Dubai Police Honour Expat Who Saved 5 From Sinking SUV During Floods Last Year

Dubai Police have honoured Shahvez Khan, a 28-year-old trainee auditor from India, with a police medal and a cash award of Dh1,000 for his bravery during last year's April floods .

Khan, who risked his life to save five people from a sinking SUV , was recognised in a ceremony at Dubai Police Headquarters recently.

Colonel Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Acting Director for Community Happiness, presented him with a certificate, medal, and a cheque, acknowledging his courageous act.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Overwhelmed by the recognition, Khan described the moment as surreal.“I still can't believe it, I just did what anyone should do in such a situation,” he said.“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 sharing the news with his family back home in Phalauda, a small town in Meerut, India.“The first thing I did was call my parents,” Khan said.“They were overjoyed. My mother kept saying, 'You scared us that day, but today, you've made us proud.'"

Khan's courage came to light after a video of the daring rescue went viral. On April 16, as torrential rains flooded parts of Dubai, Khan had just finished offering Asr prayers when he spotted a yellow SUV trapped in the fast-rising waters near Coca-Cola Arena. Without hesitation, he leapt 20 feet into the water, shattering the car's glass roof with the help of a hammer passed by a nearby worker.

“I can still see their faces - panic-stricken, pounding on the windows, gasping for air,” Khan recalled.“There was no time to think, only to act.”

Despite sustaining injuries from the broken glass and the impact of his fall, Khan managed to lead all five occupants - two Arab men, an Indian woman, a Filipina, and an Indian man - to safety. His selfless act left him with deep cuts on his hands and feet, jeopardising his passion for cricket, but he has no regrets.

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

MENAFN16032025000049011007ID1109319900