The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office have updated their travel advice to Dubai to reflect the recent jailing of the Brits caught kissing on the beach:
Women should dress in a modest way, particularly in
Sharjah and Ajman Emirates where Islamic law is rigorously enforced. Clothes should cover the tops of the arms and legs, and underwear should not be visible.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for
kissing in public. Sex outside of marriage is illegal, and problems will be encountered if an unmarried woman gives birth in the UAE. These problems can range from a refusal to issue a birth certificate to arrest and imprisonment. A marriage certificate
has to be provided to the UAE authorities to obtain a birth certificate. Cohabitation, adultery and homosexual behaviour are also illegal.
Swearing or making rude gestures is considered an obscene act and offenders can be prosecuted. It has been
known for offenders to receive a six-month jail sentence for such an act. Particular caution should be exercised when dealing with the police and other officials.
Vince Acors has been re-arrested as he prepared to board a flight back to Britain, his lawyer said.
He was detained at Dubai Airport and returned to jail as his flight confirmation was allegedly not in order.
His lawyer
Andrew Crossley said tonight: The return of Vince Acors has been delayed yet again and he will not be returning to the UK tomorrow. The situation is close to becoming farcical and Vince is severely disappointed.
He added: After having
booked and confirmed his return flight on three separate occasions through the course of the day Vince was re-arrested at Dubai Airport, as his flight confirmation was allegedly not in order. He has been returned to jail, his precise return is now
unknown.
Two Britons who fornicated on a Dubai beach could face longer jail terms after prosecutors appealed the sentence.
Michelle Palmer and Vince Acors were convicted at Dubai's Court of First Instance earlier this month. They were sentenced to three
months behind bars, fined 1,000 dirhams – £155 – and issued with deportation orders.
Hassan Matter, who represents Palmer and Acors, said prosecutors have now lodged an appeal against the sentence, saying it was not enough.
Mr Matter said the prosecution appeal would be heard on November 18 – at the same time as the defence argument. Last week, Mr Matter lodged an appeal against the convictions.
Following the convictions of Palmer and Acors, on October 16, senior persecutor Faisal Abdelmalek Ahli said he was disappointed at the length of the sentence: It's very light. It's normal for a sentence to be six months to a year for an
offence such as this.
The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office have updated their travel advice to Dubai to reflect the recent jailing of the Brits caught kissing on the beach: 