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Organisation advises governments to lift travel bans on expats trapped in Dubai, while some leave animals behind Detained in Dubai urges governments to intervene so foreign nationals can leave the region with their families UAE legal group Detained in Dubai has written to governments including the United States, Australia, Britain and Ireland advising them to make urgent diplomatic representations to the UAE calling for the temporary lifting of travel bans linked to civil disputes and administrative restrictions, allowing foreign nationals who wish to leave the country to do so. The organisation says it has seen a sharp increase in calls and messages from foreign nationals across the world who are concerned about being trapped in the region amid escalating geopolitical tensions and disruption to travel routes. While many expatriates intend to remain in the UAE, others say they simply want the choice to leave with their families but are finding themselves legally unable to do so because of travel bans tied to civil disputes, employment complaints or unresolved administrative records. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, said the organisation has received a surge of messages from residents frightened by the situation and desperate for the option to return home. “People are calling us in tears,” Stirling said. “One British resident contacted us saying they simply want the choice to leave a country where missiles are falling nearby. They don’t know if the situation is going to get worse and they want to be able to take their family somewhere safe. Another Australian contacted us saying he cannot leave because of a travel ban, while his family back home are terrified watching the news and worrying about what might happen next.” A British woman told Ms Stirling that after she reported being sexually assaulted by a senior executive at her company, she was suddenly hit with a series of labour complaints filed against her by the company. Stirling says “Most of the cases have since been resolved, but one claim worth just a few thousand pounds remains pending and has left her under a travel ban until the matter is heard in court. She denies the claim and believes it will ultimately be proven false, but in the meantime she remains unable to leave the country.” Stirling said many of the restrictions preventing people from leaving are tied to disputes that are purely civil in nature, including rental disagreements, financial claims or employment complaints. “In many countries these would be straightforward civil matters handled through the courts without restricting someone’s freedom to leave,” she said. “But in the UAE these disputes can result in travel bans that effectively trap people in the country until the matter is resolved.” “Nobody should feel trapped in a potential war zone. While some residents may feel comfortable remaining in Dubai, others may not. People must have the right to decide for themselves how they protect their families and where they feel safest.” Detained in Dubai says it is currently advising on multiple cases involving expatriates who remain unable to leave the UAE because of travel bans linked to financial or civil disputes. In some cases families have been prevented from departing the country because of rental disagreements or claims filed by landlords. These travel bans can remain in place until the dispute is resolved through court proceedings, a process that can take months. Advocates say these restrictions can leave families effectively stranded even when they are willing to resolve the dispute. “We are hearing from people who are stuck moving between temporary accommodation while trying to deal with financial disputes,” Stirling said. “Some have young children and simply want to go home so they can stabilise their situation and address the matter from abroad.” Other expatriates are unable to leave because of administrative issues linked to the UAE’s sponsorship-based immigration system. Under this system a person’s residency visa is typically tied to their employer, and if the employer has not completed visa cancellation procedures or lifted an employment complaint, immigration systems may prevent the individual from exiting the country. “In some cases people are stopped at the airport because an employer has not cancelled their visa or lifted an administrative complaint,” Stirling said. “It means a bureaucratic delay or an unresponsive employer can effectively prevent someone from leaving the country.” Advocates say the situation is also forcing some residents to make distressing decisions as they attempt to leave the region quickly. Some expatriates who have secured flights have reportedly been forced to leave pets behind because they cannot make the arrangements to move animals on short notice. Raphaella Stirling, a Crisis Manager at Detained in Dubai confirmed she has been liaising with distraught expats desperately seeking help for their pets as they fled. “People are being placed in the heartbreaking position of having to leave pets behind because they are trying to get their families to safety,” Miss Stirling said. Detained in Dubai is also raising concerns about detainees who have already been scheduled for deportation or release from prison but remain in custody because flights out of the region have been disrupted. “Once someone has been scheduled for deportation, continued imprisonment raises serious legal concerns,” Stirling said. “After all, there is no specific end date on the crisis. “If detainees remain incarcerated beyond the point at which they should have been deported, their detention risks becoming arbitrary. Those individuals should be prioritised for removal on any government evacuation or repatriation flights.” Detained in Dubai is advising governments to request that UAE authorities temporarily: Lift travel bans linked to civil disputes and administrative matters; Allow foreign nationals to leave the country voluntarily even where civil claims remain unresolved; Ensure detainees scheduled for deportation are prioritised for removal. Stirling said governments have a responsibility to ensure their citizens are not trapped by legal or bureaucratic barriers during periods of instability. “People are not asking for special treatment,” she said. “They are simply asking for the choice to leave. When uncertainty grows and families feel frightened, governments should be working to ensure their citizens are able to return home safely if they decide that is what they want. Evacuation must be a choice. Google has evacuated over 1000 employees and it's understandable why people feel their lives are less valuable when they are treated this way.” Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

Expats Trapped in UAE by Travel Bans as Others Flee Region Leaving Pets Behind

Detained in Dubai urges governments to intervene so foreign nationals can leave the region with their families

Missiles Fall as Expats and Investors Fear Economic Crash As missiles fall and social media warnings threaten jail, expatriates fear a repeat of the crisis that once saw cars abandoned at airport car parks. UAE Expert and human rights advocate Radha Stirling has warned that the UAE government’s threats of jail for social media posts about the ongoing Iranian strikes have had the opposite effect to what authorities intended, triggering renewed fears among expatriates about their legal vulnerability in Dubai. Stirling said the warnings have reminded many residents that they are living under laws that can criminalise speech and leave foreigners exposed to severe consequences for minor disputes or financial difficulties. Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International, said: “The government’s warning that people could face jail for posting videos, images or even sharing the wrong news article about the attacks was a strategic mistake. It reminded millions of expatriates that they are not living in the free society they believed they were.” “In a single moment, the narrative of Dubai as a carefree, cosmopolitan safe haven collided with the reality of strict cybercrime laws that can send people to prison simply for sharing information that authorities consider negative or misleading.” Stirling said the warnings have also revived memories of the 2009 financial crisis, when thousands of expatriates faced criminal charges after businesses collapsed. “During the 2009 crash, many expatriates were locked up over relatively small financial disputes, travel banned and eventually left homeless when they lost their jobs. Others fled the country, abandoning their cars at the airport to avoid arrest. Many of those who left later found themselves subject to international arrest warrants or INTERPOL Red Notices after their businesses failed. “Now people are asking the same question: what happens if businesses fail again because of a regional conflict? If the economy slows, tenants disappear and property prices fall, thousands of people could suddenly find themselves unable to meet their bank obligations. “Nearly twenty years after the 2009 crash, we are still dealing with its victims. British citizens remain in prison, others are still fighting Interpol Red Notices and legal battles that began when businesses collapsed. The fallout lasted decades and there is every risk this crisis will create a whole new wave of the same devastation.” Stirling said the fear of becoming trapped in the UAE during an economic downturn or conflict is already influencing decisions among expatriates and investors. “We are seeing people desperately trying to exit property purchases and real estate commitments before a larger market correction arrives. Many are worried about being left with loans they cannot repay if the economy slows or tenants disappear.” She said the current atmosphere has created a new kind of visible panic. “In 2009, people fled the country leaving luxury cars at the airport. Today we are seeing people fleeing and leaving their pets behind because they cannot arrange transport quickly enough or are unsure whether they will be allowed to leave.” “That tells you everything about the level of anxiety among expatriates right now.” Stirling warned that the combination of conflict risk, economic uncertainty and strict legal enforcement could have serious long-term consequences for Dubai’s reputation. “Dubai’s economy is built on confidence. It relies on expatriates believing they can build their lives and businesses there safely. If people begin to fear that a financial crisis, geopolitical conflict or even a social media post could land them in prison or trap them in the country, that confidence can disappear very quickly.” Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

“People Are Fleeing Dubai Leaving Their Dogs Behind” Radha Stirling Warns Expats and Investors Fear Economic Downturn as Conflict and Censorship Shake Dubai

“People Are Fleeing Dubai Leaving Their Dogs Behind” Radha Stirling

Fitness and healthy lifestyle promoter in jail with missiles flying overhead A 25 year old British fitness professional who moved to Dubai to build her future is now being held over a possession allegation and with missiles flying overhead, she is absolutely terrified, reports Detained in Dubai. Antonia Bettridge, from St Helens, relocated to Dubai in November 2023. She initially worked as a sports coach before moving into real estate and training to become a personal trainer. Friends describe her as health focused, disciplined and committed to a lifestyle centred on fitness, yoga and organic nutrition. She has been detained under the UAE’s strict drug laws under suspicion of possession of narcotics with intent to promote which threatens a AED 200,000 fine and life in prison if found guilty. It’s important to note Dubai authorities do not require evidence of intention to promote or sell. Antonia’s mother tells Detained in Dubai that the family are struggling to understand how her daughter ended up in detention. “Antonia’s whole life revolves around fitness and healthy living. She doesn’t live a party lifestyle. She moved to Dubai to build something positive for herself. We are devastated and just want clarity about what has happened.” Antonia’s family say the situation has been made even more distressing by the recent regional instability and missile activity across parts of the Gulf. “With everything happening in the region at the moment, it is incredibly frightening knowing our daughter is in detention and we cannot reach her,” said her mother. “We are worried sick. We just want her to be safe and to have the opportunity to prepare her defence properly.” Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, who has been supporting the family, said the broader situation has heightened anxiety for families with relatives detained in the UAE. “When there is regional instability or security incidents, families naturally become even more concerned about loved ones who are already in a vulnerable situation. It reinforces why allowing defendants to prepare their cases from outside detention, where appropriate, is so important. We hope the FCDO supports her application for bail pending any trial at the very least.” Stirling says she is concerned about how drug allegations are handled in Dubai. “We have worked on numerous cases involving British nationals caught up in Dubai’s purported zero tolerance drug regime, including the case of Andy Neal, who was detained following allegations linked to association and messaging. In many of these cases, wide investigative nets are cast and individuals find themselves detained before the evidential basis is meaningfully scrutinised.” British Army vet Detained in Dubai: BBC interview with Andy Neal family & Radha Stirling She added that evidential standards and procedural safeguards differ significantly from the UK. “In the UAE, detention can come first and clarity later. Bail is limited, access to consistent legal advice can be difficult, and the evidential threshold does not operate in the same way it would in Britain. That creates enormous pressure on young expatriates who may not fully understand the system they are in. Antonia's lawyers have applied for her bail and we are hopeful she will be able to prepare her defence from the outside where she can have free access to her legal team.” Antonia had been working towards launching her own business and had intended to make Dubai her long term home. Her family say they are now focused on ensuring she is treated fairly. “We just want her to have the chance to defend herself properly,” her mother said. “She is 25 years old. Her whole future is at stake.” A young girl's life hangs in the balance. Photos for editorial use attached @DetainedinDubai Stirling said the reality on the ground contrasts sharply with the polished image Dubai projects internationally. “Dubai promotes itself as ultra safe and tightly controlled, yet drugs are widely available in certain circles and nightlife environments. At the same time, people are being arrested left, right and centre for minor or technical offences. We have seen individuals detained over trace substances, prescription issues and even products such as poppy seed spices and even herbal (hemp) tea that would not trigger criminal proceedings in most countries.” Stirling pointed to a series of previous cases illustrating how severe and far-reaching UAE drug enforcement can be. “We have seen individuals face extraordinarily harsh penalties over substances that would not attract the same response in the UK. Billy Hood, a British football coach, was sentenced to 25 years after authorities found CBD vape liquid in his car. In the case of Cat-Le Huy, proceedings were initiated over alleged trace amounts of dust before he was ultimately cleared. Andy Neal was arrested as part of a wide-ranging operation despite no drugs being found on him or in his blood, and he was later (following a year in prison) fully exonerated. These cases demonstrate how zero tolerance is applied in practice. Once an allegation is made, the consequences can be immediate and severe, even where intent or evidence is strongly disputed.” Stirling has also warned of deeper problems within the enforcement system itself. “There are serious concerns about perverse incentives within some drug enforcement operations. When officers are rewarded for arrests, the focus can shift from establishing the truth to simply increasing the numbers. We have repeatedly seen allegations of corruption, informant-led stings and intense pressure to secure convictions quickly. In that kind of environment, justice can become secondary to results. Foreign nationals, who often have little understanding of the system or their rights, are especially vulnerable to being swept up in cases before the full facts are properly examined.” There is a stark gap between the glossy image of life in Dubai and the harsh legal reality. Drugs are present, but the justice system is unforgiving, risky and often incompetent. Once someone is arrested, the system moves quickly and harshly, and individuals can find themselves facing severe consequences for conduct that would be treated very differently in other countries, and in some cases for allegations that are simply untrue.” She added that this pattern raises broader concerns about proportionality and consistency. “When enforcement is sweeping and the penalties are severe, the burden on the authorities to demonstrate clear evidence and intent should be high. Unfortunately, we repeatedly see cases where that balance appears skewed.” Antonia Bettridge Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

British Fitness Coach Detained in Dubai Over Possession Allegation

Antonia Bettridge has been detained under the UAE’s strict drug laws under suspicion of possession of narcotics with intent to promote which threatens a AED 200,000 fine and life in prison if found guilty.

Could regional instability and economic downturn be coming back to Dubai? Dubai / London: Radha Stirling, founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International, has warned that regional instability and missile activity across the Gulf could have wider economic consequences for Dubai if disruptions to travel and tourism persist. While Dubai has long cultivated an image as a stable global hub, Stirling said the emirate’s economy is closely tied to confidence in tourism, aviation and international investment. Any sustained disruption to flights or perception of insecurity could create ripple effects across the wider economy. “Dubai’s economy relies heavily on confidence,” Stirling said. “Tourism, real estate and hospitality depend on people believing the city is a safe and stable place to visit, invest and work. If that perception is shaken, even temporarily, the knock on effects can spread quickly through the economy. “Real estate is also closely tied to confidence,” Stirling added. “If tourism slows and expatriates lose jobs, it can quickly affect the property market. During the 2008 crisis we saw people default on mortgages and rental payments almost overnight. Those financial problems then escalated into legal cases, travel bans and even imprisonment. When economic shocks occur in systems where debt disputes can lead to criminal consequences, the fallout for expatriates can be severe.” Stirling noted that expatriates working in tourism, hospitality, events and retail could be particularly vulnerable if visitor numbers fall or flights remain disrupted. “Influencers and expatriates who publicly promote Dubai often play an informal role in maintaining that confidence,” she said. “There is significant pressure to project positivity about life in the UAE, especially during times of uncertainty, because people understand how quickly sentiment can affect tourism and investment.” Stirling said economic downturns in the UAE can have consequences beyond ordinary financial hardship due to the legal framework surrounding debt enforcement. “During the 2008 financial crisis, I saw how quickly things can unravel when confidence drops,” Stirling said. “People lost their jobs, businesses collapsed, and many expatriates suddenly found themselves facing financial disputes or debt enforcement.” Although the UAE introduced reforms to its cheque laws in recent years, Stirling said the risk of legal consequences arising from financial distress remains significant. “The cheque bounce law reforms were widely publicised, but in practice people are still detained or restricted over financial disputes,” she said. “Civil cases can trigger travel bans, and once someone loses their job their residency visa may also be cancelled. That can leave individuals trapped in a situation where they cannot legally work to repay the debts that caused the case in the first place.” Stirling said her organisations continue to assist foreign nationals facing travel bans, detention or criminal allegations arising from financial disputes in the UAE. “We are still dealing with Interpol Red Notices and civil disputes arising from the world economic crisis. “Economic shocks can quickly turn into legal crises for expatriates in systems where debt enforcement can involve criminal proceedings or travel restrictions,” she said. “Even where an issue should not technically be criminal under the new laws, all it takes is an allegation of fraud for a civil matter to be criminalised. It is important that policymakers consider these risks when responding to regional instability.” Stirling emphasised that while Dubai has demonstrated long term resilience in past crises, prolonged disruption to travel or investor confidence could place pressure on sectors heavily dependent on international mobility. It can put residents in financial hardship which can spiral out of control. Stirling said her organisations are already hearing from concerned families whose relatives are unable to leave the country due to ongoing legal restrictions. “We have people contacting us who remain stuck in the UAE over landlord disputes and other financial issues,” she said. “Some are living in extremely precarious situations with children, frightened and unsure where to turn as missile interceptions and attacks unfold around them.” She added that the problem is not limited to travel bans. “Detained in Dubai continues to work with people who remain trapped in the UAE over economic disputes,” Stirling said. “We are assisting individuals who are stuck over landlord debts and other financial complaints, some with distressed children, living in extremely precarious circumstances while missile interceptions and attacks are unfolding around them. It is incredibly distressing for families who cannot simply leave or move somewhere safer.” Stirling said the situation highlights the vulnerability of expatriates during periods of economic shock. “Dubai has long positioned itself as a safe haven in a volatile region,” Stirling said. “If instability becomes prolonged, the city’s greatest asset, the perception of security and stability, could come under serious pressure. “When a city’s economy is built on confidence and mobility, disruptions can cascade very quickly. The legal consequences of financial distress can leave people stuck for years, long after the initial crisis has passed”. Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

Regional Instability Could Trigger Economic Knock On Effects in Dubai, Warns Radha Stirling

Warning issued to Dubai visitors who could accidentally break the law and end up in jail Dubai/London: Cybercrime Laws: Detained in Dubai is issuing an urgent warning to residents, tourists and business travellers currently in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE has warned that their strict federal social media laws could render Dubai residents and visitors in violation of strict laws that could see them locked up over a post, even if it was just a reshare. The UAE’s cybercrime laws are among the strictest in the world. Individuals can face fines of up to USD 77,000, lengthy detention, and travel bans for social media posts that authorities consider harmful to “public order”, “national unity” or the reputation of the state. The legislation is deliberately broad. In practice, commentary about regional conflict, government policy or security matters can be interpreted as a criminal offence. Do not assume your home country’s free speech protections apply in the UAE. They do not. Do not assume that sharing international news coverage is safe. It may not be. Do not assume that deleting a post removes liability. It often does not. We have assisted numerous foreign nationals who were detained or fined over tweets, Facebook posts, Instagram stories and even WhatsApp messages. Many were unaware they had crossed a legal line. It is illegal to photograph certain government buildings, military sites and sensitive infrastructure. Individuals have been charged simply for posing in front of restricted locations. In the current climate, filming missile interceptions, air defence activity or security deployments and posting that content online could expose you to serious legal consequences. People have previously been at risk for posting negative content about “weather” and a strike from Iran is clearly more sensitive. During periods of regional conflict, enforcement of cybercrime provisions can intensify. Authorities are particularly sensitive to content deemed to spread “false information”, damage diplomatic relations or undermine national security. Visitors stranded in the UAE due to airspace disruptions face an additional risk. Well meaning posts expressing fear, frustration or political opinion may inadvertently breach the law. It has previously been forbidden to publicly comment on controversies involving members of the ruling family, including Princess Latifa and Princess Haya. This illustrates how strictly speech is controlled when issues are deemed politically sensitive. If you are currently in the UAE: • Avoid posting commentary about the conflict or regional politics • Do not share unverified footage or security related images • Refrain from filming government or military locations • Exercise extreme caution in private messaging apps The financial penalties are severe. The risk of detention is real. A single post can result in a travel ban preventing you from leaving the country. Silence in this environment is often self protection. CEO, Radha Stirling said in a statement: “The UAE’s cybercrime laws are some of the harshest in the world when it comes to social media. People can face fines of up to USD 77,000 simply for posting commentary that authorities say harms ‘public order’ or ‘national unity’. The wording of the law is deliberately broad, which means almost anything critical of government policy or regional conflict can be interpreted as a crime. It was likewise forbidden to comment publicly about the controversies surrounding Princess Latifa and Princess Haya. “In times of war, these laws become even more dangerous. Residents are effectively being warned to stay silent online. Visitors are particularly vulnerable because they often assume they are protected by their home country’s standards of free speech. They are not. “We have dealt with numerous cases where foreign nationals faced detention, travel bans or crippling fines over tweets, Facebook posts or WhatsApp messages.. The risk is very real, and many people are now too frightened to speak publicly, even if they disagree with what is happening. It is illegal to take photos of government buildings and people have been charged for posing in front of forbidden sites. There is a real risk that well meaning visitors stranded in the UAE will be inadvertently breaking the law.” Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

UAE Warning: Iran Social Posts Could Land You in Jail

If you are currently in the UAE:
• Avoid posting commentary about the conflict or regional politics
• Do not share unverified footage or security related images
• Refrain from filming government or military locations
• Exercise extreme caution in private messaging apps

British/Irish veteran has taken shelter in a Carrefour carpark. Dubai / London Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International, has urged expatriates in the UAE to remain calm and practical following missile attacks and interception activity, expressing confidence that the situation will be resolved decisively. “This is a serious moment, but it is unlikely to be prolonged. Regional actors have strong incentives to contain and conclude hostilities swiftly. Residents should continue to take sensible precautions, stay indoors when advised, and rely on verified information rather than speculation. There is good reason to expect a fairly quick resolution and, ultimately, a strengthening of security across the region. Remaining steady and informed is the most effective response.” Stirling has expressed serious concern following confirmed missile attacks and interception activity over parts of the United Arab Emirates, warning that foreign nationals may now find themselves exposed and effectively trapped as airspace closures disrupt departures. “There have been active missile attacks and visible interceptions over the UAE,” Stirling said. “Residents have reported explosions overhead and have been sheltering indoors while airspace restrictions prevent travel.” Stirling said her organisations have been contacted by expatriates sheltering in hotels and residential buildings, including pregnant women and medically vulnerable individuals running low on medication. “We are in contact with our client John Murphy, stuck in the UAE, homeless and sheltering in a Carrefour car park during the attacks. His case shows how fast vulnerability intensifies when people are prevented from leaving.” Particular distress is being reported by families of expats currently held in police stations and prisons across the UAE, many of whom have no ability to relocate or independently communicate during the escalation. “Relatives are watching footage of interceptions and strikes hitting hotel districts and civilian areas and they feel utterly helpless,” Stirling said. “Those in custody, often innocent people, cannot decide where to shelter, cannot leave the country and cannot take basic steps to protect themselves. The psychological impact inside detention facilities is significant. When external security threats combine with legal restrictions, vulnerability intensifies immediately.” Stirling called on foreign governments to provide clear, proactive communication to their nationals and to prepare contingency planning should airspace disruptions continue. “It’s unacceptable that a veteran like John Murphy is homeless on the streets during an unprecedented aerial attack. “Residents should remain indoors, stay away from windows and balconies, and follow official civil defence guidance. But this moment highlights a broader issue, the right to exit must be protected, particularly during periods of armed escalation.” Detained in Dubai and Due Process International continue to monitor developments and remain in contact with affected individuals throughout Qatar, the UAE and Gulf region. Radha Stirling CEO at Detained in Dubai +44 7 309 114 195

Explosions Over Dubai Spark Fear

John Murphy, stuck in the UAE, homeless and sheltering in a Carrefour car park during the attacks

CAGED FIGHTER Wife of Brit MMA fighter jailed for UK’s largest £53m cash heist begs for his release after 19 years in Morocco prison

Lee Murray - 20 years in prison!

Twenty Years Is Enough Why It Is Time to Bring Lee Murray Home

Lee Murray has spent twenty years in a Moroccan prison. Limited access to family. Deteriorating health that now requires proper medical assessment and care. For any human being, that is an extraordinary price.

Reform Courts UAE Influence But Will It Protect British Citizens?

UAE soft power and deepening relations should help Brits but it hasn't so far

Extradition expert Radha Stirling, talks to the Sun. DUBAI has long sold itself as a playground for Brits – a sun-soaked safe haven of luxury hotels, tax-free living and iron-clad security. But a dramatic arrest and lighting-fast deportation carried out at the Kremlin‘s request has raised a chilling question – are Brits actually safe in the UAE? The Sun reports: Dubai deported Lyubomir Korba to Russia after Moscow accused him of shooting a top general in Moscow, according to Kremlin state media. Radha Stirling, CEO and founder of Detained in Dubai, warned she has seen “numerous cases” where targets – including Brits – have been extradited “to countries that the UK would certainly have opposed”. “This leaves British citizens and foreign nationals at significant risk when they travel to the UAE,” she told The Sun. “They may believe they are safe, but the UAE can easily deport them to a third country without due process and without consulting with the UK.” An uncomfortable possibility has been raised that the safety and legal rights of Western citizens in Dubai could be quietly traded for diplomatic leverage. Radha said: “Extradition is being used as leverage." “People are caught in the middle of state-to-state negotiations.” Radha added that the current framework incentivises aggressive requests, where leverage matters more than justice. “This is not law enforcement,” she said. “It is deal-making. What matters is not evidence or human rights, but what the UAE gains.” Radha continued: “For some people, Dubai is no longer a transit hub. It has become a handover point.” "Innocent people are at risk of wrongful extradition to Russia and other countries like Uzbekistan, as I have seen recently in multiple cases.” Radha Stirling, Interpol and Extradition Expert, founder of IPEX Reform Radha said: “It is certainly concerning that the UAE cooperates with Russia and other countries in ways that bypass proper judicial process. “It puts innocent people at risk of wrongful extradition to Russia and other countries like Uzbekistan, as I have seen recently in multiple cases.” Campaign groups Detained in Dubai and IPEX Reform are calling for urgent international scrutiny of the UAE’s extradition practices. “If this continues, anyone with political or economic value can be traded,” Radha added. For the hundreds of thousands of Brits who live in, work in, or holiday in Dubai every year, this shift could carry serious consequences. Full Article Here: Radha Stirling CEO at Due Process International +44 7 309 114 195

TROUBLE IN PARADISE Innocent Brits on holiday in Dubai could end up in Russian GULAGS with ‘safe haven’ hol hotspot awash with Vlad’s agents

Extradition expert Radha Stirling on rapid extradition from the UAE

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem “Tip of Iceberg” says UAE Human Rights Expert

The dismissal of Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, long-time chairman and chief executive of DP World, has been described as “the tip of the iceberg” by Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai and a recognised UAE country expert witness.

Extradition for Sale UAE Using Wanted Persons as Leverage

According to Stirling, the most alarming development is the UAE’s willingness to extradite British nationals to third countries with significantly worse human-rights records, without examining evidence, assessing political motivation, or protecting against torture or coercion.