New Delhi, India – A Saudi Arabian national attempted to gain access to a five-star hotel in Delhi where UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was staying, the Indian newspaper, The Indian Express reported on Monday. The individual was promptly intercepted by vigilant security personnel while trying to approach the UAE President in the hotel lobby.
Upon questioning by security officials, the man explained that his motivation for being at the hotel was a heartfelt plea for assistance. He revealed that his brother was currently hospitalized in Saudi Arabia, and he had traveled all the way from Saudi Arabia to Delhi with the hope of meeting the UAE Crown Prince to seek his support.
The unexpected encounter raised concerns about a potential security breach during the summit.
Details emerged indicating that the Saudi national had checked into a prominent hotel in Aerocity earlier on the same day. After only a few hours, he requested a cab from the hotel staff for transportation to Delhi. The hotel provided him with a black Innova Crysta, which conspicuously bore a sticker issued by the Delhi Police security unit. The sticker was part of a security measure implemented to identify cars associated with the hotels where G20 delegates were accommodated.
As a result of the security sticker on the Innova, the vehicle was allowed to pass through the hotel gate without any hindrance. The man patiently waited in the hotel lobby, aiming to meet the UAE Crown Prince. However, his actions were immediately noticed by security personnel, leading to his apprehension.
Swiftly responding to the situation, security agencies took the man into custody, and a wireless alert was broadcast. During subsequent questioning by intelligence officials, the man claimed that he was unaware of the security protocols in place. He reiterated that his primary purpose in traveling to Delhi was to implore the UAE President for assistance regarding his brother’s medical condition in Saudi Arabia. Notably, his return flight to Saudi Arabia was scheduled for the following Sunday.
In light of this incident, the Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of External Affairs was informed about the situation. Following thorough questioning, both the Saudi national and the cab driver were released without any legal actions taken against them.