A British tourist has been sentenced to three months in jail by the Dubai Court of Appeal for verbally abusing an airport staff member. The incident occurred at Dubai International Airport in February 2022, and the Briton was initially fined Dh10,000. However, his appeal led to a harsher sentence of imprisonment.
The confrontation began when the tourist, who was transiting through Dubai with his mother, demanded a wheelchair for her. An airport employee testified that the Briton became aggressive and used offensive language when inquiring about the wheelchair.
The employee involved in the incident recounted that the Briton did not seem to understand her explanation about the wheelchair being available before boarding a shuttle bus to another terminal. When she attempted to clarify, the Briton insulted her with harsh language.
Another airport desk employee, who was also a witness, stated that the Briton approached her to ask about their flight schedule and then about a wheelchair for his mother. After being informed that a wheelchair would be provided before boarding the shuttle, the Briton returned shortly, insisting on the wheelchair and using offensive language.
Following the incident, Dubai Police were notified, and a case was filed against the British traveler. As per the latest ruling, the Briton will be deported after completing his jail term.