An Emirati man was arrested for allegedly stealing an expensive newborn camel as a birthday gift for his girlfriend.
He is then said to have lied to police about how he obtained the animal.
The man's girlfriend was also arrested in connection with the incident.
Dubai Police were alerted to the theft two weeks ago by the dromedary's owners, who reported that a young camel of a rare variety had been stolen from their farm.
Police searched the farm but found no leads as to who may have taken the animal.
Days later, the accused, who owns a farm in the area, called police to report that a young camel had accidentally wandered on to his farm.
Brig Abdullah Al Mosam, director of Bur Dubai Police station, said officers were immediately suspicious of the man's story because his farm is three kilometres from the other farm, with the two properties separated by a motorway.
It was a journey that would have been impossible for a newborn camel to undertake, Brig Al Mosam said.
Police called the man in for questioning, when he is said to have admitted sneaking on to his neighbour's farm at night to steal the expensive baby camel as a birthday present for his girlfriend.
Police told The National that the man had intended to steal an adult camel but was unable to lead any away.
The man and his girlfriend worried about being caught, so made up a false report in the hope of evading punishment, police said.
Brig Al Mosam said the young camel was returned to its owners. The arrested couple face charges of theft and giving police false information.
