Six Uzbek nationals sentenced to death in Dubai over April 2025 brawl

According to media reports, the verdict was announced on January 22 during an open court hearing. In addition to the six death sentences, another defendant was given a life prison term in connection with the case.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the information to Kun.uz, noting that the verdict will be appealed and that the legal process is expected to take several years.

The case stems from an incident that occurred in April 2025, when a fight broke out between two criminal groups composed of Uzbek nationals at a petrol station in Dubai. At the time, reports circulated on social media saying that one person had died after being stabbed, while another was left in a coma. The second victim later died without regaining consciousness, bringing the death toll to two.

Shortly after the incident, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry announced that 15 Uzbek citizens suspected of involvement in the altercation had been detained by UAE authorities.

Local media later published details of the incident, stating that the two groups had a prior dispute and encountered each other by chance at the petrol station. According to the reports, several individuals attacked a man who had exited a red Mercedes vehicle, stabbing him repeatedly. His companion attempted to flee but was soon caught and beaten.

Dubai police arrived at the scene, sealed off the area, and seized items left behind by the suspects. CCTV footage and witness testimonies helped reconstruct the sequence of events and identify those involved. The suspects, including key figures in the case, were later arrested at one of the hotels in the emirate.

In a statement following the incident, Dubai’s Criminal Investigation Department warned that a rise in offenses committed by Uzbek nationals could potentially affect the visa-free regime between the two countries. Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry, in turn, urged its citizens to refrain from actions abroad that could damage the country’s reputation.

Dubai police emphasized that such incidents are rare in the emirate and reiterated that Dubai remains one of the safest cities in the world.

In the aftermath of the case, Uzbek citizens began facing difficulties when entering the UAE. In early June, for instance, some Uzbek football fans traveling to watch a World Cup qualifying match were reportedly denied entry after failing to clear airport checks.