DUBAI // An Emirati has gone missing while on holiday in Istanbul, prompting a countrywide search by Turkish authorities.
Jassim Ali Al Shehi, 33, a government employee from Ras Al Khaimah, had been staying in a hotel in Istanbul since August 18 while planning to undergo a dental transplant.
His brother, Saeeed Al Shehi, 32, said the last time his family heard from Jassim was on August 24.
“He used to call his mother on a daily basis, but then communication stopped,” he said.
“We’re sure that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Turkish authorities will do everything they can to find him. We’re only praying for his safe return.”
Mr Al Shehi was originally due to return to the UAE on September 1, but changed his flight to August 28. He left his hotel at 11.20am, on August 25.
Turkey’s ambassador to the UAE, Vural Altay, said the country receives millions of tourists a year and it was a safe place for people to visit.
“This particular case is more likely to be a one-off event than indicative of broader increased risks,” he said.
[ mcroucher@thenational.ae ]
