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A tourist couple visiting Abu Dhabi have allegedly been arrested for having sex before marriage after a doctor informed police the woman was pregnant .

Iryna Nohai, 27, and Emlyn Culverwell, 29, were enjoying their sunny break when Iryna started experiencing stomach cramps.

Emlyn, originally from South Africa, took his Ukranian fiancé to a local hospital where a doctor examined her before discovering she was pregnant.

As Iryna lay in her hospital bed, the doctor is said to have notified the authorities she was pregnant and the couple were unmarried.

(Image: Facebook)

The case was apparently handed to police who arrested the couple for having sex before marriage, which is listed as a criminal offence in the United Arab Emirates.

Emlyn's mother Linda said both sides of the family have been desperately searching for answers as to what happens next.

Speaking to Netwek24 , she said: "Every time we try to get information, it feels as thought I'm hitting a brick wall.

(Image: Moment RF)

"We don't even know if they have legal representation."

Linda claimed the Ukrainian embassy is trying to seek permission for the couple to marry or be deported.

While formal charges have allegedly not yet been brought about, Linda said Iryna was undergoing tests to determine how long she had been sexually active.

She added; "For heaven's sake, how can they supposedly determine that?

"It must feel as if she is being raped by the authorities."

(Image: Facebook)

Still in the very early stages of pregnancy, Linda said she is worried Iryna's cramps could have been a sign of miscarriage .

She described the situation as "hell", adding: "I can imagine the hell she is going through.

"The only thing they did wrong was fall in love - it makes no sense."

The couple's families are attempting to send messages of love and find out how they are.

Linda added: "All the Department of International Relations is prepared to say is that we have 'to be patient', but there are three lives at stake here."