An employee at a travel agency in Sharjah has been arrested for duping close to two dozen people.
Police say he sold plane tickets to 21 UAE expats who thought they had grabbed a good deal.
However, when they realised that their bookings didn't exist, they called the police.
Within 48 hours authorities in Sharjah arrested a man who admitted to taking the money, but not handing it over to his company.
This resulted in the bookings being cancelled.
The suspect said he duped the holidaymakers so he could pay off thousands of dirhams in personal debts.

Dubai strengthens school transport safety ahead of new academic year
Sharjah Ruler approves more than 4,400 student scholarships
Abu Dhabi steps up drive against abandoned vehicles, boats
Twenty five judges take the oath in Sharjah
UAE to train more than 24,000 educators ahead of new academic year
