A man suspected of killing and robbing an American businessman was arrested by Dubai Police within four hours of the death being reported.
On Sunday, Maj Gen Abdullah Al Marri, commander-in-chief of Dubai Police, said the 25-year-old suspect was arrested after allegedly hitting the American over the head with a drawer, killing him. A second man was arrested in connection to the theft.
Police at Al Muraqqabat station were first contacted by the businessman’s nephew who reported having lost contact with his uncle two days prior.
A team tracked down the missing businessman to a hotel room in the emirate, where he was found dead.
“The man frequently visited the country but would stay at a different hotel each time, but our teams managed to locate his last hotel,” said Major Gen Khalil Al Mansouri, assistant commander-in-chief of Criminal Investigation.
Forensic examinations revealed that the man died two days prior after being repeatedly beaten over the head with a drawer taken from the wardrobe in his room.
Police said they tracked down and arrested the suspected killer through use of artificial intelligence technologies but did not elaborate further.
During police questioning, the 25-year-old man allegedly admitted that he accompanied the businessman to his hotel room the night of the murder and told police that he had planned to rob him.
He admitted to hitting the man on the head until he lost consciousness then fleeing with the victim's wallet and ATM card.
Maj Gen Al Mansouri said the second suspect, an Arab, was arrested for helping the killer use the victim's card to withdraw cash.
The case was referred to Public Prosecution for further investigation.