UAE arrests over misleading posts: 3 types of videos flagged, Dh200,000 fines explained
Authorities in the UAE have arrested dozens of individuals accused of spreading misleading content online amid Iran's attack on the country, in what officials say is part of a wider effort to curb misinformation that could harm public security.On March 15, UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered the arrest of 25 individuals of various nationalities, referring them for expedited trial.This came a day after authorities detained 10 others accused of publishing fabricated and misleading video clips online, including manipulated footage suggesting explosions, strikes on landmarks and fires across the country.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels.Separately, Abu Dhabi Police arrested 45 individuals for filming locations during the ongoing events and posting the footage online while circulating inaccurate information that could spread rumours or influence public opinion.3 types of violations identified1. Posting real interception videosThe first group allegedly shared authentic videos of missile interceptions or their aftermath inside the UAE.Authorities said these posts also included:Footage of people gathering to watch eventsCommentary or sound effects suggesting active attacksContent that could incite anxiety and panic.Officials said such clips may also expose defence capabilities and help hostile accounts push misleading narratives.2. Sharing fabricated or AI-generated clipsAnother group allegedly published fabricated visual content, including material generated using artificial intelligence or footage from incidents outside the UAE that was falsely presented as occurring within the country.Authorities said these posts included:Synthetic scenes of explosions or missile strikesOld footage recirculated and falsely linked to events in the UAEVideos edited with flags, dates or other elements to appear credible.Officials said such material was intended to mislead the public and distort facts.3. Glorifying a hostile stateA third group allegedly published posts praising a hostile state and its political and military leadership, portraying its regional military actions as achievements.According to investigators, the content included:Praising leaders of that statePromoting its military actions onlineRecirculating propaganda aligned with hostile media narratives.Authorities said such posts harm national interests and contribute to misleading discourse during a sensitive security situation.Warnings issued from the startAuthorities had repeatedly warned residents from the early days of the crisis against filming attack locations, sharing interception footage or circulating unverified information online.On February 28 – the first day Iran targeted the UAE – the UAE Public Prosecution cautioned against publishing or circulating rumours, false news or content from unknown sources through social media platforms or other digital channels.Officials warned that sharing such information could spread confusion and harm the security and stability of society, stressing that individuals who repost or circulate such content could face legal accountability even if they were not the original creators.What the law saysAuthorities say the legal provisions apply not only to those who create misleading content but also to individuals who share or repost it.The attorney-general has warned that deliberately spreading misinformation that threatens public security, causes panic or undermines social stability can result in imprisonment for at least one year and fines of no less than Dh100,000.Dubai Police also warned that publishing or circulating rumours, misleading news or content that contradicts official announcements – or that incites fear or harms public security, public order or public health – can lead to legal penalties including imprisonment and fines of no less than Dh200,000. يُحظر نشر أو تداول الشائعات أو الأخبار المضللة، أو أي محتوى يخالف ما تم الإعلان عنه رسمياً، أو من شأنه إثارة الرعب أو الإضرار بالأمن أو النظام العام أو الصحة العامة.وتترتب على ذلك عقوبات قانونية مشددة، قد تصل إلى الحبس وغرامة لا تقل عن 200,000 درهم.Sharing rumors, false… pic.twitter.com/nqqCZlxyvL— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 11, 2026 Filming incident sites prohibitedThe warnings were reinforced days later.On March 6, the attorney general warned the public against photographing or circulating images and videos documenting incident locations or damage caused by falling projectiles or shrapnel.He said publishing such material could create public panic and give a misleading impression of the situation in the country, while also undermining the work of authorities responding to the incidents.Authorities also cautioned against circulating fabricated clips or digitally manipulated scenes. Publishing such material with the intent to mislead the public constitutes a criminal offence under UAE law, officials said.Police urge verification of online contentPolice agencies have also urged residents to verify info
Authorities in the UAE have arrested dozens of individuals accused of spreading misleading content online amid Iran's attack on the country, in what officials say is part of a wider effort to curb misinformation that could harm public security.
On March 15, UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered the arrest of 25 individuals of various nationalities, referring them for expedited trial.
This came a day after authorities detained 10 others accused of publishing fabricated and misleading video clips online, including manipulated footage suggesting explosions, strikes on landmarks and fires across the country.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp channels.
Separately, Abu Dhabi Police arrested 45 individuals for filming locations during the ongoing events and posting the footage online while circulating inaccurate information that could spread rumours or influence public opinion.
3 types of violations identified
1. Posting real interception videos
The first group allegedly shared authentic videos of missile interceptions or their aftermath inside the UAE.
Authorities said these posts also included:
Footage of people gathering to watch events
Commentary or sound effects suggesting active attacks
Content that could incite anxiety and panic.
Officials said such clips may also expose defence capabilities and help hostile accounts push misleading narratives.
2. Sharing fabricated or AI-generated clips
Another group allegedly published fabricated visual content, including material generated using artificial intelligence or footage from incidents outside the UAE that was falsely presented as occurring within the country.
Authorities said these posts included:
Synthetic scenes of explosions or missile strikes
Old footage recirculated and falsely linked to events in the UAE
Videos edited with flags, dates or other elements to appear credible.
Officials said such material was intended to mislead the public and distort facts.
3. Glorifying a hostile state
A third group allegedly published posts praising a hostile state and its political and military leadership, portraying its regional military actions as achievements.
According to investigators, the content included:
Praising leaders of that state
Promoting its military actions online
Recirculating propaganda aligned with hostile media narratives.
Authorities said such posts harm national interests and contribute to misleading discourse during a sensitive security situation.
Warnings issued from the start
Authorities had repeatedly warned residents from the early days of the crisis against filming attack locations, sharing interception footage or circulating unverified information online.
On February 28 – the first day Iran targeted the UAE – the UAE Public Prosecution cautioned against publishing or circulating rumours, false news or content from unknown sources through social media platforms or other digital channels.
Officials warned that sharing such information could spread confusion and harm the security and stability of society, stressing that individuals who repost or circulate such content could face legal accountability even if they were not the original creators.
What the law says
Authorities say the legal provisions apply not only to those who create misleading content but also to individuals who share or repost it.
The attorney-general has warned that deliberately spreading misinformation that threatens public security, causes panic or undermines social stability can result in imprisonment for at least one year and fines of no less than Dh100,000.
Dubai Police also warned that publishing or circulating rumours, misleading news or content that contradicts official announcements – or that incites fear or harms public security, public order or public health – can lead to legal penalties including imprisonment and fines of no less than Dh200,000. يُحظر نشر أو تداول الشائعات أو الأخبار المضللة، أو أي محتوى يخالف ما تم الإعلان عنه رسمياً، أو من شأنه إثارة الرعب أو الإضرار بالأمن أو النظام العام أو الصحة العامة.
وتترتب على ذلك عقوبات قانونية مشددة، قد تصل إلى الحبس وغرامة لا تقل عن 200,000 درهم.
Sharing rumors, false… pic.twitter.com/nqqCZlxyvL— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 11, 2026
Filming incident sites prohibited
The warnings were reinforced days later.
On March 6, the attorney general warned the public against photographing or circulating images and videos documenting incident locations or damage caused by falling projectiles or shrapnel.
He said publishing such material could create public panic and give a misleading impression of the situation in the country, while also undermining the work of authorities responding to the incidents.
Authorities also cautioned against circulating fabricated clips or digitally manipulated scenes. Publishing such material with the intent to mislead the public constitutes a criminal offence under UAE law, officials said.
Police urge verification of online content
Police agencies have also urged residents to verify information before sharing it online.
Dubai Police warned that in the age of artificial intelligence, some images and videos circulating online may appear real but are digitally generated.
Officials stressed that misinformation can reach the wrong hands and affect the safety and security of the community, urging residents to rely on official announcements when seeking information about developments.
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