A Northern Irish man is facing up to two years in jail in Dubai over a negative online review he had posted of a dog-grooming service.

Craig Ballentine, 33, from Cookstown, Belfast, was arrested on “slander” charges three weeks ago after arriving in Abu Dhabi to visit friends.

Mr Ballentine, an autism support worker, was then transferred to Dubai under the United Arab Emirates’ severe cybercrime laws, which prohibit all kinds of online criticism.

His detention came months after he had complained online about his former employer, a Dubai-based dog salon, for causing him a “legal nightmare”, according to Detained in Dubai, a campaign group that helps foreigners in the Gulf state.

After a six-month stint at the company in 2023, Mr Ballentine said he would need time off due to sickness.