Detained in Dubai Warns of Rising Use of UAE Laws by Ex-Spouses to Target Partners
Detained in Dubai’s CEO, Radha Stirling recounts the traumatic story of a woman who narrowly escaped several years in Dubai prison over a false slander allegation by her ex spouse.
This is a warning to all individuals involved in contentious spousal disputes, particularly where there is a history of emotional or physical abuse.
Stirling tells us, “It never entered her mind. Not in a million years did she imagine that her short trip to visit friends in Dubai would end in such trauma.
“She had escaped an abusive relationship years ago and put it all behind her, or so she thought. She was financially stable, had the support of friends and family and was finally ready to take a much deserved holiday. She was excited to see her friends and see what glamorous Dubai had to offer.
“But it wasn’t to be. An exciting vacation turned to horror when police turned up at her door and took her into custody. She had no idea what was going on. She hadn’t done anything wrong but suddenly she was being handcuffed and thrown in the back of a police car. The sinking feeling of being placed at the mercy of strangers in a foreign land and a foreign justice system. For a young woman to find herself in the hands of Arabic-speaking police, having done nothing wrong, is an absolute nightmare.
“The fear she experienced was unimaginable. Desperate to know what was going on and conveying her innocence, she was eventually told there was a slander case against her from her ex under the UAE’s cybercrime laws.
“They showed her the “evidence” but it wasn’t something she’d ever written. It was a crudely fabricated image, clearly manipulated, submitted solely to secure her arrest. She didn’t think even he would go that low or if he did, that it would even be possible to escalate it this far. She wondered why the police hadn’t done any investigation or analysis of the purported evidence.
“The entire process was an education she never wanted but one that will scar her for ever. The police didn’t care that the evidence was fabricated, they weren’t there to prove her innocence after all. They were there to prosecute and why should they believe this woman over her prominent ex who likely had the police in his pockets. He was wealthy and most certainly had “wasta” in Dubai, a term she later learned refers to social influence and connections. She was left with the strong impression that his influence extended deep into local law enforcement.
“When people have wasta in the UAE, they can get away with anything. They can jail anyone they want and their word is considered sufficient evidence, enough to secure a conviction. She also had to face the systemic sexism prevalent throughout the Middle East. Courts in the UAE have long favoured men in spousal disputes, family and custody cases. She had the odds stacked against her.
“However, she was fortunate enough to be granted bail, but the prosecution was determined to press ahead. The case was driven forward regardless of the quality or credibility of the evidence. This would mean she’d be stuck in the UAE for months and even if found innocent in the end, the punishment would be the process. Her ex had weaponized the UAE’s justice system to the fullest extent. If she lost, it would be years in prisons notorious for beatings, human rights abuses and even deaths in custody. If she won, she still lost just to a lesser extent.
“Given his wasta, we knew that if we were going to fight her case, it would need to be handled discreetly. One phone call from him could have meant her immediate detention (or worse) and there was concern her very life was in jeopardy. It was a tough case, but we were able to save her and she’s safe home, but if it were not for our early intervention, the likely outcome would have been years behind bars.
“This case is not unusual. It’s actually common and it’s not what people expect. Both women and men have been stunned that their ex partner from their own country and culture would be so cunning and spiteful that they would use Dubai’s laws in that way. In many cases, the spouses have no connection to Dubai but it doesn’t matter since a police case can be opened at any time. One party can just take an Emirates holiday and open a frivolous case over some text message or social media post. The next time the victim arrives in Dubai, they’ll be arrested and prosecuted. It is a system that creates clear pathways for serious abuse. When law enforcement doesn't even care about facts and evidence, it’s even worse.
“In a number of cases, spouses have made police complaints for the purpose of escalating the case to Interpol. It gives them the tool to have their partner arrested anywhere in the world, a deeply disturbing prospect for any victim of abuse. The UAE is the perfect system for abusers who want to cause personal pain to their exes and it’s been truly upsetting to observe the extremes some are prepared to reach, driven by spite or the desire to claim the final victory.
“We encourage people with contentious family or spousal matters to exercise particular caution when planning travel (or if living in the country). If their former spouse is someone who frequents Dubai, they may want to reconsider the UAE as a destination themselves.”
Stirling advises victims to get in touch without delay. “For those encountering problems on the ground, we have a war chest of strategies and solutions ready to be deployed. Even where a situation seems hopeless, we will get you through.
“If you anticipate trouble or at risk of an abusive INTERPOL Red Notice, we have helped protect dozens of men and women from false allegations and international escalation. Proactive prevention is the most effective way to safeguard your position going forward, particularly where there is a hostile ex-spouse, business partner, or disgruntled colleague.”
