Dubai Police Return Dh76,000 to Tourist Left in Taxi on New Year’s Eve

A tourist celebrating New Year’s Eve in Dubai experienced a delightful turn of events when Dubai Police efficiently retrieved and returned Dh76,000 ($20,700) that he had accidentally left in a taxi. The unidentified man, after a night of festivities, was dropped off at his hotel in the early hours of January 1. It was only after leaving the vehicle that he realized a bag containing Dh14,000 and $17,000 (Dh62,435) was left behind.

Promptly recognizing the urgency of the situation, the tourist contacted Dubai Police, seeking assistance in recovering the misplaced money. Major General Jamal Al Jallaf, the director of the Criminal Investigation Department at Dubai Police, mentioned that the call was received around 2 a.m., immediately after the New Year celebrations.

Within just half an hour, Dubai Police, with the efficiency characteristic of their operations, located the taxi, retrieved the bag, and successfully returned the money to the grateful tourist. Brigadier Khalfan Obaid, the director of the Tourism Police Department, highlighted the well-trained response of officers in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors in Dubai.

The tourist expressed his gratitude to Dubai Police, praising their professionalism and rapid response to the situation. Additionally, the police paid tribute to the taxi driver for his quick response to their call and for promptly returning the money.

This incident is a testament to Dubai Police’s commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for both residents and visitors. Their swift and effective actions showcase the dedication of law enforcement in upholding the city’s reputation for safety and responsiveness.

In a similar display of efficiency, Dubai Police divers had previously assisted a British tourist who lost a Dh250,000 ($68,000) Rolex watch during a yacht trip near The Palm Jumeirah in July. The divers successfully recovered the luxury timepiece despite facing challenges of deep waters, low visibility, and currents.**