Government must do more to help detained Brits in UAE, advocacy group says

A campaign organization is urging the UK government to enhance its support for British citizens detained in the United Arab Emirates over footage of Iranian attacks. Radha Stirling, head of Detained in Dubai—a legal aid provider in the region—told the BBC she is assisting four individuals currently held in the UAE and has identified a fifth. The situation gained attention after a British man aged 60 was recently charged in Dubai under cybercrime regulations for allegedly capturing images of Iranian missiles over the city.

The UK Foreign Office stated it is offering consular help to “a small number of British nationals” in detention, with its ambassador engaging Emirati authorities on the matter. Under UAE law, photographing, distributing, or posting images of locations hit by missiles or drones is prohibited. The BBC reports that five British nationals detained for this reason are currently receiving consular aid.

“It’s disgraceful that more isn’t being done,” Stirling remarked. “Some individuals avoid seeking help from the embassy because they don’t feel confident in the assistance provided.” She noted that detainees often opt to contact a lawyer, a family member, or a local contact with influence rather than rely on consular support.

Stirling highlighted receiving daily updates on detentions, estimating “dozens” of cases. She explained that those in custody are not always facing charges, yet may also not be released. She criticized the UK for lagging behind other nations in consular services, citing France as a model for effective diplomatic intervention. A client of hers, for instance, was detained alongside dozens in a police station, yet saw many French nationals released hourly.

On Monday, Stirling shared a message on X, urging Dubai to expedite processing of foreigners detained for cybercrime offenses. “Impose a modest fine if necessary, but release those who clearly had no intention to cause harm,” she wrote. “Be fair and lenient with individuals who genuinely support the UAE. Let it be over.”

Earlier this month, the UK embassy warned that “British nationals are subject to UAE laws, and violations may lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation.” Criticism of the government is illegal in the UAE, which tightly regulates information flow. The minister of state for EU affairs, Lana Nusseibeh, previously stated that the legislation was introduced to “ensure everyone feels safe.”

Amnesty International has noted that the UAE continues to restrict freedom of expression through various laws, punishing critics of the government. The nation, long a hub for foreign investment and a popular tourist spot, has faced repeated Iranian attacks since the Middle East conflict escalated. Following US-Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities, Iran targeted allied countries in the Gulf, damaging iconic structures like Fairmont The Palm hotel and Burj Al Arab hotel.