Family of UK Businessman Detained in Saudi Arabia Launches Campaign for His Release

The family of a UK-resident businessman who has been prevented from leaving Saudi Arabia since 2017 has launched a public campaign in London demanding his freedom. Rami Naimi, 60, was detained nine years ago while returning home from a trip to Australia and has since faced exit bans, imprisonment, and secret legal proceedings.

Mr Naimi, an international businessman and father of three, was traveling in November 2017 with his father, Ali al-Naimi, a former Saudi oil minister and former head of state oil company Aramco. During a transit through Dubai Airport, Mr Naimi was stopped by border officials, transported to Abu Dhabi, and taken via private jet to Riyadh. He was subsequently held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel during a sweeping anti-corruption crackdown ordered by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Allegations of Detention and Closed-Door Trial

According to his family, Mr Naimi was subjected to severe mistreatment and interrogation during his two-month detention at the hotel before being released under a travel ban. Over the following nine years, his family states he was imprisoned twice, subjected to constant surveillance, and compelled to surrender his savings, while phone communications were strictly monitored.

Last year, Saudi authorities formally charged Mr Naimi with exploiting his father's official position to help a US company secure a contract with Aramco. Mr Naimi denied the allegation. Following a trial in a closed court, he was sentenced to six years in prison. He is currently permitted to remain outside of prison under electronic monitoring while living with his bed-bound father, who is in his 90s.

Family Launches Public Appeal

Mr Naimi faces additional ongoing court charges, including attempting to leave the kingdom without permission and following social media accounts deemed hostile to Saudi Arabia. His family and legal team, led by human rights barrister Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, maintain that the allegations are false and that his detention violates international legal standards.

After years of seeking a resolution through private and diplomatic channels, Mr Naimi's wife, Mira Lozi, and son, Ali Naimi, decided to launch the public "#BRINGRAMIHOME" campaign following Ms Lozi's recent cancer diagnosis. The Saudi Arabian government did not respond to inquiries regarding Mr Naimi's legal status or treatment.