Dubai: The British Embassy in Dubai has reiterated that it is unable to "get people out of prison", if they are arrested in the UAE.

Simon Goldsmith, Second Secretary, Political and Media Affairs, said: "We offer consular advice to British nationals that want it, if they have been arrested and want the advice. We can provide details of local lawyers and contact you as soon as possible after we find out that someone has been detained, and also contact friends and family if required.

"What we cannot do is get somebody out of prison, prevent local authorities from deporting someone after a prison sentence, interfere with any civil court proceedings or give direct legal advice," he said.

Goldsmith said that the embassy always advises people to check travel advice, which can be found at the embassy website.

Travel advice from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office for the UAE states: "Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for kissing in public. Sex outside of marriage is illegal."