Emotional moment Brit who faced two years in a Dubai jail for posting a critical Google review is greeted by friend after he was allowed to fly home
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This is the emotional moment a Brit who faced two years in a Dubai jail for writing a negative online review about his employer was reunited with a friend. Craig Ballentine, 33, from Cookstown, County Tyron, Northern Ireland, landed in Dublin on Thursday morning in time for Christmas after his travel ban was lifted.
![[Craig was greeted by a friend at Dublin airport when he arrived on Irish soil yesterday morning]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/20/14/93355333-14214223-image-a-10_1734705241856.jpg)
Footage shows an emotional Ballentine arriving on Irish soil as he is greeted by his friend Sean at the arrivals hall. His release came after several politicians highlighted Ballentine's case, including Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill.
![[Craig Ballentine (pictured) accepted a role last year in a Dubai canine salon where he worked for nearly six months. When he returned to the UK, he wrote a scathing review about his employer]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/20/14/91874051-0-Craig_Ballentine_pictured_accepted_a_role_last_year_in_a_Dubai_c-a-6_1734705079706.jpg)
Upon Ballentine's return, O'Neill said: 'I am delighted to hear the news that Craig has arrived back in Ireland. It has been a difficult few months for him and his family who were concerned for his safety. 'My office was happy to assist in any way we could throughout this ordeal. I hope that Craig can now enjoy time at home in the company of his family and friends who have supported him throughout this difficult situation.'.
![[When he returned to Dubai in October for a holiday with friends, he ended up detained due to extremely strict cyber laws in the UAE]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/20/14/91874053-14214223-While_in_Dubai_Mr_Ballentine_was_diagnosed_with_fibromyalgia_and-a-12_1734705409112.jpg)
Ballentine had accepted a role last year in a Dubai canine salon where he worked for nearly six months. While in Dubai, Mr Ballentine was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and needed to take days off work. Craig Ballentine made an emotional return to Ireland after being detained in Dubai.
Craig was greeted by a friend at Dublin airport when he arrived on Irish soil yesterday morning. "The last two months have been overwhelming, but getting home is a Christmas miracle." Cookstown man Craig Ballentine returns home after being detained in Dubai for two months. pic.twitter.com/L4z3xBlmtN.
