UK and Australian citizen Scott Richards held in Dubai

Scott Richards has been held in Dubai since 28 July

A 42-year-old man arrested in Dubai for sharing a charity post on his Facebook page has been charged.

Scott Richards, who holds both British and Australian citizenship, promoted a charity drive to buy blankets and tarpaulins for refugees in Afghanistan. He was held for 22 days then charged with fundraising without permission.

Strict new laws prohibit the operation of any charity not registered in the United Arab Emirates. The UK Foreign Office said it was "providing support".


Laws created last year prohibit donations or advertising fundraising campaigns without prior written approval from the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai.

Penalties for violating the law include prison terms between two months and one year and a fine of up to 100,000 dirhams (£20,000, $27,000).