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 mandates front number plates for delivery bikes
UAE, European Commission Presidents explore closer ties
UAE, Cyprus Presidents discuss enhancing strategic partnership
Emirates, Dubai Humanitarian launch airbridge for Sri Lanka cyclone victims
RTA chalks out route map for Dubai Metro Blue Line
UAE opens Emirates Medical Centre to serve patients in Gaza
UAE President receives official welcome at Presidential Palace in Nicosia
Rain hits parts of UAE: Dubai Police issues public safety SMS alerts
UAE condemns terrorist shooting at Bondi Beach
UAE condemns shooting at Brown University in US
Sheikh Mohammed honours Palestinian architect with 'Great Arab Minds' award
Dubai's new road project to reduce travel time from 20 minutes to five
UAE, China foreign ministers affirm depth of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
UAE relief teams conclude humanitarian mission in Sri Lanka
UAE, Serbia deepen ties with new political agreement
UAE strengthens child protection measures
Zayed Giving Caravans treat children, elderly in Pakistan
Dubai gears up for New Year celebrations
UAE braces for unsettled weather over coming week
Dubai Police take action after birthday road fire stunt
