Those who video and share UAE missile and drone attacks are arrested because it damages the tourism image.

The government of the United Arab Emirates has ordered the arrest of ten individuals who uploaded videos showing recent missile and drone attacks by Iran, as well as their destruction by the UAE's air defense systems. They are accused of distributing fake explosion and attack footage created using artificial intelligence (AI), in addition to genuine footage, and have been referred for swift trial.

This is considered one step in a broader program of information control amidst the ongoing crisis between Iran, the United States, Israel, and the Gulf region.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi police have separately arrested 45 individuals of various nationalities on charges of video recording the attacks and spreading false information. Last week, a 60-year-old British tourist from London was also charged under the country's cybercrime law for video recording Iranian missiles flying over Dubai. Although he deleted the video at the advice of police officers, authorities have taken steps to prosecute him, and the British Foreign Office is currently providing him with necessary assistance.

Radha Stirling, CEO of 'Detained in Dubai', states that 21 individuals have already been charged under the UAE's cybercrime laws for posting videos and social media content related to the recent missile attacks. However, numerous photos showing missile debris falling on a high-rise residential building, a luxury hotel, and Dubai Airport are widely circulating online.

UAE authorities have issued strong warnings to the public, stating that such actions could threaten public safety and national stability, and spread rumors and fear. They have urged people to refrain from photographing or video recording attack sites, damage, or smoke plumes. Individuals engaging in provocative propaganda in violation of these laws could face a prison sentence of up to two years and a fine of two hundred thousand dirhams (approximately 54,000 US dollars), with the risk of additional charges.

Among those arrested are tourists, expatriates, social media activists, students, and non-residents (including a Vietnamese sailor). Plainclothes police officers have even been deployed to arrest individuals who video record the attacks. These strict laws began to be enforced following thousands of drone and missile attacks launched by Iran against Gulf countries in late February 2026, which resulted in numerous casualties and property damage. Government officials, including the UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, have emphasized that these laws are essential to prevent harm to the public from falling debris.

The United Arab Emirates maintains strict control over online information to preserve its image as a safe business and tourist hub. The government is informing the public via SMS and email to use official sources for public safety and to obtain only accurate information. Given the tense situation in the region, embassies of various countries, including Britain, have also issued special announcements advising individuals visiting or residing in the country to refrain from sharing such sensitive media online.