18 JAN 2017: Abu Dhabi has announced it will set up a special court to deal with offences committed by tourists. The government says the court will work ‘in close co-operation with authorities concerned to ensure the best services as per international standards’. The move is seen as part of the UAE capital’s efforts to promote itself as a holiday destination.

No details are yet available as to the role the court will play.

Yousef Saeed Al Abri, under-secretary of the Judicial Department, told local news organization WAM that the new court would contribute to Abu Dhabi’s reputation in the tourism sector.

The group ‘Detained in Dubai’ said the news of a tourist court was ‘an encouraging and hopeful sign’.

The group it said it would prefer to see a reform of the United Arab Emirates’ legal system as a whole, but “If indeed the UAE can expedite its court proceedings and the return of even some tourists’ passports, this is a step towards improvement.

“As it stands, tourists who are accused of minor offences can be detained (either in detention or on bail) in the UAE for sometimes six months or more. During proceedings, they are not allowed to work and there are no effective charities providing accommodation or support. They will also have to instruct their own expensive lawyers and many people just can’t afford to do this.”

Detained in Dubai said that cases that could be referred to a tourist court include accusations of rude or insulting behavior, accusations of road rage, swearing, public drunkenness, inappropriate clothing, photographing prohibited sites or members of the public, kissing in public or holding hands.

Currently, according to the group, such offences can lead to the accused being detained for six months or more before being deported.