UPDATE: A British law student, Mia O’Brien, has been released from a notorious Dubai prison just in time for a Christmas reunion with her family. The 24-year-old was sentenced to 25 years after being found with 50g of cocaine at a party in October 2024, but has now returned home to Huyton, Merseyside.
O’Brien’s mother, Danielle McKenna, announced the joyous news on social media early on December 25, 2025, sharing a heartfelt video montage celebrating her daughter’s return. In the clip titled “She’s Home,” McKenna expressed, “Home where she belongs. It’s like a Christmas miracle, best Christmas ever.”
Mia O’Brien was arrested during a police raid at a flat in Dubai where drugs were reportedly found. Despite pleading not guilty during a trial conducted entirely in Arabic, she was convicted on July 25 of this year for drug supply and possession, and was sentenced to serve time in Al-Awir Central Prison, often referred to as Dubai’s “Alcatraz.” During her imprisonment, she reportedly shared a cramped and filthy cell with multiple inmates.
The release followed intensive campaigning by her family and the advocacy group Detained in Dubai, which highlighted the questionable nature of her conviction. McKenna previously revealed her daughter’s appeal was imminent, and the family received support from the Foreign Office throughout the ordeal.
The mother expressed her overwhelming emotions in a Facebook post prior to O’Brien’s release, stating, “Thank you so much everyone, am still in shock, am buzzing, can’t wait to give her the tightest cuddle ever.” Friends and supporters flooded social media with congratulations, labeling O’Brien’s return as the “best Christmas present.”
Authorities have not disclosed the details surrounding the circumstances of O’Brien’s release, but her case has sparked discussions on the treatment of foreign nationals and the legal processes in Dubai. Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, previously condemned the expedited trial process, emphasizing the lack of due process and the potential for miscarriages of justice in the UAE’s legal system.
As the O’Brien family celebrates this significant reunion, the case highlights broader concerns regarding the treatment of individuals accused of drug offenses abroad. The emotional impact of O’Brien’s imprisonment and her subsequent release resonates deeply, serving as a reminder of the fragility of justice in foreign legal systems.
As the family enjoys their Christmas together, the community continues to reflect on the implications of this case and the ongoing support needed for those facing similar predicaments in foreign jurisdictions.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
