by the court that looked into their case rejected the request.
The court has not released the reason behind its decision.
“I believe that the judicial authorities are worried about opening the door to sex change operations, but this is unacceptable," he said.
"Do you have any idea how difficult their lives are right now?
“I brought my clients to court and the judge himself was shocked when he saw them and asked me if these were the same Emiratis I was talking about. They are male in every sense.”
He said that his clients have difficulty finding employment or healthcare because their official documents states that they are female but they look like men.
“One of the entities made an exception for one of my clients but it has been a traumatising experience," he said.
"They are not and cannot lead normal lives so long as the state recognises them as women but they are in essence men.”
Mr Al Mansouri has challenged the court and will request an appeal.
“All we ask for is that their female names be changed in the government national registry. They have already undergone the surgery so naturally they must have their names and gender changed on their official documents."
When the change in the law was first announced, Dr Isis Badawi, a senior clinical psychologist at the Canadian Medical Centre, said the move was “impressive” and a “progressive outlook” for transgender patients.
"I hope more information leads to more empathy. I’m not sure it’s easy for society to accept, not sure it is easy for parents to accept," she said.
" do not consider myself an expert in the field but I see many transgender individuals in the UAE.
“For them to come to see me is an indication of the level of unhappiness and alienation they experience.
“It requires courage and a lot of effort on their part.”
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
Is it worth it? We put cheesecake frap to the test.
The verdict from the nutritionists is damning. But does a cheesecake frappuccino taste good enough to merit the indulgence?
My advice is to only go there if you have unusually sweet tooth. I like my puddings, but this was a bit much even for me. The first hit is a winner, but it's downhill, slowly, from there. Each sip is a little less satisfying than the last, and maybe it was just all that sugar, but it isn't long before the rush is replaced by a creeping remorse. And half of the thing is still left.
The caramel version is far superior to the blueberry, too. If someone put a full caramel cheesecake through a liquidiser and scooped out the contents, it would probably taste something like this. Blueberry, on the other hand, has more of an artificial taste. It's like someone has tried to invent this drink in a lab, and while early results were promising, they're still in the testing phase. It isn't terrible, but something isn't quite right either.
So if you want an experience, go for a small, and opt for the caramel. But if you want a cheesecake, it's probably more satisfying, and not quite as unhealthy, to just order the real thing.
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Company%20Profile
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SPECS
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De De Pyaar De
Produced: Luv Films, YRF Films
Directed: Akiv Ali
Cast: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Rakul Preet Singh, Jimmy Sheirgill, Jaaved Jaffrey
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
The%20specs
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Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani
Rating: 4/5
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Why are you, you?
Why are you, you?
From this question, a new beginning.
From this question, a new destiny.
For you are a world, and a meeting of worlds.
Our dream is to unite that which has been
separated by history.
To return the many to the one.
A great story unites us all,
beyond colour and creed and gender.
The lightning flash of art
And the music of the heart.
We reflect all cultures, all ways.
We are a twenty first century wonder.
Universal ideals, visions of art and truth.
Now is the turning point of cultures and hopes.
Come with questions, leave with visions.
We are the link between the past and the future.
Here, through art, new possibilities are born. And
new answers are given wings.
Why are you, you?
Because we are mirrors of each other.
Because together we create new worlds.
Together we are more powerful than we know.
We connect, we inspire, we multiply illuminations
with the unique light of art.
Ben Okri,
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
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A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
- 2018: Formal work begins
- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
- October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
- November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Brief scoreline:
Tottenham 1
Son 78'
Manchester City 0
Company%20Profile
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%3Cp%3EThere%20are%20regular%20flights%20from%20Dubai%20to%20Kathmandu.%20Fares%20with%20Air%20Arabia%20and%20flydubai%20start%20at%20Dh1%2C265.%3Cbr%3EIn%20Kathmandu%2C%20rooms%20at%20the%20Oasis%20Kathmandu%20Hotel%20start%20at%20Dh195%20and%20Dh120%20at%20Hotel%20Ganesh%20Himal.%3Cbr%3EThird%20Rock%20Adventures%20offers%20professionally%20run%20group%20and%20individual%20treks%20and%20tours%20using%20highly%20experienced%20guides%20throughout%20Nepal%2C%20Bhutan%20and%20other%20parts%20of%20the%20Himalayas.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 620bhp
Torque: 760Nm
Price: Dh898,000
On sale: now