Northern Irish Man Detained in UAE Over Google Review Returns Home for Christmas

A tourist from Northern Ireland, held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following a critical Google review of his previous employer, described his return home as a “Christmas miracle”. Craig Ballentine, a 33-year-old from Cookstown, County Tyrone, was apprehended at Abu Dhabi airport in October due to these critical remarks. He was charged with slander under the UAE’s stringent cybercrime legislation, which carried a risk of imprisonment. The 33-year-old landed in Dublin on Thursday morning after his travel prohibition was rescinded. He informed BBC News NI that he was “happy to be on Irish grass now.” He stated, “It has been very overwhelming, because it has been quite confusing,” adding, “One minute everything changes.” He further described it as “a Christmas miracle.” Ballentine recounted, “The happiness kicked in when I just arrived at Dublin Airport, when I saw Dublin from the sky, that was it.” He also mentioned, “I will have an extra big fry in the next hour or two and then it will be mainly focusing on seeing friends and family.” Regarding Christmas Eve, he said, “we are going to do the 12 pubs of Christmas – there are a few friends from Liverpool coming over, we do it every year – and I texted them this morning, saying, ‘I’m coming’.” Several political figures intervened to draw attention to Mr Ballentine’s situation, among them Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, former UUP leader Sir Reg Empey, and Mid Ulster councillor Trevor Wilson. Following Mr Ballentine’s arrival, O’Neill commented: “I am delighted to hear the news that Craig has arrived back in Ireland. It has been a difficult few months for him and his family who were concerned for his safety.” She added, “My office was happy to assist in any way we could throughout this ordeal. I hope that Craig can now enjoy time at home in the company of his family and friends who have supported him throughout this difficult situation.” Councillor Wilson also expressed his welcome for Mr Ballentine’s return. The UUP councillor stated, “It was a very stressful time for him and his family and hopefully he can now enjoy the Christmas festivities with his family and friends.” Mr Ballentine had previously conveyed to BBC News NI that his primary desire was to be home with his family for Christmas. He mentioned that the preceding weeks had been challenging for his family. Mr Ballentine has already settled a fine, but indicated a potential need to go back to Dubai in late January for an additional court proceeding. He stated that concerning his case, he would need to “play it by ear.” He further added, “On Christmas Eve, we will know a bit of a verdict of the court judgement.” He elaborated, “Have to wait for another 30 days and then they might appeal again, so it could be February, March, April, or else it could just be lifted just like that, finished.” In 2023, Mr Ballentine secured employment at a dog grooming salon in Dubai. Following nearly six months of employment, he required leave due to illness and provided his employer with a doctor’s certificate to substantiate his condition. However, when he failed to report for work, he was officially listed as “absconded” by the UAE authorities, which consequently prevented him from exiting the country. Mr Ballentine subsequently succeeded in having that travel restriction removed and returned to Northern Ireland, a process that spanned two months and incurred costs of thousands of pounds. During his time back in Northern Ireland, he composed an online review of the dog grooming salon, detailing the issues his previous employer had reportedly caused him. He informed BBC News NI that his Google post “explained the ordeal that I went through.” In late October, Mr Ballentine went back to the UAE for a brief vacation, at which time he was promptly arrested for the alleged slander. He was moved from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, where he was required to await the resolution of the case.