British teenager faces two decades in UAE jail for holiday romance with 17-year-old in Dubai

An 18-year-old Briton, Marcus Fakana from Tottenham, London, is facing a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years in Dubai. This stems from a holiday romance with a 17-year-old British girl, which occurred during his family vacation in the emirate. As per reports, human rights group Detained in Dubai, founded by Radha Stirling, highlights the case's uniqueness due to the small age difference and the fact that both teenagers are now of legal age.

The group stated that the couple began a relationship while on holiday with their families in September. The girl's mother reportedly discovered the relationship after they returned home and contacted Dubai police. The girl’s mother found their chats and pictures back in the UK. Consequently, Fakana was detained by Dubai police.

According to reports, the girl was only a few months younger than Marcus, a fact he was unaware of at the time. Since his arrest, the girl has turned 18. Although Fakana is no longer detained in a police cell, he remains unable to leave the UAE. Meanwhile, his family is incurring expenses of £2,000 for Airbnb accommodation while awaiting the resolution of his case.


Marcus's parents returned to London without him. Despite attracting tourists, Dubai's legal system prosecutes such relationships involving anyone under 18. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office is providing support and maintains contact with his family. Stirling criticizes the insufficient warnings available to tourists about the legal risks they may face in Dubai. "People are shocked that something legal in the UK could result in such a severe punishment in Dubai," she stated. Detained in Dubai has reached out to Foreign Secretary David Lammy for additional support.