Irishman faces Dubai prison over text message emoji

A 39 year old property renovator from Laragh in County Wicklow is facing Dubai jail after being accused of sending threatening emojis from Ireland to a Belgian acquaintance he says took his possessions without permission.

In January 2022, Stuart Quiney accompanied his friend to Dubai to help him set up his new life. He was introduced to a Belgian resident who assisted his friend to get an apartment by providing a local ID. Stuart stayed with his friend for two months, enjoying a short break from the Irish winter.