7 Days

Dubai, May 11: A Dubai taxi driver has been hailed as a hero for handing in more than dhs1 million worth of gold and $40,000 in cash, which he found in the back of his cab.

Rameen Khan Mashad Ali told this reporter that he was amazed when he found a bag containing 5kg of unprocessed gold, 4.5kg of processed gold and the US dollars - worth almost dhs150,000.

The Arabia Taxi Co driver immediately handed the haul over to his bosses who in turn took it to Naif Police Station and officers were then able to inform the owner - a Chinese businessman. Rameen Khan, a 45-year-old Pakistani who has been driving his taxi for the past two years, said: “I realised there was a bag still in the car when I got to Deira City Centre, after dropping a passenger off at the Gold Souq.

“There was no lock on the bag and when I opened it there was lots of gold and $40,000 cash inside. I went directly to my company and they checked it. We then took it to the police.

“The owner was there as well and we checked it together - he was very happy. I am a Muslim and in Islam you do not take what does not belong to you. I have my children and my good health and that is all I need.” Rameen Khan said the relieved businessman gave him a dhs1,000 reward, Arabia Taxi Co gave him dhs2,000 and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) gave him dhs10,000.

He now plans to fly home to Pakistan for his son’s wedding next month. And Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the board and RTA executive director, warmly praised Rameen Khan for his good deed. “Honesty is one of the key pillars of excellence and good conduct of drivers,” he said. “The RTA is keen to honour excellent drivers for their standards, safe driving and honesty - while paying considerable attention to timing and dedication to work. Honouring this driver will motivate other taxi drivers in Dubai Taxi and franchise companies  to put more effort in to raise the level of passenger satisfaction.”