On an unspecified date prior to September 29, 2025, Yasmin al-Nuaimi was contacted by the Abu Dhabi Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and instructed to report to its premises for what was described as “a chat.” On September 29, 2025, she travelled by taxi to the CID building in Abu Dhabi, where she was arrested. After she entered the building, all regular contact with her ceased. The same day, her son contacted the British Embassy in the UAE to report that his mother had entered the CID building and had not returned.
On October 1, 2025, several CID officers, who, by that time,, already had Yasmin al-Nuaimi in their custody, brought her to her home to conduct a search of the premises. The officers carried out a thorough search and seized a number of her personal belongings and electronic devices. Upon completion of the search, the CID officers took her away again. This was the last time she was seen by her family, who have had no direct contact with her since.
On October 6, 2025, the British Embassy visited the Abu Dhabi CID building but reported that it was unable to locate her.
Since her detention, her family has received no official explanation as to the reasons or legal basis for her deprivation of liberty. To their knowledge, no charges have been brought against her, and the authorities have provided no information regarding her current whereabouts, legal status, conditions of detention, or the authority responsible for her custody.
Relatives, legal representatives, and British consular officials have repeatedly attempted to inquire with UAE authorities regarding Yasmin’s whereabouts, welfare, and the charges against her. Inquiries were made with Abu Dhabi Police, CID authorities, detention facilities, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the British Embassy and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Authorities reportedly provided limited or inconsistent information. Later communications suggested she was being held first in al-Ain prison and subsequently at al-Wathba detention facility in Abu Dhabi; however, this could not be confirmed, as consular and family access was repeatedly obstructed.
On February 13, 2026, amid the continued lack of information and access, Yasmin was reported as a missing person to the UK police.
Between May 1 and 8, 2026, a scheduled visit for her son was cancelled upon his arrival, and on May 8, 2026, a separate visit scheduled for the British Embassy was cancelled last-minute. On August 20, 2026, yet another visit scheduled for her son was cancelled.
MENA Rights Group submitted her case to the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (UN WGEID) on September 1, 2026.
