Even if it might seem like the most luxurious, dream holiday for many, Dubai comes with a whole host of strict rules that tourists need to follow.
Having headed out there for a family trip, a British teen is currently facing 20 years in a Dubai prison after having sex with a girl.
UAE Civil & Criminal Justice Specialists Detained in Dubai report that 18-year-old Marcus Fakana had travelled to the city for a holiday with his parents back on 26 August.
And while there, the Tottenham lad struck up a romance with a fellow Londoner.
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Marcus said they ‘had a wonderful time together’ and they’d hoped to continue their relationship back in the UK.
However, they were having to keep things secret from her family.
What led to Marcus' arrest?
“We really liked each other, but she was secretive with her family because they were strict,” he said.
“My parents knew about our relationship, but she couldn’t tell hers. She had to meet me without telling them it was to see a boy.”
He was excited to see her again when he got home, but then police suddenly showed up at his hotel, and he was taken into custody without any explanation. Marcus was detained for three days, unable to contact his parents.
It is understood that the girl’s mother found the pair’s chats and photos when they returned to the UK, and contacted police in Dubai.
At the time, she was a few months younger than Marcus and has since turned 18.
What are the rules in Dubai?
Chief executive of Detained in Dubai, Radha Stirling, explained that the recent rule changes in Dubai means sex outside of marriage is legal for tourists, but only if both parties are over the age of 18.
“Dubai has only recently legalised out-of-wedlock sex for tourists but still hosts a strict Islamic legal system,” the campaigner explained.
“The girl was just a few months younger than Marcus and he didn’t know that at the time,” said Stirling. “Since his arrest, she has turned 18.
“This is not something Dubai should be prosecuting.”
Unlike the stricter rules of Dubai, Marcus and the girl’s relationship would not be illegal.
Stirling added that the woman was 'clearly a very strict mother to involve police in a private matter that is completely legal in the country where she lives and where the children have grown up'.
However, she may not have realised that she was potentially causing Marcus to face up to 20 years in prison.
What is Marcus' situation now?
"I’m living in Airbnbs that are costing my family £2,000 per month. They had to go home to work. They earn a humble living, my mother is a cleaner and my dad works in a warehouse,” the 18-year-old said.
"They saved up for this one-off holiday and they have now used all of their savings. The police demanded 10,000 AED for bail which I’ve been told is not normal and the costs are mounting.
"I’m here all alone. I pray this nightmare will be over and I’ll be home for Christmas."
Topics: Travel, UK News, World News, Prison
Jess Battison