Disabled tourist thanks Dubai Police for helping him after he was abandoned by friends

Officers gave the Asian man shelter and helped him get a ticket back home

The disabled man was found at a shopping mall and had suicidal thoughts, Dubai Police said. Antonie Robertson / The National

A disabled tourist has thanked Dubai Police for helping him after he was abandoned by his friends.

The Asian man was found at a shopping mall and had suicidal thoughts, the force said.

Officers could not communicate with him because the man was deaf and mute, but a sign-language interpreter from the Community Development Authority helped.

“He was very stressed, but officers from the Victim Support Section were able to calm him down and make him feel safe,” said Capt Abdullah Al Sheikh, head of the section at Dubai Police’s General Department of Criminal Investigation.

The man was in the UAE on a holiday but was deserted by his friends after an argument. His age, nationality and the date of the incident have not been disclosed.

He said he was scared and did not know who to contact.

“He also said he didn’t have enough money to cover his accommodation and return flight ticket,” Capt Al Sheikh said.

The man was given a medical check-up and accommodation for two weeks. During this time, officers from the Victim Support Section checked on him.

After 15 days, officers helped him get a PCR test and a return flight ticket.

“He thanked officers for providing help and care, which he said were beyond his imagination,” Capt Al Sheikh said.

Dubai Police began its victim support programme in 2004 before setting up a section to provide psychological and social guidance to people in distress and those dealing with the aftermath of a crime or accident.

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