Not so great Britons

 

Britons are more likely to be arrested in the UAE than anywhere else in the world, new figures have shown. The 2009 British Foreign Office 'British Behaviour Abroad Report' shows that 294 people from the UK were arrested here in the 12 months up to March 31, with 48 of those drug arrests. In a year that saw drunken Brits having sex on a beach and threatening to blow up a plane, the report makes stark reading for expats hoping to make a good impression. "As a proportion of the number of visitors, Britons were most likely to be arrested in the United Arab Emirates," the report says bluntly. Marco Blankenburgh, who runs cultural sensitivity courses in the UAE, said British expats are often caught out by the belief that anything goes in the moderate nation. "You have to remember that you are in a Muslim country. People forget that," he said. "They forget they are in the Middle East because, Dubai especially, is largely open and tolerant." An advisory note with the report explains that Britons must be aware of local traditions. "Topless sunbathing, swearing and public displays of affection can also lead to arrest in some countries. This highlights the need for Britons to ensure they carefully research the area to which they are travelling," it said. British couple Vince Acors and Michelle Palmer mortified fellow British expats last year when they were caught in a compromising position on Jumeriah Beach after a drunken brunch. The case made headlines around the world, while compatriot Mark Winterbottom was arrested at Dubai airport in July 2008 for a drunken tirade in which he threatened to blow up a plane. The report also notes that there is one Briton in the UAE who is facing a possible death penalty - one of 12 internationally. That person is believed to be Mark Arnold, although this has not been confirmed. Arnold is facing murder charges for allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend, Kerry Winter. Foreign Office Minister Chris Bryant said: "So many of the problems we deal with can be avoided with a little bit of preparation. Researching the local laws and customs before you travel could avoid time in a foreign jail." And an official with Dubai Public Prosecution said simply: "There are no differences between all the nationalities... Any person breaking the law must be punished." Michelle Palmer and Vince Acors: The infamous pair were arrested in July 2008 after a policeman caught them having sex on Jumeirah Beach. They were both sentenced to three months in prison, later suspended on appeal. Mark Arnold: Currently on trial for allegedly murdering his ex-girlfriend in 2008. He's already been convicted in a separate case of assault. MR X-Posed: A boozed-up British man exposed himself to a Lebanese woman at JBR. He said he was too drunk to remember what happened