Authorities have detained senior managers at Dubai Waterfront, one of the emirate’s most ambitious property developments, as part of an investigation into bribery allegations.

The detentions come amid a series of emirate-wide probes into alleged fraudulent activity at state-backed property developers and banks that has rocked Dubai in the past 12 months.

One of those detained, Matt Joyce, was managing director of the vast Waterfront project until he was made redundant last month.

Dubai public prosecution records show that Joyce, an Australian national, and two others have been detained for questioning in relation to allegations of bribery.

The Australian foreign ministry has confirmed that two of its nationals were detained after questioning on 25 January.

Nakheel, the government-owned parent company of the Dubai Waterfront entity, said it had 'no information' about Joyce.

Financial Times