attached to a weapon or not are illegal in the uae. and after that airport search, nicholas moody was sent to jail with limited contact to back home. >> he really felt that it was possible that they were just going to look it over and decide that, okay, well, this is not serious and just release him. they felt the things in his possession could be considered related to firearms. and that made it a more serious situation. >> reporter: after 64 days in prison, uae officials did release him and drop the charges. why? moody says they didn't tell him the specific reason. officials typically do not discuss such things publicly. moody says when he gets his passport back, he is free to leave. >> i hope to make it home in time for the holidays. it's looking pretty hopeless as far as that area is concerned. >> reporter: the situation is not unique to nicholas moody.