Sharing attack footage can result in imprisonment, significant fines, or deportation under the Gulf nation’s laws
Abu Dhabi Emirate police have confirmed that 45 individuals of different nationalities have been arrested for sharing videos of Iranian missile and drone strikes on the UAE.
Since being targeted by the US and Israel in late February, Iran has heavily focused on American military bases and other assets in Gulf countries. Tehran states it harbors “no hostility” toward its Arab neighbors but maintains that US facilities are “legitimate targets.”
Publishing videos of Iranian attacks could stir public worry and fuel rumor-sharing in the community, police stated Saturday. It added that legal and administrative actions have been taken against those involved.
Detained in Dubai, a consultancy, reported Thursday that 21 people – including a 60-year-old British citizen – have been charged in the UAE under the nation’s cybercrime laws for filming the strikes.
Under UAE law, they could face up to two years in jail and fines between approximately $5,500 and $54,500; foreign nationals also face possible deportation.
“The charges seem very vague but carry serious weight on paper. In truth, the alleged behavior could be as simple as sharing or commenting on a video already circulating online,” said Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai.
She cautioned that “foreigners must understand that what might be considered normal social media activity elsewhere could result in arrest in the UAE.”
Qatar stated Monday that it had detained over 300 people for filming Iranian strikes. A few days later, Bahrain announced the arrest of six people on similar charges. The monarchy’s interior ministry urged the public “to avoid circulating or reposting untrustworthy videos or news to steer clear of legal consequences.”
“If Gulf governments start arresting expatriates for sharing or discussing news during a conflict, it risks eroding the safe, modern international hub image they’ve worked to create,” Stirling emphasized.
Israel has also increased censorship during the conflict – which it launched alongside Washington – banning live broadcasts of city skylines during Iranian missile attacks, images that identify strike locations, and other content deemed a security risk.