United Arab Emirates: Missing French teenager found in the desert, her father confirms – News

[Editor’s Note: This story has been updated.]

A French teenager who went missing in Sharjah was found in the desert not far from her home, her father David Croisers confirmed to Khaleej Times. The discovery comes after an intensive search effort by Sharjah Police and concerned community members.

“Meline was unwell and was rushed to Al Dhaid Hospital in Sharjah, where she is recovering,” David said. Her sister described her as disoriented and “not herself” because she was exposed to the sun without water.

The family expressed immense relief at Meline’s safe return and thanked everyone involved in the search efforts. More details about Meline’s condition and the circumstances of her disappearance are expected to emerge as she recovers.

Meline disappeared on the night of March 25, prompting a massive drone search operation. The teenager disappeared from her home in the Al Suyoh suburb of Al Riqaibah, located near the Sharjah Grand Mosque, during the early hours of Monday, March 25, between 1am and 5am.

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The desperation of the family

Previously, David Croiser, known in the French community for his bakery, had expressed his deep concern over the sudden disappearance of his daughter. “Meline left a haunting note that suggests it could be her last day,” Croiser had told Khaleej Times. “We are very worried. It has been more than 36 hours now. Our daughter’s note has left us shocked. We have filed a report and the Sharjah police are doing everything they can: using drones, tracking CCTV footage and employing “All resources available to find it. But every minute that passes seems like an eternity.”

Pooja, a close friend of the Croiser family, had said Meline was in a “fragile mental state”.

Meline is the youngest of two sisters. The family had circulated missing persons posters in the area, hoping to get some information that might lead to Meline’s whereabouts and urging anyone with information for her to come forward.

Recent incidents

Last month, an autistic teenager from Sharjah who went missing from a shopping mall was found 18 kilometers away at Dubai airport after more than 24 hours, thanks to the surveillance of an Indian passenger.

Last December, an 11-year-old boy went missing from Arabian Ranches, prompting a massive search by Dubai Police, involving drones and sniffer dogs. He was finally found late at night. According to his aunt, the boy, described as “highly sensitive”, faced emotional distress due to academic pressure after failing to achieve expected grades in exams.

Child mental health professionals in the UAE have highlighted the importance of such incidents as a reminder of the challenges young people can face. They highlighted the importance of providing parents with the necessary tools to support their children in the delicate phases of their lives.

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