Suspect grilled over alleged assault on minor at Ski Dubai

Dubai: A Saudi man is being questioned at the Public Prosecution for allegedly attempting to sexually assault a minor at Ski Dubai last week, Gulf News learnt yesterday.

A police official said Bur Dubai police station questioned the 26-year-old suspect before referring the case to the Public Prosecution Department where officials also confirmed the incident.

The incident was confirmed by Ski Dubai officials, who said their staff intervened and apprehended the suspect.

"Around 6.30pm on November 6 Ski Dubai staff was alerted that a male visitor was attempting to assault a minor in the snowcave located in the snow park area," Ali Al Abdullah, Vice-President, Asset Management for Majid Al Futtaim Shopping Malls, said in a statement.

"Ski Dubai's staff and security guards reacted immediately to stop and restrain the perpetrator. He was immediately removed from the vicinity and handed over to the security until the arrival of the police," added the statement.

Officials close to the investigation said: "The Saudi suspect who has been detained since last week could be referred to court as soon as the investigation concludes. We are waiting for medical reports to identify the nature of the sexual assault i.e. whether it was a molestation or intercourse. The assault has to be explained in the bill of charges before referring the case to court."

A security guard who was heading to the bathroom near the children's zone of the snow park area heard noises before he discovered what was happening between the suspect and the Omani victim who is believed to be a minor (under the age of 14), added the source.

A witness who did not wish to be identified, described the attack to Gulf News, saying that people watched on as the alleged assault took place, before security staff stepped in.

Judicial sources explained that sexual assault cases involving minor victims are treated as 'sex against will' when the victim is a male and 'rape' when the victim is a female.