A Dutch businessman was robbed of some five million dollars in Dubai (one of the United Arab Emirates) last Sunday. The man was stabbed repeatedly and then rushed to hospital.

The Dutch foreign affairs ministry has confirmed the incident with Radio Netherlands Worldwide. A staff member of Rashid Hospital in Dubai said the businessman was admitted to hospital with multiple stab wounds. He underwent surgery and his condition is reportedly no longer life-threatening.

Authorities carrying out an investigation in Dubai are looking for four suspects in connection with the assault. It is unclear why the Dutchman was carrying such a large amount of cash on him at the time of the robbery. Some witnesses say the man had picked up the money at a currency exchange office.

The foreign ministry in The Hague did not want to disclose further details, but said the incident concerned a “large sum of money”.

(jn/rk)

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide 2011