BBC docuseries Death in Dubai explores the grim reality of ‘Porta-Potty’ parties, where young women are reportedly lured with luxury gifts, only to be subjected to abusive acts
Dubai is renowned for its towering skyscrapers, upscale shopping malls, and the high-profile lives of social media influencers. Yet beneath this glossy façade of luxury cars and beachfront penthouses lies a troubling reality — the rise of exploitative and degrading events infamously known as ‘Porta-Potty’ parties.
These twisted gatherings – reportedly organised by wealthy men – lure young models and influencers with promises of tens of thousands of pounds, luxury gifts, and lavish hotel stays.
But behind the glitz lies a horrifying truth, involving reports of extreme sexual humiliation, physical abuse, and serious legal risks for those involved.
Now, a new BBC documentary and podcast series has uncovered the scale of the disturbing truth behind the parties in question.
READ MORE: Inside Dubai’s dark underbelly as models lured to sick ‘Porta-Potty’ parties by men lavishing them with giftsREAD MORE: Grave warning for women lured to grim Dubai ‘Porta-Potty’ parties with surprise £3k gifts
Death in Dubai, presented by journalist and producer Runako Celina, explores the events leading up to the death of Monic Karungi, who was originally lured to Dubai via the intoxicating images of glitz and wealth she had seen on social media, and hoped to build a following as an influencer.
One of the women Runako speaks to in the documentary is Lexi*, who claims she was trafficked into Dubai from Uganda through an illegal prostitution ring.
She describes clients offering her thousands to urinate on her, beat her, or eat faeces. She goes on to add that some clients would pay up to AED 15,000 (£3,000) for humiliating ‘fetish’ acts.
British woman Saint Mullan has her own horror stories. She claims she was contacted via Instagram by a man offering £16,000 for her and a friend to attend a party in Dubai, allegedly in exchange for participating in fetishes involving feet and urination — though these messages have never been independently verified.
In another case, Ukrainian model Maria Kovalchuk was discovered severely injured on the side of a Dubai road, sparking speculation that she may have been involved in a so-called ‘Porta-Potty’ party. However, she has publicly denied any such connection.
These parties reportedly involve women being paid vast sums of money to perform grotesque acts involving bodily fluids, degradation and pain.
Viral videos have helped expose this shadowy world, but the abuse is largely hidden by Dubai’s shiny reputation and strict censorship laws.
And the women involved in these parties could even find themselves prosecuted. Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, has warned that women involved in these parties – even against their will – could face charges of adultery or indecency, especially if married men are present.
“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,” Stirling said.
‘Death in Dubai: #Dubaiportapotty’ is available to watch on BBC iPlayer. The ‘World of Secrets: Death in Dubai podcast can be downloaded from wherever you get your BBC podcasts.
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
READ MORE: ‘Delicious’ supplement that boosts ‘energy without having trouble sleeping’