‘Missing’ Dubai-based Briton gets back in touch with family and friends

Dubai-based engineer Gary Edwards, 33, was reported missing by his sister, Suzy Lewis, on January 14.

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A British expatriate has made contact with his family and friends through Facebook after an appeal was made for his whereabouts.

Dubai-based engineer Gary Edwards, 33, was reported missing by his sister, Suzy Lewis, on January 14.

She posted a photo of her brother on the site and wrote: “I have not been able to contact my brother Gary since 30/12/13.

“He has been living and working in the UAE for the last few years, but due to a series of mishaps and dispute I believe him to be currently homeless, in debt and unable to buy the basic provisions he needs to survive.

“If you have ANY information on his whereabouts, please email me or directly contact Dorset Police who have opened a case with Interpol and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.”

Mrs Lewis, who lives in Poole, Dorset, asked Facebook contacts to pass on the message and Mr Edward’s photo to friends or family living or working in the UAE. The post was widely distributed across the country, with friends sending messages directly to Mr Edwards via Facebook. One said: “Get in contact bro!” and another wrote: “Pleas[e] get in contact. I’m sure we can all find a way to help.”

Mr Edwards broke his silence on January 17, writing on his Facebook wall: “Hi Everyone. Life has taken a massive turn in the positive direction.”

A support and installation engineer for Drilling Systems Middle East, in Dubai, for two years from October 2010, Mr Edwards worked on major oil projects in the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

A spokeswoman for the British embassy in Dubai said: “We are aware of the case and are providing consular assistance.”

A UK police spokeswoman said: “Dorset Police has been investigating this case. Officers received a report of a concern for welfare on Thursday 9 January 2014.

“I have checked with officers and the missing man has now made contact with his family and is therefore no longer classed as missing.”

newsdesk@thenational.ae