A British yoga teacher who moved to Dubai is being held over alleged possession of drugs – and could face life in prison.
Antonia Bettridge, 25, is stuck in the Middle Eastern country that many are now fleeing, having relocated there in November 2023 to build her future as a fitness professional.
But she has now been detained under the United Arab Emirate’s strict drug laws under suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to promote – which threatens a AED 200,000 (roughly £41,000) fine and life in prison if found guilty.
Dubai authorities don’t require proof of intent to promote or distribute, according to a statement from Detained in Dubai (DID).
Antonia’s mother, who hasn’t been publicly identified, said that the family are struggling to understand how her daughter ended up in detention.
She 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.’
Antonia Bettridge (pictured) is a British yoga teacher being held in Dubai over alleged possession of drugs
The 25-year-old could face life in prison and a fine equivalent to £41,000 if found guilty of possession of drugs with intent to promote
Antonia’s family say the situation has been made even more distressing by the recent regional instability and missile activity across parts of the Gulf.
One hotel in Dubai, the popular Burj Al Arab ‘sail’ hotel, was hit in an aerial assault at the weekend, and the skies above the sandy beaches are now filled with fighter jets on the lookout for Iranian drones and missiles.
‘With everything happening in the region at the moment, it is incredibly frightening knowing our daughter is in detention and we cannot reach her,’ said her mother.
‘We are worried sick. We just want her to be safe and to have the opportunity to prepare her defence properly.’
She initially worked as a sports coach before moving into real estate and training to become a personal trainer.
Friends describe her as health focused, disciplined and committed to a lifestyle centred on fitness, yoga and organic nutrition.
Antonia had been working towards launching her own business and had intended to make Dubai her long term home.
Her family say they are now focused on ensuring she is treated fairly.
Antonia Bettridge had initially worked as a sports coach before moving into real estate and training to become a personal trainer
Her mother added: ‘We just want her to have the chance to defend herself properly.
‘She is 25 years old. Her whole future is at stake.’
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, who has been supporting the family, said the broader situation has heightened anxiety for families with relatives detained in the UAE.
She said: ‘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.’
A spokesperson for the FCDO previously stated: ‘We are supporting a British woman detained in the UAE and are in contact with the local authorities.’
British expats residing in Dubai have been urged to remain vigilant due to escalating regional tensions.
The ongoing conflict between Iran and the US, along with its allies, has led to extensive airspace closures across the Middle East, causing significant disruption to flights.
Thousands of individuals stranded in the region are set to return home this week as airlines increase their flight schedules from the area, but flight cancellations continue to impact departures from the country.
Those currently in the United Arab Emirates are advised to steer clear of areas surrounding security or military facilities, heed the instructions of local authorities, and stay updated with local and international news for the latest developments.
