Several arrested over attack on Kuwaiti jet skiers in Dubai

A group of knife-wielding Emirati men attacked Kuwaiti jet skiers taking part in the jet ski championship being held here, inflicting light to medium injuries to five of them before they were arrested by the emirate’s police.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, personally followed the case and ordered the immediate arrest of the attackers.

Sheikh Mohammed ordered the competent authorities to open prompt investigation, and he called the Kuwaiti visiting team wishing them quick recovery.

Deputy Dubai Police Chief Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazeina stated that with reference to Sheikh Mohammed’s orders and personal follow-up, the prime suspect and several other people has been arrested. The suspects will be lined up, and if proved guilty, they will be referred to the Public Prosecutor office.

The UAE has apologised to Kuwait over the attack and pledged to bring all the Emirati assailants to justice.

Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended apology in a brief statement on his Twitter page, according to Alkhaleej newspaper.

“I apologise to Kuwait and its dear people for the attack on Kuwaiti jet skiers in Dubai and those who committed this act will be brought to justice,” he said.

Officials said the Emiratis attacked the Kuwaitis during the championship at  Umm Suqeim beach on Saturday following what they described as an old dispute.

“The injured were taken to hospital where they received treatment. Police are looking for three more attackers,” Emarat Al Youm daily said.

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed instructed that all the attackers must be immediately arrested and face justice. He also directed Rashid Hospital to provide all necessary treatment for the injured.”

Quoted by the official Kuwaiti news agency Kuna, Kuwait’s consul in Dubai Tareq Al Hamad said the five Kuwaitis were treated and discharged from hospital.

He said Dubai’s authorities had informed the Kuwaiti Consulate about the incident and the arrest of the attackers, adding they were also pursuing the rest.

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