Missing boy found staying with friends

Abu Dhabi For his worried parents, learning that Mohammad Fazil was safe was all the relief they needed.

The 12-year-old boy, who had disappeared from Al Wahda Mall on Saturday, was found by family friends late on Sunday night, his father T.P. Mustafa told Gulf News.

"Mohammad had returned to the mall with a friend at whose place he had stayed the night. My friends, who had been looking out for my son, called us as soon as they spotted him. We rushed there immediately," Mustafa, a 48-year-old businessman from India, told Gulf News.

"For now, we are happy to have him home and will slowly work towards helping him understand how much of a worry his disappearance caused us," he added.

Fazil, who is a grade six pupil at one of the capital's private schools, had been scheduled to attend religious classes on Saturday morning. Instead of boarding the bus, however, he went to Al Wahda Mall.

Mall security officials said he reached there at about 9am.

Since Fazil was seen alone for a prolonged period, they decided to call his parents at 1pm.

According to Mustafa, he reached the mall and escorted his son to his car, then stepped into the mall again to speak to security officials.

When he returned to his car, however, Fazil was no longer there.

A search by Mustafa and security officials failed to reveal Fazil's whereabouts.

Friends' help

"My wife and I immediately alerted our family and friends in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Our worry grew when we were unable to locate our son even after 24 hours of searching. In the end, our friends helped us find our son again," the father said.

"My son was afraid because I found out he had not attended his classes. I will explain to him, however, how his actions worried us. Thankfully, my son's behaviour was part of an isolated incident and will hopefully never again be repeated," Mustafa added.

Parents' permission

The father said he would also check with the parents of Fazil's friend whether they were aware that he had stayed over at their house without parental permission.

The 12-year-old stayed home yesterday and spent some quality time with his family. Mustafa said Fazil would begin attending school again when he was ready.

A spokesperson from Al Wahda Mall said he wished the family well on the safe return of their son.