Mum of British student jailed for life in Dubai gives update after she was released in time for Christmas

The 24-year-old was sentenced to life in jail

Mia was held in Al-Awir Central Prison, the city's central penitentiary, when her family pleaded for help from the public on social media without revealing what crime she was serving time for.

It was later revealed that Mia was arrested at a flat party in the UAE city for having 50g of cocaine.

The possession of 50g of cocaine, with a UK street value of £2,500, led to the 24-year-old being convicted of drug supply and possession on 25 July.

Mia pleaded guilty during the trial, which was held in Arabic.

Danielle McKenna, Mia's mother, said at the time that she was 'absolutely devastated' by the outcome, as her daughter faced over two decades in a 'living hell'.

Mia was pursuing a career as a solicitor when she was arrested in October 2024, later admitting in court to snorting just one line of cocaine.

Her family had long campaigned for her release, and earlier this month, it was revealed that she had received a pardon.

This meant that Mia would be able to spend Christmas back with her family in Britain. Danielle posted a video montage with her daughter on Christmas morning, captioning it: "She's Home."

The mum said in the replies: "It’s like a Christmas miracle, best Christmas ever."

Danielle went on: "Mia feels she has destroyed her life as she wanted to be a solicitor.

"She is absolutely devastated by what has happened. Mia is being really strong, but I know she is going through a living hell."

The Detained in Dubai support group, which had been working on an appeal case, has also commented on the situation.

Founder Radha Stirling stated: "Dubai police have a history of rushing to secure convictions without the rigorous evidentiary standards we expect in the UK.

"Mia’s case could be the latest in a long line of miscarriages of justice."

However, due to what is believed to be a royal pardon, an appeal will no longer be necessary.

A UAE-based legal expert told The Sun: "They did not specify a reason for her release and such things are not made public, but keeping a young Brit in jail for 25 years would have been bad for Dubai’s PR, so I believe that would be why they decided to set her free."