Marcus, from Tottenham, North London, had been enjoying a holiday with his parents when he met a fellow Brit at the same hotel. A holiday fling sparked and the pair spent time together until the girl, also from London, flew back to Britain.
In Dubai, if an adult has a sexual relationship with a person under 18, they can be prosecuted for having a sexual relationship with a minor. The relationship would be legal in the UK.
Marcus and his parents were set to fly back shortly after - but their plans were thrown into chaos when police knocked on their hotel room door. The “terrified” teenager was then reportedly hauled in for questioning without any explanation and held at the Al Barsha Police Station, DID said. He spent three days there, during which time he was not allowed to make a phone call or speak with his parents, it is claimed.
Word to the wise, there are countries you absolutely should read the laws for certain things.
Like Singapore. Watch out with things like ADHD meds which need prior approval.
I agree, but most people aren’t going to do more than search “important rules to know before visiting x”.
I mean… When I searched for “important rule to know before visiting dubai” I found this: https://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/guide/faqs/expatwomans-guide-to-dubai-etiquette-how-to-behave-in-dubai
The following are also considered illegal in Dubai: use or possession of drugs, cohabitation, sex outside of marriage, having a baby out of wedlock, adultery and homosexuality.
Important to note that I DO NOT blame the teens. They were doing what teens do. BUT they would have been well advised to research Dubai a bit more than, say, France for what to do and what not to do.
This arrest is shitty and the comment above you is stupid, but you should absolutely be aware of the laws of wherever you go. Being a visitor somewhere doesn’t bestow the right to ignore the law.
