Sharjah: A taxi driver was surprised to discover 200,000 Saudi riyals (Dh200,000) had been left in his taxi after a passenger forgot his briefcase with the money and other valuable items.

Mohammad Tahir Ameen, a Pakistani, immediately handed over the briefcase to the Office of Transportation at Sharjah International Airport.

The briefcase also contained cheque books, a laptop, a mobile phone, passports and other important documents.

Fine amount reduced

In recognition of the taxi driver's honesty, Sharjah Transport Corporation yesterday awarded him an undisclosed amount of cash and also reduced the amount he had to pay for traffic offences.

"The Saudi passenger was on his way to the airport with a friend late at night and forgot his briefcase in the taxi," said Rahma Al Shamsi, Assistant Director General of Sharjah Transport.

"The authorities were able to track down the passenger, who was still at the airport, and return his belongings," he said.