A holidaymaker from Northern Ireland, Craig Ballentine, has described his return home as a “Christmas miracle” after being detained in the United Arab Emirates for posting a negative Google review about his former employer.

Ballentine, hailing from Cookstown in County Tyrone, was arrested at Abu Dhabi airport in October due to his critical remarks. Under the UAE’s cybercrime laws, he faced slander charges and the possibility of imprisonment.

After having his travel ban lifted, the 33-year-old arrived in Dublin on Thursday morning. “I’m happy to be on Irish grass now,” he told BBC News NI.

Ballentine described the experience as “overwhelming” and “confusing.”

While reflecting on his ordeal, he stated, “One minute everything changes. It has been a Christmas miracle.” The moment he saw Dublin from the sky upon arrival at Dublin Airport filled him with joy.

He plans to indulge in a hearty fry meal soon and prioritise spending time with friends and family. He mentioned his excitement for the annual “12 Pubs of Christmas” event on Christmas Eve, where friends from Liverpool will join him. He texted them earlier, saying, “I’m coming.”