Antonia Bettridge, a British yoga instructor who relocated from the UK to Dubai for a new life, is now facing the possibility of life in prison after allegedly being caught with drugs.

Bettridge, 25, moved to the United Arab Emirates in 2023 hoping for a fresh start. Her move came after she was convicted in the UK of hiding £8,000 in criminal cash inside the glove box of her car. The former sports coach was given a 12‑month community order, had to complete unpaid work, and was ordered to pay court costs.

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Brits make up one of Dubai’s largest expatriate groups, with around 240,000 British citizens living there. However, with the Gulf hotspot facing continued Iranian missile strikes and ongoing tensions in the Middle East, many Britons abroad have begun looking for ways to leave. For Antonia, whose family have described her as a fitness fanatic rather than a party girl, there is no such clear escape route.

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Her mother said: “Antonia’s whole life revolves around fitness and healthy living. She doesn’t live a party lifestyle. She moved to Dubai to build something positive for herself… We are devastated and just want clarity about what has happened.”

She added:

“With everything happening in the region at the moment, it is incredibly frightening knowing our daughter is in detention and we cannot reach her… We are worried sick. We just want her to be safe and to have the opportunity to prepare her defence properly.”

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The iconic Burj Al Arab hotel was seen with flames at its base after being struck during an aerial attack over the weekend. Fighter jets have since been patrolling the skies above the city’s beaches amid concerns over potential Iranian drone and missile strikes.

Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, described the impact the crisis has had on those detained in Dubai and their families:

“When there is regional instability or security incidents, families naturally become even more concerned about loved ones who are already in a vulnerable situation. It reinforces why allowing defendants to prepare their cases from outside detention, where appropriate, is so important. We hope the FCDO supports her application for bail pending any trial at the very least.”

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are supporting a British woman detained in the UAE and are in contact with the local authorities.”