A British holidaymaker has been arrested in Dubai after allegedly filming missiles during the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States, according to reports.The 60-year-old man from London, who has not been publicly named, was taken into custody on Monday while visiting the Gulf city and is currently being held at Bur Dubai police station. He is one of 21 people of various nationalities who have been charged under the United Arab Emirates’ cybercrime laws in connection with filming or sharing content related to missile activity during the ongoing regional tensions.
The arrest comes amid heightened security concerns in the UAE as the country responds to attacks linked to the broader conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel.
Arrest linked to filming missiles
The man was allegedly seen filming missiles when he was detained. According to those assisting him, he deleted the footage immediately when asked by authorities and said he had no intention of doing anything wrong.Under the UAE’s cybercrime and rumours legislation, authorities can prosecute individuals who use digital platforms to publish or circulate information that may disturb public security or incite public opinion. The charges faced by the group detained in connection with missile-related footage refer to the alleged use of “an information network or information technology tool to broadcast, publish, republish or circulate false news, rumours or provocative propaganda that may incite public opinion or disturb public security.”If convicted, the British national could face up to two years in prison, a fine ranging between AED 20,000 and AED 200,000 (£4,000 to £40,000), or both. Additional counts could increase the potential penalties, and deportation is also possible.The man’s family are said to be “extremely worried” about the situation.
Campaign group assisting the detainee
The case has drawn attention from Detained in Dubai, a campaign organisation that assists foreign nationals facing legal difficulties in the UAE and which is currently assisting the British tourist. According to the organisation, he is one of 21 people of various nationalities who have been charged under the country’s cybercrime laws in connection with filming or sharing footage of missiles during the conflict. Speaking to The Telegraph, the group’s chief executive Radha Stirling said the charges can appear severe even when the underlying actions involve routine social media activity.“The charges sound extremely vague but serious on paper,” she said.“In reality, the alleged conduct could be something as simple as sharing or commenting on a video that is already circulating online.”She explained that the country’s cybercrime legislation allows authorities to pursue cases not only against the person who originally posts material but also against those who interact with it.“Under UAE cybercrime laws, the person who originally posts content can be charged, but so can anyone who reshapes, reposts or comments on it. One video can quickly lead to dozens of people facing criminal charges.”Stirling added that the current regional tensions have made authorities particularly “hypersensitive” to the circulation of footage related to missile interceptions or military activity.“There are countless images, videos and news reports circulating online about the conflict,” she said. “People understandably assume that if something is already widely shared or published by media outlets, it must be acceptable to comment on or repost it. In the UAE, that assumption can be extremely dangerous.”She also warned that individuals detained in such cases may be treated as “national-security suspects” during initial investigations, and that “innocent mistakes can quickly escalate into extremely serious and dangerous situations for foreigners.”“In some circumstances people can find themselves treated as national security suspects before the facts are even clarified,” she said. “That can mean being taken to specialised CID facilities for interrogation and held for extended periods.”
Rising tensions across the region
The arrests come as the UAE faces security challenges linked to the broader regional conflict.According to the country’s Ministry of Defence, since the start of the escalation on 28 February the UAE has engaged 268 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,514 drones. The attacks have resulted in six deaths, including Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali and Bangladeshi nationals.
Iranian attack hits Fairmont The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai in UAE? Fire and smoke seen near Fairmont The Palm after reported explosions in Dubai. Pic Credit: X
Air-defence interceptions have taken place across the country, including near Dubai International Airport, where two drones reportedly fell after being intercepted, causing injuries and prompting passengers to seek shelter. Drone debris has also been reported in Creek Harbour, where a hotel sustained damage.Authorities have previously warned residents and visitors that posting or sharing unverified information about the conflict online could lead to criminal charges under the country’s cybercrime legislation.Under Article 52 of the UAE’s cybercrime law, publishing or republishing false or misleading information online carries a minimum prison sentence of one year and a fine of AED 100,000 ($27,200). If the material is deemed to incite panic, harm public security or affect the national economy, the penalty can rise to at least two years in prison and a fine of AED 200,000 ($54,400).
