Helicopter mechanic Ryan Pate, an expat American working in the United Arab Emirates, was arrested for comments he posted on Facebook while in Florida, US.
The Facebook post came after Pate argued with his employer at Global Aerospace Logistics (Gal) over sick leave, after the latter refused to extend Pate’s leave to see a doctor about a long-standing back injury.
In the post, Mr Pate called Gal "backstabbers" and warned other contractors about working for the firm. He also complained about life in the UAE and used a racial slur against the region's people.
Upon his return to Abu Dhabi in order to resign, he was arrested for breaking the country's strict cyber-slander laws. His trial is due to start on 17 March and he could face up to five years in jail and a large fine if found guilty.
The cyber-slander laws were introduced in late 2012 and make it an offense to use the net to mock or deride organizations and individuals.