Image : Dubai
Holiday romances often conjure images of idyllic settings and fleeting connections, but for 18-year-old Marcus Fakana, his summer romance has turned into a nightmare. The construction apprentice from London is now facing a one-year prison sentence in Dubai, all stemming from a romantic relationship with a fellow British teenager.
While vacationing with his family in Dubai in September, Fakana met a 17-year-old girl at his hotel. The two quickly struck up a romantic relationship that became physical. However, their plans to continue their connection back in London were derailed when the girl’s mother discovered the relationship and reported it to Dubai police.
In the UAE, the age of consent is 18, making the girl legally a minor during their relationship. Fakana, unaware of the legal implications, found himself in custody. “I was taken from the hotel without being told why. I wasn’t allowed to call anyone, including my parents,” Fakana shared in a statement through Detained in Dubai, a legal advisory group.
Fakana’s appeal to Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum to repeal his sentence has highlighted the strict and often misunderstood laws governing relationships in the UAE.
Dubai, a top destination for Western tourists, is often marketed as a modern and liberal city. However, its legal system, rooted in both civil and Sharia law, frequently surprises unsuspecting visitors. Laws governing relationships, alcohol consumption, and even online activity can lead to severe consequences.
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, emphasizes the confusion many travelers face. “Dubai has marketed itself as a modern tourist destination, but the application of its laws can be arbitrary,” she said. Fakana’s situation is one of many cases where foreigners have unknowingly violated the UAE’s strict laws.
Fakana’s ordeal is not an isolated incident. Earlier this year, Irish flight attendant Tori Towey faced a six-month prison sentence after attempting suicide and consuming alcohol. Towey’s case arose from reporting domestic violence, which led to retaliatory charges against her.
“I felt stuck with nowhere to go,” Towey recounted. Despite the UAE’s announcement in 2020 that suicide would be decriminalized, her charges highlighted the discrepancies between publicized reforms and on-the-ground realities. Towey eventually secured her release with help from Detained in Dubai and media coverage.
Similarly, tourists have faced charges over trivial incidents, such as using a “threatening emoji” or leaving negative online reviews. Stirling notes that almost all visitors to the UAE could theoretically be in violation of its cybercrime laws, often applied retroactively and internationally.
Dubai’s strict laws aim to preserve public safety and order. Azaan Salahuddin, a managing partner at Dubai-based Al Adl Legal, points out that “laws are meant to protect citizens and visitors alike.” However, the country’s low crime rate—24.6 crimes per 100,000 people—comes at a cost for those unaware of the rules.
Fakana’s case was further complicated by errors in the police report, which misrepresented his age and nationality, potentially leading to a harsher sentence. His legal team is now weighing whether to appeal the judgment, a move that could result in an even stricter punishment.
For Fakana, the experience has been life-altering. Separated from his family and struggling with anxiety and financial strain, he remains hopeful for a resolution. “I’m pleading for a fine and deportation,” he said, reflecting on the toll the ordeal has taken.
His case serves as a cautionary tale for tourists in Dubai, underscoring the importance of understanding local laws. As Dubai continues to attract millions of visitors each year, the clash between its modern image and stringent legal framework remains a source of contention and confusion.
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