Rowan Bin Hussein, the prominent Kuwaiti fashionista, has captured attention on social media after sharing emotional videos depicting her struggles with travel restrictions imposed by authorities in Dubai. Over the past two years, she claims to have faced unjust barriers preventing her from returning to what she considers her homeland, expressing deep anguish and desperation during the holy month of Ramadan.
With tears streaming down her face, Bin Hussein addressed her followers on Snapchat, pleading for help from Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. "I have been unjustly prevented from traveling to Dubai for two years; it's Ramadan, I want to see my country and family," she cried out, underscoring her distress.
Rowan has built her life and livelihood in Dubai, describing it as home where she owns three properties and five businesses. She expressed, "Dubai has always been my home. I built my entire life here. My father, who is retired, has made Dubai his home as well, yet now I feel this place is no longer home to me. I am the victim of corruption by the Dubai police, who are extorting me for 500,000 dirhams." This claim of extortion has become central to her narrative as she seeks to clarify her ordeal.
The social media outcry surrounding her situation escalated when fellow media personality, Mai Al-Aidan, shared videos of Bin Hussein visibly upset and questioning the circumstances surrounding her plight. Observers have noted, "The issue dates back to when she publicly criticized UAE laws and the judiciary on TikTok, pleading to return to her life back in Dubai."
Despite initially refraining from sharing too much detail, Rowan could not hide her pain. "I am the real realistic person; I thought about killing myself because of the injustice I have seen. If I did something wrong, fine—punish me. But I have been barred from traveling for two years without any valid reason. If certain officials have erred, they must be held accountable."
Rowan went on to declare, "I know who is behind this; if I am wrong, imprison me, but I've been banned from traveling for two years. I went to London, made millions there, but I chose the UAE because I love it. The person who wronged me—I will not forgive them. Though I built it all from scratch, I will rebuild again from nothing if I must."
During her emotional discourse, she emphasized her familial responsibility, stating, "I am the mother of my daughter, who depends on me. I have siblings who rely on me. I don't need my daughter's father to support her; I enrolled her in the best and most significant educational institutions. Just leave me alone. They threaten deportation; fine, deport me. I have remained silent for two years. My daughter and father need me. I have even contemplated taking my own life to find peace."
Rowan appealed directly to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, expressing her urgent desire to return home: "I have suffered for over a year with our embassy, the Foreign Ministry was aware of my situation, and I now plead for help. I want to return to my country." This heartfelt call for assistance reflects her dire circumstances and opens discussions about the support systems for citizens facing legal and bureaucratic issues abroad.
Bin Hussein's situation adds to the intrigue around controversial discussions of justice and personal liberty within the UAE’s legal framework. Her sincere plea and the public's engagement suggest widespread concern over the treatment of individuals within the region, especially those who feel they are victims of systemic injustices.
While her emotional cries for assistance garnered sympathy, they also attracted scrutiny and criticism, particularly surrounding her drastic commentary related to coping mechanisms during Ramadan, where she mentioned using substances to handle her overwhelming stress. This unfortunate expression sparked debates about accountability and the societal expectations of public figures during significant cultural periods.
Rowan's current plight not only symbolizes personal strife but highlights the tension between public personas and private battles many face. The reactions to her story, both supportive and opposing, point to the broader conversations about mental health, societal pressures, and the expectations placed on those often in the public eye.
With the continuing evolution of her narrative, her case remains at the forefront of social media discourse, posing challenging questions about business practices, personal freedoms, and the emotional toll of living under constant scrutiny. Will her plea gain governmental support, or will it become another case of silence under the weight of bureaucracy? That remains to be seen as the world watches closely.