19-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) Social media influencer Tan Yan Wei, known as Xiao Er, found himself in an unexpected situation when he was allegedly detained by security personnel for two hours in Dubai. The incident occurred after he took selfies outside a shopping mall, which he intended to document and share with his followers.
Sharing his ordeal on TikTok last Sunday, Tan revealed that he had been asked about the incident by numerous people. According to his account, security personnel approached him, accusing him of a “crime” for taking videos outside The Dubai Mall.
Tan explained, “They informed me that taking videos was not allowed, but I explained that it was solely for my personal social media… and everyone else was doing it as well.”
@yanweixiaoer This security lied and almost brought me to the police station. For filming selfie videos? For my own social media? @thedubaimall still yet to respond and take action. Be careful when you go to Dubai Mall #dubai #uae #dubaimall #traveldubai ♬ original sound – yanweixiaoer
He further stated that he offered to delete the footage in his camera, but the security guards insisted on escorting him to the management office. Throughout the ordeal, Tan claimed that the security guards repeatedly threatened to involve the police.
Fortunately, the situation took a turn when “higher management” intervened and clarified that Tan had not committed any offense. “I questioned why the security personnel had threatened to call the police,” Tan shared. “Surprisingly, the security guard denied making such a statement.” Perplexed, Tan wondered about the true reasons behind his brief detention, speculating whether it was racially motivated or driven by ulterior motives.
Tan’s TikTok video quickly gained traction, amassing over 30,000 views. One commenter expressed surprise at the idea that taking selfies outside a mall could be illegal in Dubai. In response, Tan clarified that it was not the act itself that was prohibited, but rather he suspected that the security personnel had their own undisclosed motivations.
