Police in Dubai said expats “must learn the law in the UAE” after a British woman who reported an alleged gang rape was told she could face jail.
The 25-year-old woman could be imprisoned on extramarital sex charges after saying she was the victim of a sex assault carried out by two men at a hotel while holidaying in the country last month.
Investigations into the rape allegations are continuing.
However, the woman fears she could spend up to a year in prison after she was accused and under Emirati law of having extramarital sex.
Dubai police have refused to give any further information on the matter which is now being dealt with in the courts.
But sources have reportedly said that tourists should be well versed in the law of the country before they visit.
According to The Times, a police source said "expats must learn the law in the UAE before they come to visit" when referring to the extramarital sex charges.
A crowdfunding campaign has raised more than half of her £25,000 legal fees. The woman is now on bail and is said to be living with an English family while she awaits legal proceedings.
Two British men, who have been identified in reports as the alleged suspects, have remained in Dubai.
All three Britons have hired lawyers and are said to be receiving embassy support.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are supporting a British woman in relation to this case and will remain in contact with her family."
