Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad 'kicked out of UAE'

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was forced to cut his visit to the UAE's Dubai Expo 2020 short after Emirati officials recommended he leave the country, Iranian media sources have said.

Ahmedinejad's trip to the UAE is his first known trip abroad since he left the presidency in 2013. He was reportedly going to visit the World Fair, which is currently taking place in Dubai.

Semi-official Fars News Agency claimed he was advised to leave by officials, but other outlets also stated that he was deported by police.

He was accused of planning to take part in "political games and populist activities" that would undermine the Expo, Jahan News said on Monday.

The Iranian consulate in Dubai also prevented him from holding a press conference there, sources told Iran International.

His trip to the UAE was well-publicised by his supporters and had sparked speculation that a foreign travel ban against him had been lifted.