More than 250 children were among those who handed over found money to the police.
Abu Dhabi: More than 8,700 people across the UAE handed over cash they found in public places to police stations during 2025.
According to a statistical report issued by the Ministry of Interior, a total of 8,706 individuals voluntarily surrendered lost money discovered in streets, public facilities, shopping centres, and various modes of transport throughout the year.
The funds, estimated to be worth millions of dirhams, were later processed through official channels to help return them to their rightful owners, according to Al Bayan newspaper.
The ministry said the figures reflect the values of integrity and trust deeply rooted in UAE society, as well as the strong cooperation between the public and law enforcement authorities.
Among those who handed over lost money were 257 children aged 10 and under, a figure the ministry said underscores the success of families and schools in instilling honesty and responsibility from an early age.
One of the cases highlighted in the report involved an eight-year-old Arab girl who found Dh17,000 in the courtyard of a cinema at a shopping mall.
Accompanied by her family, she handed the money over to Al Rashidiya Police Station, a gesture that received widespread praise and was cited as an example of the ethical values promoted within the community.
Young people also featured prominently in the report, with 461 individuals aged between 11 and 20 returning money they had found. This reflects growing awareness among younger generations of the importance of safeguarding the rights and property of others.
The Ministry of Interior said the statistics highlight the high levels of trust and security in the UAE, as well as the role of families, schools, and media institutions in reinforcing ethical values, respect for the law, and protection of public and private property.
The Ministry added that such actions strengthen community partnerships with police forces and contribute to wider efforts to enhance public safety, social cohesion, and quality of life across the country.
Police stations across the UAE continue to receive reports of lost property and found cash around the clock, with authorities working to return valuables to their rightful owners through established legal and administrative procedures designed to protect individual rights and reinforce public trust.
