
Audio By Carbonatix
A group has been arrested in Dubai accused of public debauchery after an outdoor nude photoshoot.
Video footage posted online on Saturday shows a group of naked women having their photo taken on a balcony.
Eleven Ukrainian women are among those detained, the Ukrainian consulate told the BBC. A Russian was also detained, according to Russian media.
Public debauchery carries a sentence of up to six months in prison and a 5,000 dirham fine (£981).
Many of the UAE's laws are based on Sharia law, and people have been jailed in the past for public displays of affection and homosexual relationships.
Roughly a dozen women were pictured on the balcony in the Marina district of Dubai.
The Ukrainian consulate says it will visit the women on Tuesday.
Earlier reports in Russian media that eight Russian women were arrested have since been denied, but Ria news agency quoted officials as saying that a Russian who organised the shoot has been arrested.
He faces up to 18 months in prison, the agency says.
Police in Dubai warned that anyone publishing pornographic material or any material that "may prejudice public morals" faces imprisonment and a fine.
"Such unacceptable behaviours do not reflect the values and ethics of Emirati society," a police statement said.
Any person who lives in or visits the UAE is subject to its laws: there are no exceptions for tourists.
There have been a few high-profile cases of tourists getting arrested while on holiday in Dubai.
In 2017, a British woman was sentenced to one year in prison for having consensual sex with a man she wasn't married to. The relationship came to light when the woman reported him to the authorities for sending her threatening messages.
Latest Stories
-
‘Floodwaters do not discriminate’ – Asenso-Boakye urges unity against flooding
37 minutes -
‘We woke up to the announcement’ – GUTA slams lack of consultation on utility tariff hike
56 minutes -
GUTA challenges utility tariff increase, says strong cedi should have led to price cuts
2 hours -
‘Why increase utility tariffs?’ – GUTA says economic indicators point the other way
3 hours -
A plane crashed into a tower in Beijing but China is not saying what happened
3 hours -
Beyond Gold: Why Ghana must build strategic national reserves for the next global crisis
3 hours -
South Africa’s anti-migrant protesters march nationwide, after thousands flee violence
5 hours -
Ebola outbreak could cost Africa up to $3.6 billion, UN says
5 hours -
Bayer’s $7.25 billion Roundup settlement gets August hearing date
5 hours -
TikTok to settle with teen plaintiff before California social media trial, law firm says
5 hours -
Mbappe scores twice as France breeze past Sweden into last 16
5 hours -
Chinese tycoon sentenced to 30 years in US jail
5 hours -
Apple says it is releasing updates early in response to AI cybersecurity concerns
5 hours -
Boeing says IT outage affected computer systems, applications
6 hours -
AC Milan sign PSG’s Portugal striker Ramos for £60m
6 hours