The case of a young British student jailed in Dubai has shone a spotlight on the strict rules tourists must follow when visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Mia O’Brien, 23, from Huyton, Liverpool, is being held in central prison after what her family described as “a very stupid mistake”.
Her mother, Danielle McKenna, 46, said in a now-removed fundraiser that she is "absolutely devastated" and hasn’t seen her daughter since last October.
According to Daily Mail, McKenna wrote: “Mia is only 23 years old and has never done a bad thing in her life. This is a young girl, who went to university to do law, and unfortunately got mixed up in the wrong so-called friends and made a very stupid mistake and is now paying the price.”
She later added: “I just want to thank everyone for their donations so far, this money will be used to send to my daughter Mia, and also for any legal fees that may arise, and maybe even to go towards getting family over to Dubai to see her, as none of us have seen Mia since last October, so thank you all so much.”
Authorities have not confirmed what crime O’Brien was convicted of. In the Middle Eastern country, life sentences, usually around 15 years, can be imposed in cases involving drug trafficking, serious violence, or terrorism.
“Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty. Possession of even the smallest amount of illegal drugs, including cannabis, can lead to a minimum three-month prison term or a fine of between 20,000 UAE dirham ($5,445) and 100,000 UAE dirham ($27,000+)," the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office warned.
There are several rules and regulations tourists must abide by if they are planning on visiting Dubai.
For example, drinking alcohol in public is illegal, with the legal age set at 21. Public drunkenness, underage drinking, and drunk driving are also zero-tolerance offences.
Revealing clothing is generally frowned upon, and “indecent actions or anything that might be prejudicial to public morals” can be punished with up to three years in prison and deportation, Mohammed Talal Al Tamimi, a lawyer at Tamimi & Co, told the Khaleej Times.
The FCDO shared their own warning to British tourists and residents, writing: “Dress modestly in public areas like shopping malls.
"Women should cover shoulders and knees, and underwear should not be visible. Avoid transparent clothing or any attire that features imagery or phrases that could potentially offend others. Swimming attire should only be worn on beaches or at swimming pools. Cross-dressing is illegal.”
Other rules are that consensual sexual relationships between a man and woman outside marriage are "generally legal if both are aged 18 or over". Public displays of affection, such as kissing, can also lead to arrest.
Swearing, rude gestures (including online), and critical social media posts about the UAE government or individuals can also carry prison terms or deportation.
Even crossing the road outside of designated pedestrian crossings can lead to fines or imprisonment, and feeding stray cats can result in a fine.
Speaking about her daughter’s situation, Mia’s mother told Daily Mail that she is "going through it at the minute," adding: "She’s just been transferred to another prison after getting a life sentence. It’s been a massive shock.”