Egyptian-American political commentator freed from UAE custody, returns home
Following a high-profile campaign to secure the freedom of Egyptian-American Sherif Osman after his arrest in Dubai over his criticism of the Egyptian government, Detained in Dubai announced today that Osman has returned home to the United States. The Egyptian-born US citizen was detained on holiday in the UAE last month over an extradition request by the Egyptian government because of his online criticisms of the regime of Abdel-Fatah El Sisi and his support for protests dur
Israeli PTSD sufferer arbitrarily arrested in Dubai
In a case reminiscent of the arrest of Steven Long last March, an Israeli citizen who has been diagnosed with PTSD was detained at Dubai Airport last week over claims of disturbing the peace. Nachman Gabai, 21, was on his way from Tel Aviv to India when he had an 8-hour layover in Dubai. Gabai and another Israeli were standing outside the terminal building when a police patrol approached to question them. Gabai became agitated, at which point the police ordered him to submit
Why no Brits were arrested during World Cup
The World Cup in Qatar has passed without any reported arrests or police incidents involving British citizens, counter to expectations. While some have speculated that the restrictions on the availability of alcohol may have played a decisive role in the relative tranquillity of the event, Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Doha, believes this is a misinterpretation. “Much has been said about the impeccable behaviour of British citizens attending the World Cup, And they attri
Sherif Osman case highlights America’s dwindling influence in the Middle East
When the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s, the United States was the last superpower standing, and then-President George H.W. Bush declared “What we say goes”. One of the first regions where America established its authority in the newly unipolar world, was the Middle East. The US entered the Arab world with guns blazing, both figuratively and literally; and yes, what the said did indeed go. “I recall an Emirati police official confiding in me in the early 2000s that
Scottish man fights for Iraq jail cellmate
Brian Glendinning returned home to Scotland after being detained in an Iraqi jail over a Qatar issued Interpol Red Notice for debt. After extensive campaigning, he was finally released and avoided what was set to be at least two years in prison. His welcomed return to Scotland though, has left him feeling immense sadness for his 36 year old cellmate, Hussein Yactine, who helped him survive the ordeal. Hussein has been in detention in Iraq for over one year for the same reason
UAE out-spends China to win influence
Between the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the Emirates Investment Authority, Mubadala, and the Investment Corporation of Dubai; the UAE’s Sovereign Wealth Funds control well over $1 trillion. That is roughly equivalent to the total assets of the China Investment Fund, the world’s largest SWF; meaning the UAE has the capability of mobilising the same amount of capital as a country 140 times its size. If you thought that they were just spending this money on gaudy buildings a
UAE's Al Roeya censorship goes global with CNN deal
Al Roeya censorship goes global with CNN deal “There is no freedom of the press in the UAE,” says Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, “But every journalist entering the industry there knows that. Whether we are talking about print media or television, every news outlet in the Emirates is essentially a propaganda operation dedicated to curating a positive image of the UAE and applauding the government. It is not a mystery why the salaries for journalists and editors in D
UAE Investment Warning by tortured London businessman
In a most egregious attack, those who are responsible for the safety and protection of people in their custody, took advantage of their power and abused the 61 year old grandfather, Albert Douglas. After having been violently beaten and tortured by UAE prison guards, Albert sustained multiple fractures and injuries that still require surgery today. Now, rather than returning him to his home country, UAE authorities have been pushed by the UK to conduct a charade of an investi
Radha Stirling: Top 10 Most Inspiring People in Legal Services, 2022
CIO Views has listed Detained in Dubai CEO, Radha Stirling, amongst one of the top 10 most inspiring people in legal services, 2022. Learn more about Ms Stirling on a personal level in this in-depth report. Radha Stirling is a leading human rights advocate, crisis manager and policy consultant, focusing on the UAE and the wider Middle East. She is the founder and CEO of the United Kingdom-based organisation Detained in Dubai Radha Stirling – A Leading Human Rights Advocate De
Radha Stirling in Modern Diplomacy
Protest emerges as a mixed blessing for World Cup host Qatar 29th of November 2022 by James M Dorsey Protest on the soccer pitch has proven to be a mixed blessing for World Cup host Qatar, exposing double standards in the Gulf state’s position as well as that of its critics. Qatari investments include London’s landmark Harrods department store; The Shard, an iconic 72-storey skyscraper; and Canary Wharf, part of the city’s central business district. Qatar also owns Chelsea Ba
