Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was reported to be in the United Arab Emirates after images circulated on social media showing him in Dubai. His presence drew attention online due to his public record in the United Kingdom as a far-right activist associated with anti-immigration and anti-Islam political campaigns. Robinson has previously made public statements critical of Islam and Muslims and has led street demonstrations in the UK linked to nationalist movements.

During his stay in Dubai, Robinson was involved in a confrontation at a Misfits Boxing event with professional boxer Ty Mitchell. Video footage from the event shows an argument between the two, during which Mitchell criticised Robinson for his views on Muslims while Robinson responded by stating that his opposition was directed at terrorism and jihadist groups. Robinson later stated in an interview at the event that he had been invited to the UAE to speak at a discussion focused on what he described as terrorist organisations operating in the UK.

The incident drew further attention due to the UAE’s legal framework, which includes blasphemy and anti-discrimination laws that criminalise insults toward religions, prophets, and holy texts, with penalties that can include imprisonment, fines, and deportation for non-citizens. Screenshots of Robinson’s past social media posts containing derogatory language about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad were reshared online. Media outlet 5Pillars reported that it contacted Dubai Police for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication, while later social media posts claimed that Robinson had been removed from Dubai by local authorities.