Date: March 20, 2026 l By Mis Stella, Dalena Reporters
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have arrested more than 100 individuals for allegedly spreading “misleading” information online amid the ongoing Middle East war, signaling a tightening grip on information flow as regional tensions continue to escalate.
According to officials, Abu Dhabi Police confirmed the arrest of 109 people of various nationalities accused of filming sensitive locations and sharing inaccurate or misleading content related to current military developments. The authorities emphasized that such actions could threaten public safety and national security during a time of heightened regional instability.
#أخبارنا | #شرطة_أبوظبي تضبط 109 شخصاً لقيامهم بتصوير الأحداث وتداول معلومات مضللة
— شرطة أبوظبي (@ADPoliceHQ) March 20, 2026
أعلنت شرطة أبوظبي ضبط 109 أشخاص من جنسيات مختلفة قاموا بتصوير مواقع وأحداث وتداول معلومات غير صحيحة عبر منصات التواصل الاجتماعي خلال الأحداث الجارية، الأمر الذي من شأنه إثارة الرأي العام ونشر… pic.twitter.com/LWanahKiFp
The crackdown comes as Gulf countries remain on high alert following a surge in missile and drone attacks linked to the widening conflict involving Iran, Israel, and their allies. Governments across the region are increasingly concerned about the role of social media in spreading panic, misinformation, and potentially exposing strategic locations.
Security officials warned that sharing unverified or sensitive footage during wartime could aid hostile actors or create unnecessary fear among residents. As a result, stricter enforcement measures are being implemented to control the dissemination of war-related content online.
The arrests highlight a broader trend across the Middle East, where authorities are balancing public access to information with national security concerns. Analysts say governments are particularly wary of digital content that could reveal military movements, infrastructure vulnerabilities, or amplify psychological pressure during the conflict.
Meanwhile, the wider regional war continues to deepen, with ongoing airstrikes, counterattacks, and threats targeting key infrastructure and cities across multiple countries. The growing instability has forced governments to adopt stricter internal security measures, including monitoring online activity and restricting sensitive disclosures.
Observers note that while such crackdowns may help maintain order, they also raise concerns about press freedom and the public’s right to information during times of crisis.
As the Middle East conflict intensifies, the UAE’s decisive action underscores the broader reality of a region not only battling on the frontlines—but also in the digital space, where information itself has become a powerful and contested weapon.