‘Christmas miracle’ of man detained in Dubai over Google review
A holidaymaker from Northern Ireland detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for posting negative reviews about his former employer on Google has said returning home was a “Christmas miracle”.
Craig Ballentine, from Cookstown, County Tyrone, was arrested at Abu Dhabi Airport in October for making critical remarks.
He was charged with defamation and could face jail time under the UAE’s strict cybercrime laws.
The 33-year-old, who arrived in Dublin on Thursday morning after the travel ban was lifted, told BBC News NI he was “delighted to be on Irish grass now”.
“It’s very overwhelming because it’s very confusing,” he said.
“Everything changes in one minute.
“It’s truly a Christmas miracle.
“When I first arrived at Dublin Airport, the happiness started when I saw Dublin from the air. That was it.
“I’ll have an extra big fish for the next hour or two and then mainly focus on seeing friends and family.
“On Christmas Eve we’re going to 12 pubs to celebrate Christmas – we’ve got some friends from Liverpool coming over, which we do every year – and I texted them this morning and said, ‘I’m coming’.”
Stormont support
A number of politicians have stepped in to highlight Mr Ballentine’s case, including Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, former UUP leader Sir Reg Empey and Mid Ulster MP Trevor Wilson.
Following Mr Ballentine’s return, O’Neill said: “I am delighted to hear that Craig is back in Ireland. It has been a difficult few months for him and his family who fear for his safety.”
“My office is happy to assist in any way we can during this ordeal. I hope Craig can now enjoy his time at home and work through this difficult time in the company of family and friends who have been supporting him. “
Mr Ballentine previously told BBC News NI He just wants to go home and spend Christmas with his family.
He said the past few weeks have been difficult for them.
Mr Ballentine has paid the fine but said he may have to return to Dubai at the end of January for further court hearings.
He said he had to “play it by ear” with his case.
“In the run-up to Christmas we will know the outcome of some of the court decisions,” he added.
“It’s got to be another 30 days, and then they might appeal again, so it could be February, March, April, or it could just be canceled and it’s over.”
Why was Craig Ballentine detained?
In 2023, Mr Ballentine found a job at a dog grooming salon in Dubai.
After working there for nearly six months, he needed a break due to illness, so he gave his employer a doctor’s note as proof of his condition.
But when he failed to report for work, he was registered as an “absconder” by UAE authorities, meaning he was unable to leave the country.
Mr Ballentyne later managed to lift the travel ban and return home to Northern Ireland, but doing so took two months and cost thousands of pounds.
When he returned to Northern Ireland, he wrote an online review of a dog grooming salon outlining the problems he was allegedly caused by his former boss.
He told BBC News NI that his Google post “explains the ordeal I have been through”.
In late October, Mr Ballentine returned to the UAE for a brief holiday and was immediately arrested on suspicion of defamation.
He was transferred from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, where he awaits the outcome of the case.
