Twenty-one individuals, including a 60-year-old British tourist, face charges under the United Arab Emirates’ stringent cybercrime laws for filming and disseminating videos of Iranian missile and drone attacks. The British national was arrested in Dubai on March 4, 2024, according to the legal assistance organization, Detained in Dubai.
This incident highlights the UAE’s increasing crackdown on the sharing of sensitive content that might incite panic or spread misinformation. The organization reported that the British man was charged alongside twenty others as the UAE intensifies efforts to control the narrative surrounding the ongoing conflict.
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, confirmed that all individuals were charged under the same indictment. Under the UAE’s cybercrime regulations, individuals who repost or comment on videos can also face legal consequences. Stirling emphasized that “one video can quickly lead to dozens of people facing criminal charges.”
The tourist, who has not been publicly identified, filmed a missile passing overhead and promptly deleted the footage when requested by police. Despite his cooperation, he was taken into custody. The penalties for violating cybercrime laws in the UAE can include a minimum of two years in prison and a fine of 200,000 UAE dirhams, which is approximately $54,000. Stirling noted that multiple charges can be compounded, making the situation more severe for those involved.
In a related case, an Indian student at Dubai University was arrested after sharing footage of a missile attack within his family group chat. He remains in custody while two French nationals who filmed missile activity earlier in the conflict were released without charges. Detained in Dubai indicated that plainclothes police have been actively arresting individuals who film missile strikes.
In an interview with UK radio station LBC, the UAE’s ambassador to the UK, Mansoor Abulhoul, asserted that the UAE is a safe destination. He stated, “The guidelines and regulations are there in the UAE to ensure people’s safety,” urging people to refrain from filming missile attacks to avoid injury from potential debris.
Warnings from UAE authorities have intensified, with the Attorney General recently advising against the circulation of images or videos related to attacks, which could incite public panic. A government notice circulated through emails and texts cautioned that photographing or sharing information about security sites could lead to legal repercussions and compromise national security.
The UK Embassy in the UAE has echoed these warnings, advising British nationals to adhere to local laws. Violations may lead to fines, imprisonment, or even deportation. The embassy’s post on social media emphasized the seriousness of the situation: “Think before you share. Spreading rumors is a crime.”
Since the onset of the conflict, the UAE has reported over 1,800 drones and missiles launched at its territory, resulting in six fatalities and 141 injuries, according to the country’s defense ministry. This escalating situation underscores the regional tensions and the UAE’s determination to maintain public safety and order.
