Man who raped and murdered eight-year-old Obaida is executed in Dubai

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A man has been executed for the rape and murder of an eight-year-old child in a crime that caused shock and anger across the country.

Nedal Issa Abdullah had his sentenced carried out on Thursday morning. The death sentence in the UAE is carried out by firing squad.

Abdullah lost his final appeal in February for the killing of Obaida Al Aqrabawi at Dubai’s Cassation Court.

At the time, Obaida's mother Zaineb Sharif said that she "can’t believe it is over".

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Obaida was kidnapped on May 20 2016 while playing outside his father’s garage in Sharjah’s industrial area. His body was found two days later on Academic City Road in Al Warqa.

Dubai Police issued this image of Nidal Eisa Abdullah at the time of his arrest.

During the trial, Abdullah admitted to drinking excessive amounts of alcohol on the day he strangled Obaida but he denied sexual assault and kidnapping, saying the boy went willingly into his car.

During the appeals stage, his defence lawyer requested a psychological evaluation for his client, which was later presented to the court.

The report found that he suffered from antisocial personality disorder and alcohol dependency “but it does not affect his perception nor does it hinder his ability to distinguish right from wrong. He is fully aware and responsible for his action”.

Obaida, front row, 2nd from right, with school classmates. Courtesy Jeel Al Jadeed Private School

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