The family of a father detained in Dubai is expressing deep concerns over his well-being, fearing for his life due to the harsh conditions at the facility where he is being held. Ryan Pepper, 27, has been incarcerated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since November 3, 2025, with limited contact with his family and no explanation for his detention. Despite not facing any charges, Ryan has allegedly endured physical and psychological abuse and threats from his captors, while British authorities have faced challenges in accessing him.
The family, alarmed by distressing notes from Ryan detailing his ordeal, worries that he may not survive the harsh treatment he claims to be enduring. According to Detained in Dubai, a group providing legal aid to foreigners detained in the UAE, Ryan was deprived of phone communication for months, resorting to passing messages through handwritten notes from custody. In these notes, he described the facility as a place of suffering, where police allegedly mistreated detainees.
Chloe, Ryan’s sister, shared that their initial hope of Ryan being deported home turned into fear as his messages grew increasingly alarming. Reports from another detainee indicated that Ryan had been subjected to abuse and isolation for an extended period before being hospitalized for severe injuries sustained from beatings.
Detained in Dubai revealed that hospital treatment records hinted at assaults in custody, contradicting official statements attributing the injuries to prior surgery complications. Despite efforts by British Embassy officials to visit Ryan in person, an appointment was canceled due to unspecified restrictions.
Having relocated to Dubai for a fresh start after personal challenges, Ryan’s family was shocked by his sudden detention following a trip to New York. Concerns about his safety escalated as Ryan expressed fears of retaliation if he spoke openly about his experiences. The founder of Detained in Dubai emphasized the challenges faced by British officials in verifying torture claims in environments where detainees may be reluctant to speak freely.
Ryan’s case is among several being handled by Detained in Dubai, raising anxiety among other British families with loved ones detained abroad. Past incidents, like the death of Lee Bradley Brown in Dubai custody in 2011, highlight the urgency of ensuring the safety and well-being of detainees. The family’s desperate plea for confirmation of Ryan’s safety underscores the emotional turmoil they are enduring. The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has been contacted for comments on the situation.