A British teenager imprisoned in Dubai after a consensual holiday romance with a 17-year-old has issued a heartfelt plea for clemency.
Marcus Fakana - 19, from Tottenham in North London - has been behind bars in Dubai’s Al Awir Prison since December.
His offense? A relationship with a girl who, while also British and just one year his junior, was under the legal age of consent in the United Arab Emirates of 18 years old.
While consensual and legal in the UK — where the age of consent is 16 — the relationship fell foul of strict Emirati laws.
Now, from the confines of a foreign prison, Marcus has written directly to Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, asking for compassion and release.
A Secret Holiday Romance Turned Legal Nightmare
The case dates back to September, when Marcus and the girl, both from London, met while on vacation with their families in Dubai. The pair began a secret relationship, one that may have gone unnoticed had the girl's mother not later seen messages and photos after returning to the UK.
Outraged, the mother reported Marcus to Dubai police, who arrested him at his hotel. He was 18 at the time of the relationship; the girl had not yet turned 18, making the liaison illegal under UAE law.
Marcus was later sentenced to a year in prison.
“He Is Barely an Adult Himself”
Radha Stirling, founder of the UK-based legal aid group Detained in Dubai, described the situation as "heartbreaking."
“This has been the most traumatic and life-altering experience imaginable for Marcus,” Stirling said, per BBC News. “He is barely an adult himself, and never intended to break any law. What happened was legal in the UK and consensual. But now he is facing permanent damage to his mental health and future prospects because of it.”
Stirling confirmed Marcus had voluntarily handed himself in to begin serving his sentence, opting not to appeal in hopes of an earlier release.
“He’s very brave and kind and I truly hope he will be home soon,” she added.
A Family Fighting From Afar
Since his arrest, Marcus’ parents have been tirelessly campaigning for help. Both returned to London — his father working in a warehouse, his mother as a cleaner — to fund his legal costs and accommodation while he was on bail.
Now, they’re turning to Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the British Embassy in Dubai for support. Downing Street has acknowledged the case, calling it “an extremely distressing situation for Marcus and his family.”
The family, along with Detained in Dubai, are hoping for a royal pardon or commuted sentence—an outcome that, while rare, has precedent in similar cases involving foreigners in the UAE.
Detained in Dubai says Marcus has limited contact with his family, only able to call home sporadically for short periods. The emotional toll, the group says, is severe.
“Marcus is struggling, and this experience will leave a permanent scar,” Stirling said. “He has shown remorse and fully respects the laws of the UAE. He only hopes the government will show compassion and allow him to return home to rebuild his life.”
The case is also a cautionary tale, Stirling warns.
“Parents need to be aware that teens can be charged in the UAE for behavior that would not be considered criminal at home — whether that's a relationship, social media activity, or even drinking alcohol.”
Dubai Defends Its Legal System
In a statement, Dubai authorities defended their handling of the case: “Under UAE law, the girl is legally classified as a minor and, in accordance with procedures recognised internationally, her mother – being the legal guardian – filed the complaint.”
“Dubai’s legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring impartial judicial proceedings,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Office confirmed its involvement: “We are supporting a British man in the UAE and are in contact with his family.”