Man who tried to rape tourist near police academy arrested

Dubai: A man who attempted to rape a British tourist in Sufouh two weeks ago was arrested despite the scarcity of leads provided, Dubai Police have announced.

The woman was running in the area behind Dubai Police Academy at night when the suspect spotted her, she told police.

The man, who was strongly built, restricted her movement and started taking her clothes off in an attempt to rape her, but she managed to convince him that she would have a relationship with him, which made him loosen his grip, she said.

The woman seized the opportunity and ran away leaving her shoes and trousers behind. She sought help from passers-by and called the police.

Brigadier Khalil Ebrahim Al Mansouri, director of Dubai Police's Criminal Investigation Department, said the victim provided very little information about the suspect's description because he attacked her in a dark area. A portrait was made based on this information, and police narrowed down the search to a suspect who has similar features, who was monitored by the police.

After arresting the man, an Afghan national working for a private company, he confessed to the crime, and police found some of the woman's personal items while searching his residence.

More security

Brigadier Al Mansouri said the police are keen on protecting tourists as well as residents, which is why the Tourism Security Department was set in 2001 to tend to visitors and tourism companies for more security and stability. He advised tourists to use well-reputed and licensed tour operators when they book desert safaris and not to wander away from the group when they are in the desert.

Some tourism companies hire drivers, who are not licensed to drive in the desert, to cope with increased demand or save money, which can put people's lives at risk, while some companies rent out motorcycles and scooters to tourists without obtaining a licence. He said these vehicles usually do not meet the safety requirements set by the authorities.

Criminal records

Some desert camp operators also hire people who are not sponsored by them without the knowledge of their companies, which can be risky as these people may have criminal records or carry diseases.

These illegal workers could also commit acts that tarnish the image of the UAE as a safe country for residents and tourists, while camp workers who fail to wear uniforms also paint a bad image to tourists, Brigadier Al Mansouri said.