UAE arrests over 400 individuals for spreading misleading information related to attacks
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has arrested a total of 420 individuals in mid-March and early April 2026 for allegedly spreading misleading information, including photos and videos of attacks, on social media. These actions are in response to the escalating US-Iran conflict, during which the UAE has been subjected to over 1,000 missile and drone attacks since February 28, 2026. UAE law imposes penalties of at least one year imprisonment and a 100,000 AED fine for spreading false information online, with stricter penalties for inciting public opinion or actions during crises.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 13, 2026 at 22:14
- 🔍 Collected: April 13, 2026 at 22:31 (17 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 13, 2026 at 22:43 (12 min after Collected)
Since the US-Iran conflict escalated on February 28, 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become the most heavily targeted Gulf nation, enduring over 1,000 missile and drone attacks from Iran and its proxies. In response to the dissemination of information related to these tensions, UAE authorities have implemented strict controls. In mid-March 2026, 45 individuals were arrested, followed by another 375 arrests in early April 2026, totaling 420 people. These individuals, of various nationalities, were accused of filming and uploading photos and videos of local attacks to social media, thereby spreading misleading information. The UAE government, through the UAE National Media Authority (UAENMA), has warned residents that spreading rumors or unverified information online is illegal. UAE law stipulates a minimum of one year imprisonment and a 100,000 AED (approximately 86,570 NTD) fine for publishing, sharing, or spreading false news, rumors, or misleading information online that contradicts official sources. Penalties increase to at least two years imprisonment and a 200,000 AED fine if the intent is to incite public opinion against state authorities or if the actions occur during a crisis or disaster. Specific cases include the detention of a British tourist in Dubai for possessing a video of a missile attack and the prosecution of a foreign flight attendant for sharing images of airport damage on a private WhatsApp group.