Dubai, UAE – Dubai Police have honoured Shahvez Khan, a 28-year-old trainee auditor from India, with a police medal and a cash award of Dh1,000 for his bravery during last year’s April floods.

Khan risked his life to rescue five people trapped in a sinking SUV and was recognised in a ceremony at Dubai Police Headquarters.

Colonel Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Acting Director for Community Happiness, presented Khan with a certificate, a medal, and a cheque, acknowledging his courageous act.

Khan, overwhelmed by the recognition, described the moment as surreal. “I still can’t believe it. I just did what anyone should do in such a situation,” he said.

“When I received the call from Dubai Police, I was in shock. Standing there, receiving the medal, felt like a dream.”

The young hero wasted no time sharing the news with his family back home in Phalauda, a small town in Meerut, India. “The first thing I did was call my parents,” Khan said.

“They were overjoyed. My mother kept saying, ‘You scared us that day, but today, you’ve made us proud.’” Khan’s courage came to light after a video of his daring rescue went viral.

On April 16, as torrential rains flooded parts of Dubai, Khan had just finished offering Asr prayers when he spotted a yellow SUV trapped in the fast-rising waters near Coca-Cola Arena. Without hesitation, he leapt 20 feet into the water, shattering the car’s glass roof with the help of a hammer passed by a nearby worker.

“I can still see their faces — panic-stricken, pounding on the windows, gasping for air,” Khan recalled. “There was no time to think, only to act.”

Despite sustaining injuries from the broken glass and the impact of his fall, Khan managed to lead all five occupants — two Arab men, an Indian woman, a Filipina, and an Indian man — to safety. His selfless act left him with deep cuts on his hands and feet, jeopardising his passion for cricket, but he has no regrets.

“It was never about recognition,” Khan said. “But knowing that people remember and appreciate it means a lot. I only hope this encourages others to help when they see someone in trouble.”

Dubai Police have consistently recognised brave acts by residents, reinforcing the city’s spirit of community and heroism. Khan’s actions serve as an inspiration for many, proving that courage and humanity can shine even in the face of adversity.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members