23-year-old woman 'jailed for life' abroad after making a 'very stupid mistake'

A 23-year-old British woman has been jailed in Dubai after making a 'very stupid mistake' while in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

There's no doubt that Dubai is a popular tourist hotspot, but tough rules there mean you have to be careful with what you're doing.

Mia O'Brien, from Liverpool in the UK is currently being held in the city's central prison for a currently undisclosed crime that has landed her a life sentence.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Danielle, the student's mother, explained that her daughter was 'going through it' after being placed behind bars.

"She's just been transferred to another prison after getting a life sentence. It's been a massive shock," she added.

A life sentence in the UAE usually means 25 years of imprisonment, though it remains unclear what exactly Mia has done.

Mia is said to be 'going through it' in Dubai (Getty Stock Photo)

A GoFundMe page had been set up by Danielle, with the mother revealing the money raised would be sent to Mia to pay for legal fees and also be used to cover travel costs so they can visit her.

"I haven't seen my daughter since last October. Mia is only 23 years old and has never done a bad thing in her life," the fundraiser stated.

"This is a young girl, who went to university to do law, and unfortunately got mixed up in the wrong so-called friends and made a very stupid mistake and is now paying the price."

A follow-up in the fundraiser added: "I just want to thank everyone for their donations so far, this money will be used to send to my daughter Mia, and also for any legal fees that may arise, and maybe even to go towards getting family over to Dubai to see her."

The GoFundMe has since been deleted due to unknown reasons at this time.

Just short of $950 had been raised at the time of the fundraiser being taken down, the Daily Mail reports.

Mia is behind bars in Dubai (GoFundMe)

"We are supporting the family of a British woman detained in the UAE and are in contact with the local authorities," a UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson said.

Some offences that carry a life sentence in the UAE include drug trafficking and possession, human trafficking, murder or attempted murder, and terrorism-related activities.

"The penalties for trafficking, smuggling, using and possessing illegal drugs (including residual amounts) are severe. Sentences for drug trafficking can include the death penalty," the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office warns.