Date: March 13, 2026
Reporter: Dalena Reporters
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have launched legal proceedings against 21 individuals, including a British tourist, accused of sharing videos and images related to Iranian missile attacks on the country during the ongoing Middle East conflict.
According to reports, the individuals were charged under the UAE’s strict cybercrime laws, which prohibit publishing or sharing digital content that authorities believe could disturb public security or spread rumors during times of crisis.
British Tourist Among Those Charged
One of the accused is a 60-year-old British tourist visiting Dubai, who allegedly filmed Iranian missiles flying over the city during recent attacks. Despite reportedly deleting the video immediately after recording it, authorities still charged him along with the other suspects.
Officials say the group is suspected of using information technology networks to publish or circulate material that could incite public opinion or disrupt national stability, which is considered a serious offense under UAE law.
If convicted, those charged could face up to two years in prison, fines ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 UAE dirhams (about $5,000–$54,000), and possible deportation for foreign nationals.
Government Warns Public Against Sharing Attack Footage
The crackdown comes amid heightened security concerns as the UAE faces repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks linked to the wider U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict. Since the war escalated, hundreds of projectiles have reportedly been intercepted by UAE air defenses.
Authorities have warned residents and visitors not to photograph, film, or share images of missile strikes, military sites, or security operations, stating that such posts could cause panic or reveal sensitive information about defense systems.
Officials also urged the public to rely only on official government sources for information about the conflict, emphasizing that spreading unverified content online could lead to criminal charges.
Rising Concerns for Tourists and Residents
Legal advocacy groups have expressed concern about the broad application of the UAE’s cybercrime laws, noting that even reposting or commenting on widely shared videos could potentially lead to prosecution.
The arrests highlight the growing tension across the Gulf region as the conflict with Iran expands, prompting governments to impose tighter controls over information and media coverage during the crisis.
Observers say the situation serves as a warning to residents, tourists, and social media users in the UAE that sharing conflict-related content online could have serious legal consequences.