A 60-year-old British tourist is among 20 people charged in Dubai under UAE cybercrime laws for filming and sharing videos related to Iranian missile attacks on the country. The man, from London, was arrested after police found a deleted video of an Iranian missile strike on his phone, according to Detained in Dubai, an organisation providing legal assistance.
The charges relate to a law prohibiting the sharing of material that could disturb public security. The official case summary alleges the accused used information networks to broadcast, publish, or circulate false news, rumours, or provocative propaganda that may incite public opinion or disturb public security.
Radha Stirling, head of Detained in Dubai, said the charges are vague but serious, and could apply to anyone who shares, reposts, or comments on a video already circulating online. Penalties include up to two years in prison, fines from 20,000 AED (£4,000) to 200,000 AED, and deportation for foreign nationals.
The case highlights risks for influencers and journalists in the UAE, where sharing widely available content can lead to prosecution. Stirling warned that multiple counts can be applied, leading to cumulative sentences even for innocent actions.
The crackdown comes amid heightened Middle East tensions, with Gulf monarchies imposing tighter controls on media and public sharing of conflict-related material. Other countries, including Israel and Iran, have also restricted publication of content deemed a security threat.
