Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

A weekend family gathering turned tragic when a two-year-old Emirati boy drowned in a swimming pool at a private farm in Dibba Al-Fujairah, according to reports on Wednesday (October 29). The incident happened on Friday evening (October 24). According to relatives, the child had been playing near the pool when he accidentally fell in. A Gulf News report quoted his uncle as saying that the gate to the pool area was usually locked, but on the fateful evening, one of the adults had entered and left it slightly ajar. He said that the accident happened within seconds, with no one, including the nanny, aware that the boy had fallen into the pool, adding that the lights in the area had been turned off at the time. Family members rushed the boy to Dibba Al-Fujairah Hospital, where doctors attempted to revive him, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. The incident has prompted Fujairah Police to renew calls for parental vigilance and pool safety measures. Authorities across the UAE have launched awareness drives urging parents to install fences or safety covers around pools and to never leave children unattended — even momentarily. In April, the UAE updated its Personal Status Law, tightening penalties for child neglect and abuse. Violations — including neglect or failure to provide support — now carry fines ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh100,000. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page