Dubai Court Upholds Businessman’s Acquittal in Six-Hour Detention Case

The Dubai Court of Appeal has upheld the acquittal of a businessman accused of unlawfully detaining a woman in his Business Bay apartment for approximately six hours.

The case involved allegations of force and threats intended to compel the woman into sexual activity.

The court rejected the Public Prosecution’s appeal, finding insufficient grounds to overturn the earlier verdict.

The businessman denied the allegations and maintained that the woman had visited his apartment voluntarily.

The ruling followed an examination of witness testimony, phone evidence and questions surrounding the prosecution’s case.

Woman’s Allegations and Police Intervention

According to the case records, the woman told investigators that she met the businessman near a nightclub before accepting an invitation to his apartment.

She alleged that he pressured her to drink alcohol and prevented her from leaving when she wanted to go.

She also claimed that he threatened her, pushed her onto a sofa and temporarily took her phone when she attempted to contact a friend.

The woman said she eventually shared her live location and contacted her friend for assistance.

Her friend went to the building, leading to police intervention at the apartment.

Security Guard’s Testimony and Evidence

A building security guard testified that the woman had entered the property voluntarily and that her visitor details were recorded at reception.

He said police accompanied him to the apartment, where the businessman opened the door.

According to his testimony, the woman was standing in the living room with her phone when they entered.

The court considered this account alongside building records while assessing whether unlawful detention had been established.

Questions about witness statements and the circumstances surrounding the alleged confinement also formed part of the proceedings.

Defence Arguments and Final Court Decision

The defence challenged the allegations by referring to telephone records, WhatsApp messages and other material gathered during its review of the case.

The businessman’s lawyer argued that the evidence raised doubts about the prosecution’s account and the claim that the woman could not leave.

The defence also highlighted differences between some witness statements and their courtroom testimony.

The Court of First Instance acquitted the businessman, finding insufficient evidence to establish the alleged offences and the required criminal intent.

The Court of Appeal subsequently rejected the prosecution’s challenge and upheld the acquittal.