Three held in Dubai corruption probe

Three senior staff at Dubai developer Nakheel have been detained for questioning as part of a year-long fraud investigation. All three were working on the developer's Waterfront project.

Two of the three, according to local press reports, are Australian nationals and include Waterfront managing director Matt Joyce, who was made redundant from the project last month reportedly.

The detentions follow a year-long investigation by the Dubai authorities into allegations of corruption and bribery at some of the Emirates biggest construction projects and development, with more than 20 executives arrested on suspicion of fraud.

Senior project personnel from property developers Deyaar, Sama Dubai and Mizin have so far been called in for questioning during the investigation.

Situated on the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Waterfront will add more than 70 km to the Emirates coastline. Twice the size of Hong Kong Island it is expected to house an estimated population of 1.5 million people.