Dubai Detains 17
Accused of Homosexual Behavior

Police in the Gulf tourist hub of Dubai say they've detained 17 foreigners for allegedly displaying homosexual behavior in malls and other public places.

Police spokesman Zuhair Horoun says all the suspects are men who were either visiting or working in Dubai. He says they were detained Wednesday but did not elaborate or give details about their behavior.

Dubai's Gulf News reported Thursday that police detained ''40 cross-dressing tourists.'' The paper quotes Dubai's police chief as saying the arrests are part of a campaign against ''transvestites.''

Outward homosexual behavior is banned in the United Arab Emirates. Despite its Western outlook, Dubai is a Muslim city-state that remains largely hostile to homosexuality. (AP)