A British teenager imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for engaging in a consensual relationship with a 17-year-old girl has been released and returned to the United Kingdom following a royal pardon from Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Marcus Fakana, 19, was sentenced in December to one year in prison under UAE law, which sets the age of sexual consent at 18. The teen’s arrest followed a report made to Dubai authorities by the girl’s mother, who allegedly discovered explicit messages between her daughter and Fakana after returning to the UK.
Fakana, from Tottenham, North London, was incarcerated in Al Awir Prison for approximately six months before receiving an Eid pardon—an act of clemency commonly granted during Islamic holidays.
Legal Background
Although both parties involved were British nationals and reportedly in the same school year, UAE law considers individuals under 18 as minors, regardless of their nationality or the consensual nature of the relationship. Legal experts note that such statutes are applied strictly and without exception to foreign visitors.
Under UAE law, the mother—recognized as the girl’s legal guardian—had standing to file a criminal complaint, which triggered the prosecution.
In a statement, the Dubai government explained, “Dubai’s legal system is committed to protecting the rights of all individuals and ensuring impartial judicial proceedings.”
Advocacy and Royal Intervention
Fakana’s case drew international attention, particularly from the UK-based legal advocacy group Detained in Dubai. The organization’s CEO, Radha Stirling, who has worked with numerous Western nationals detained in the Gulf, said Fakana was “overwhelmed” by the sudden release.
“For a young man—a boy, really—who was incarcerated under these circumstances, it’s just unfathomable how long it will take to recover,” Stirling told BBC Newsbeat. “His family is just over the moon to have him back early.”
Stirling criticized the legal framework that led to Fakana’s prosecution, calling it overly punitive:
“Marcus didn’t know she was under 18; they were in the same school year. That seems fair and reasonable, and under those circumstances, he shouldn’t have been prosecuted.”
She further warned that families traveling to the UAE must understand that local laws can criminalize behavior that is not considered illegal in their home countries.
“Parents need to be aware that teens can be charged in the UAE for behavior that would not be considered criminal at home—whether that’s a relationship, social media activity, or even drinking alcohol,” she said.
Quiet Return, Legal Questions Remain
Fakana had reportedly written a personal letter to Sheikh Mohammed requesting release prior to the Eid pardon. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed it had provided consular support and that Fakana had requested privacy upon returning home.
The case highlights ongoing concerns over the criminal liability of tourists—particularly minors—who may unknowingly fall afoul of strict moral codes in Gulf states. Legal experts are now urging better guidance and travel warnings for families with teenage children visiting the region.
While Fakana is now free, his arrest raises broader legal questions about the treatment of foreign nationals under strict morality laws abroad, and the role parents and guardians play in triggering international legal consequences.
Legal Insight:
Tourists, especially minors, may be subject to laws in jurisdictions with dramatically different legal and cultural norms. When traveling to nations such as the UAE, ignorance of local law—including age of consent statutes—is no defense.
