Photo Courtesy of Detained in Dubai
It reads like a gripping drama: Elizabeth Polanco De Los Santos, a 21-year-old New York City college student from the Bronx, set off on an innocuous journey that took a heart-wrenching turn. A 10-hour layover in Dubai spiraled into a five-month nightmare, with an accusation of “assault and insult” towards a customs official. But in a recent twist, Elizabeth is finally free and on her way home.
The controversial altercation? A touch on the arm of an airport security official.
While transiting through the Dubai airport, Elizabeth, who recently had surgery, was instructed to remove her medical waist trainer during a security check. After complying, she asked the security officer for assistance to put it back on. When refused, in a bid to call her friends over for help, Elizabeth unintentionally touched the official’s arm, sparking the series of events that led to her arrest and a subsequent travel ban.
It wasn’t just the sudden detainment that was harrowing. The emotional and financial toll mounted quickly. Elizabeth’s advocate, Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, commented, “The news that her sentence would be commuted was a welcome end to Elizabeth’s hellish 5 months in Dubai that left her humiliated, traumatized, and out-of-pocket $50,000.”
The plight of Elizabeth grabbed international headlines and the U.S. State Department’s attention. But was it enough? Travel organizations are now pushing for clearer travel advisories about Dubai, cautioning unsuspecting travelers about the risks involved.
Responses on social media painted a vivid picture of public sentiment:
One person said, “Horrified by Elizabeth’s story! My family’s crossing Dubai off our travel list.”
Another said, “Makes you rethink those cheap layovers in foreign countries. Could have happened to anyone!”
One person wrote, “Can you imagine going through surgery and then this? My heart goes out to Elizabeth.”
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The ordeal ended with Elizabeth boarding her flight home to New York, a resolution that many hope brings awareness to such incidents. The question remains, though: Will her experience spark a meaningful change in travel advisories, ensuring better protection for U.S. citizens abroad?
Currently, the travel advisory for the United Arab Emirates on the U.S. Department of State site currently reads, ” Exercise increased caution in the United Arab Emirates due to
the threat of missile or drone attacks and terrorism.”It continues, “The possibility of attacks affecting U.S. citizens and interests in the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula remains an ongoing, serious concern. Militant groups operating in Yemen have stated an intent to attack neighboring countries, including the UAE, using missiles and drones. Missile and drone attacks in early 2022 targeted populated areas and civilian infrastructure. Due to risks to civil aviation operating within the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including the United Arab Emirates, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an advisory Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM). For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices. While residents and visitors generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE, the country continues to face the threat of terrorism. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls, and local government facilities.”
This does not include a list of what rules and regulations currently exist in the U.A.E for travelers to abide by. According to Holiday Extras, a few rules include:
“Check your prescriptions. There is a strict, zero-tolerance drug policy and this can extend to a number of prescription medicines. Be sure to check UAE’s official website to see which medicines that are allowed.”
Another rule is to avoid public affection as “Public displays of affection, including holding hands and kissing, are considered offensive and could lead to arrest, so it’s best to wait until you’re back in your accommodation before snuggling up with your partner.”
One should also avoid swearing in public, which may have occurred during the airport altercation.
One thing is for certain: Elizabeth’s ordeal has become a rallying point for travelers worldwide, a stark reminder of the unforeseen challenges one might face even in seemingly modern destinations. As the world watches, it serves as a poignant lesson on the importance of understanding and respecting cultural and legal differences, no matter how brief the stay.