Dubai drops UK couple's sex-out-of-wedlock charge

Dubai has dropped charges brought against a British couple for having sex out of wedlock after they produced a marriage certificate, but they will be tried on alcohol-related charges, the state news agency WAM reported.

The Gulf Arab emirate's public prosecution has also dismissed a rape charge brought by the British woman against an Indian waiter at a Dubai hotel.

Earlier this month, Dubai police said they had arrested the British woman, 23, and her boyfriend, 44, who were visiting Dubai as tourists, for having sex outside marriage, which is illegal in the Muslim emirate.

The couple were detained after they reported to police on January 1 that the woman had been raped by a waiter in the bathroom of a hotel bar. During questioning, police learned the pair had been sharing a hotel room and had had sex.

Dubai Attorney General Essam al-Humaidan said the couple would stand trial for "consuming alcohol without permission", WAM reported, but did not give further details.

Drinking in the United Arab Emirates is forbidden to Muslims, and non-Muslims can only purchase alcohol with a licence. However, under Dubai's liberal regulations most hotels serve alcohol.

Humaidan said the charges for having sex outside of marriage were dismissed after the couple produced a marriage certificate, WAM reported.

Dubai's foreign population has expanded rapidly in recent years as expatriates flocked to the Gulf Arab trade and tourism hub for its tax-free earnings and year-round sunshine.