British citizens residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been cautioned against sharing images or videos depicting war-related incidents in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This advisory follows the arrest of a British tourist in Dubai who faced charges under cyber-crime laws for allegedly capturing footage of missile strikes.
The 60-year-old man from London is among 21 individuals accused of violating the UAE’s stringent regulations on filming or posting social media content related to conflicts, as reported by legal advocacy organization Detained in Dubai. The British Embassy in the UAE reiterated the authorities’ warning against photographing, posting, or sharing images of incident sites, projectile damage, government buildings, and diplomatic missions, emphasizing that British nationals are subject to UAE laws, with violations carrying penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
According to the embassy’s Instagram post, UAE authorities have issued multiple alerts regarding the documentation and dissemination of images and videos showcasing incident sites or damage caused by projectiles or shrapnel. The law in the UAE encompasses sharing content on social media platforms and messaging applications, as well as restrictions on photographing specific sites like government buildings and diplomatic missions.
The British national arrested in Dubai reportedly deleted the video promptly when requested by authorities, claiming no knowledge of committing any offense. Radha Stirling, director of Detained in Dubai, highlighted the severity of the charges, noting that under UAE cybercrime laws, even a single post can result in multiple arrests and serious legal repercussions, including lengthy prison sentences. Stirling advised residents to exercise extreme caution during times of tension to avoid potential detainment under national security laws and human rights violations.
A recent social media post by UAE Public Prosecution emphasized that individuals sharing or reposting content from unknown sources could face legal consequences under applicable legislation, regardless of being the original creator. The post underscored the importance of responsible information sharing and the criminality of spreading rumors in such contexts.
