A holiday romance turned into a legal nightmare for 18-year-old Marcus Fakana, who now faces a one-year prison sentence in Dubai following a summer fling. The construction apprentice from London met a fellow British teenager at his hotel while vacationing with his family in September, leading to a romantic relationship that became sexual.
After the girl returned to the UK, her mother learned of the relationship and reported Fakana to Dubai authorities. “It was very traumatic. I was taken from the hotel without explanation and couldn’t call anyone, including my parents,” he told CNN in a statement. He faced the police in a foreign land without access to legal assistance, struggling to understand the proceedings conducted in Arabic.
The age of consent in the United Arab Emirates is 18, making the girl a minor during their relationship. “I did not intend to break the law, I didn’t even know she was one month away from being 18,” said Fakana, who believed age wasn’t an issue as they were both in the same school year.
Fakana expressed regret for his actions and is appealing to Dubai’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, to revoke his sentence, hoping to return home for Christmas.
Dubai is known as a popular destination for tourists, yet many visitors are unaware of its strict legal system, which is based on both civil and Sharia law. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, noted that the city’s image as a “modern and liberal tourist destination” can be misleading for travelers who may inadvertently violate obscure laws.
Fakana’s case is not isolated; it draws attention to the legal complexities faced by foreigners in the UAE. Stirling highlighted that many visitors unknowingly breach laws, particularly regarding alcohol consumption and digital communications.
While many foreigners jailed in the UAE do not serve time, Fahkana’s case underscores the strictness of the law regarding minors. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy reiterated the importance of understanding local laws while traveling.
Fakana’s situation remains precarious as he navigates life in Dubai without his family, expressing feelings of anxiety and stress after months away from home. He and his legal team are currently considering an appeal against the harsh sentence, hoping for a more favorable resolution.
“It’s been an eye-opener; this has been the most stressful time of my entire life,” he lamented.
