British teenager jailed in Dubai over s3x with tourist he met on holiday returns home after royal pardon

Monday, July 7, 2025 - A British teenager jailed in Dubai for having s£x with a fellow UK tourist he met on holiday there has been released from prison after seven months.

Campaign group Detained in Dubai revealed that Marcus Fakana, 19, received a royal pardon from Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. 

Mr Fakana, from Tottenham, north London, returned to the UK last Thursday, July 3, following his jail time in the United Arab Emirates.

Marcus was arrested and imprisoned in 2024, over a consensual holiday relationship with another British tourist who was just a few months younger than himself.

The girl was one month away from turning 18, but s£x with anyone under the age of 18 is an offence in the Gulf state. They met when both of their families were staying at a luxury hotel.

The girl's mother reported Marcus, who was aged 18 at the time, to the UAE authorities after seeing messages between the two when she had returned to the UK.

His case drew widespread attention and outrage, highlighting the UAE’s harsh laws that criminalise personal relationships and critics say disproportionately target foreign nationals.

Radha Stirling, CEO of the campaign group Detained in Dubai, told MailOnline that his freedom from Al Awir Prison had come a few weeks after an application for a Royal pardon.

‘Marcus should never have been put through this,’ she said. ‘He was supposed to spend a short few days with his family but ended up spending nearly a year in the tourist destination.

‘We are thrilled that after an intensive campaign, he was officially pardoned and is home safe, surrounded by those who love him.’

His release follows sustained pressure from Detained in Dubai’s legal and advocacy teams, as well as public support, behind-the-scenes diplomatic discussions, and a royal pardon application.

The family confirmed his arrival and expressed immense gratitude for the support received throughout the campaign.

She added, ‘This was an extraordinary young man caught in a deeply unjust system. We thank everyone who stood by Marcus and helped bring him home.’

‘Marcus is back where he belongs, but no one should have to endure this.

‘We hope his story will prompt serious reconsideration of the UK’s travel advice and its engagement with the UAE on human rights issues. Dubai could have chosen to fine and to deport him.

‘Instead, the 18-year-old was sentenced to one year in prison. The impact on his life has been severe and there was no need for him to endure such trauma’.