Ras Al Khaimah shooting: Mother, two daughters shot dead over parking dispute

Ras Al Khaimah: What began as an everyday dispute over a parking spot in a narrow residential passage ended in unimaginable tragedy for one family in Ras Al Khaimah.

A shooting incident claimed the lives of a 66-year-old mother and two of her daughters (aged 36 and 38), leaving a third daughter (47) wounded and a family shattered.

The attack, which took place on Monday, May 5, around 11 pm, has sent shockwaves through the quiet neighborhood — and throughout the nation.

Speaking to Gulf News, Maher Salem Wafai, the son of the slain woman and brother of the victims, struggled to recount the horrific moments. "My mother and four sisters were in the house when the argument started," he said. "The man became aggressive and, without warning, opened fire."

The victims had been trying to navigate the already tight space when the dispute began. One of the sisters, Yasmin, 38, was the first to be targeted. "He ran her over and then shot her in the head," Wafai said. "When another sister approached, he shot her too. My mother, trying to avoid the horrific scene, was also shot along with my other sister, who rushed to help."

An 11-year-old child, the son of one of the victims, witnessed the chaos. "My sister handed her phone to her son and told him to call the police," Wafai added. "The attacker even tried to shoot the boy, but thank God, he managed to run away."

The suspect, identified as a 55-year-old man of Yemeni nationality, has been arrested by authorities. The motive, rooted in a dispute over a blocked driveway, has sparked widespread disbelief.

Wafai, despite his deep grief, spoke with composure and conviction. “We’ve lived in the UAE for 20 years. This is a country that stands for peace, safety, and human dignity. What happened to us is devastating, but we have full faith in the justice system.”

Wafai emphasized that the incident does not reflect the values of Emirati society. “This was an isolated act. The UAE has always protected its residents, and we know justice will be served. Our faith in the judiciary remains unshaken.”

Yasmin, who was the first to be killed, was laid to rest after Maghrib prayers on Monday — just four days after the family buried their mother and another sister. “We are still in shock,” Wafai said. “My sisters were all mothers. One of them had six children — the oldest is just 15. Our pain is unimaginable.”

All of Maher’s sisters were married, some with large families. “One of my sisters had six children; her eldest is just 15. Their lives have changed forever.”

Authorities have confirmed the arrest of the suspect, and an investigation is ongoing.