By Bethany Gavaghan Cally Brooks
Dubai, known for its towering skyscrapers and luxury lifestyle, is facing scrutiny over the disturbing trend of so-called “Porta-Potty” parties. These events, reportedly hosted by affluent individuals, lure young models and influencers with promises of cash, designer presents, and stays in hotels. Yet, beneath the glamour lies a dark reality of sexual degradation, physical harm, and significant legal jeopardy. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, has issued a stark warning about the potential legal consequences for women attending these gatherings. Despite recent legal changes, participants could still be prosecuted for adultery or indecency, particularly if married men are involved. “Sex outside marriage has been legalised in Dubai, but organisers have exploited this. Women think they’re attending a private party – instead, they’re thrown into horrific, dangerous situations with real legal risk,” stated Ms Stirling. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The issue gained renewed attention after an influencer on TikTok recounted receiving lavish gifts from a man she met at the gym, sparking debate over the hidden dangers of such encounters, reports the Mirror . Jade, known as @outplayedbyjade online and originally from France, shared her Dubai adventure on social media. She recounted an experience of leaving the gym when staff presented her with a gift from a man she had met on the treadmill. “I didn’t think much of it,” Jade said in her video, describing how she was handed flowers and chocolates after chatting with the man. Feeling touched, she messaged the number left with the present to express thanks and subsequently received a call from Van Cleef and Arpels, the luxury jewellery brand’s boutique. “I’m a very curious girl, so I make my way over to the shop,” she said, detailing the moment when a shop assistant revealed a stunning bracelet and necklace sent to her. The jewellery and other tokens amounted to a value of approximately £3,000. While Jade was thrilled with the extravagant presents, her followers cautioned her that this gentleman might be a “professional” and advised her to “be careful” in light of rumours about women being lured to “Porta-Parties” in Dubai. In one alleged incident, Maria Kovalchuk, a 20-year-old Ukrainian adult model, was apparently left for dead after attending such a party. Maria disappeared soon after telling her mother about an overnight invitation from two men purporting to be modelling agents, and failing to catch her scheduled flight to Thailand. Ten days on, Maria was discovered abandoned by the roadside in Dubai on March 19, suffering from a shattered spine, broken limbs, and severe internal injuries. Following multiple surgeries, Maria’s family, who are now at her bedside, are seeking explanations for the incident as she continues to recover. Dubai Police confirmed that Maria was under medical care but have stated she “entered a restricted construction site alone and fell from a height”, a claim met with scepticism amid unsettling rumours about her disappearance. Russian lawyer Katya Gordon, who is closely monitoring the case, starkly claimed: “Model Maria Kovalchuk was found dying on the side of the road in the UAE after a party. The scandal with the Porta Potty parties has been raging for over a year.” Gordon, among others, suggested that Maria might have been coerced into participating in a degrading sexual act, a notorious aspect of the so-called “Porta-Potty” events, which are synonymous with humiliation and mistreatment. These events are said to involve women being compensated handsomely to engage in vile acts that include exposure to bodily fluids, degradation, and suffering. While viral videos have shed some light on this obscure practice, the reality of such abuse remains largely obscured by Dubai’s polished image and stringent censorship regulations. Amidst the emergence of “Porta-Potty” narratives, specialists have issued warnings about potential dangers to be mindful of when visiting Dubai. They have warned people to be cautious of unverified agents who promise substantial sums for ambiguous modelling jobs; to refrain from agreeing to solo travel to private gatherings or accepting all-expenses-paid excursions without a proper background check on the organisers; ensuring you keep in regular contact with loved ones, always sharing your whereabouts with them; steering clear of entering private quarters of hotels, villas, or yachts with individuals you do not know well, particularly at late hours, and; be aware of the stringent laws in Dubai: foreign females may face charges like public indecency or adultery, even when actions result from coercion. The distraught mother of Maria relayed to Ukrainian reporters: “She has no documents, no phone, nothing. She’s had three operations. She can’t speak. We were told she went to a party, but the promoter claims he never saw her. We’re terrified of what really happened.” Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice