A British teenager, Marcus Fakana, 19, from Tottenham, north London, has returned home after being released from a Dubai prison following a royal pardon from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

Al Maktoum. Fakana had been jailed for seven months for engaging in a consensual relationship with a 17-year-old British tourist during a family holiday in August at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, a luxury hotel where both families were staying.

The relationship came to light when the girl’s mother discovered birth control pills in her daughter’s luggage upon returning to the UK and reported Fakana to Dubai authorities. Although the girl was only one month shy of 18, Dubai’s laws criminalize sexual relations with anyone under 18, leading to Fakana’s arrest and a one-year prison sentence. Initially accused of rape, Fakana was cleared of that charge after hotel CCTV footage confirmed the consensual nature of the encounter, showing the girl entering his room at 4am.

Fakana endured harsh conditions at Al Aweer prison, known for overcrowding and inadequate medical care, with reports of 20 inmates sharing three beds. The case sparked widespread criticism of the UAE’s strict laws, which campaigners argue disproportionately target foreigners. Detained in Dubai, a group advocating for Fakana’s release, highlighted the UAE’s alleged double standards, noting that Emiratis often face lighter consequences for similar offenses.

Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, described Fakana’s ordeal as “deeply unjust,” emphasizing that the consensual act was legal in the UK and that Fakana was unaware of the girl’s age. “Marcus should never have been put through this,” Stirling said. “He was supposed to spend a few days with his family but ended up in prison for nearly a year.” The group, which has assisted over 25,000 foreigners facing legal issues abroad, secured Fakana’s release after a month-long campaign, supported by public pressure and diplomatic efforts.

Fakana’s family expressed gratitude for the support, with Stirling noting the severe mental and emotional toll on the teenager, who was “barely an adult” and now faces challenges rebuilding his life. The case has prompted calls for the UK to revise its travel advice for the UAE and engage more robustly on human rights issues. “Dubai could have fined and deported him,” Stirling added. “Instead, he was sentenced to a year in prison, causing severe trauma.”

Fakana returned to the UK on July 3, 2025, and is now recovering with loved ones. Detained in Dubai continues to advocate for reform in the UAE, where strict laws often “entrap and criminalize innocent visitors.” Photo by JoohnSmith41, Wikimedia commons.