Dubai Police Honour Expat Who Saved Five From Sinking SUV During Floods Last Year

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Dubai Police recently recognised Shahvez Khan, a 28-year-old trainee auditor from India, for his heroic act during last year’s catastrophic floods. Khan, who risked his life to save five people trapped in a sinking SUV during the April floods, was honoured with a police medal and a cash award of Dh1,000.

The award ceremony took place at Dubai Police Headquarters, where Colonel Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Acting Director for Community Happiness, presented Khan with a certificate, medal, and cheque.

Khan, overwhelmed by the recognition, reflected on his actions: “I still can’t believe it. I just did what anyone should do in such a situation. When I received the call from Dubai Police, I was in shock. Standing there, receiving the medal, felt like a dream.”

The young hero wasted no time in sharing the good news with his family back home in Meerut, India. "The first thing I did was call my parents. They were overjoyed. My mother kept saying, ‘You scared us that day, but today, you’ve made us proud,’” Khan said.

Khan's bravery came to light when a video of the rescue went viral. On April 16, as torrential rains flooded parts of Dubai, Khan, after finishing Asr prayers, spotted a yellow SUV trapped in rising waters near Coca-Cola Arena. Without hesitation, he leapt 20 feet into the water, using a hammer passed by a nearby worker to shatter the car's roof.

Despite suffering injuries from the broken glass and fall, Khan managed to lead the five trapped occupants — two Arab men, an Indian woman, a Filipina, and another Indian man — to safety. His courage left him with deep cuts on his hands and feet, causing a temporary setback to his cricket aspirations, but he expressed no regrets.

Khan humbly added, “It was never about recognition, but knowing that people remember and appreciate it means a lot. I hope this encourages others to help when they see someone in trouble.”