A 60-year-old British tourist has been arrested in Dubai after allegedly filming Iranian missile strikes hitting the city. The Londoner, who reportedly deleted the video when requested by authorities, faces up to two years in prison on charges related to cybercrime. He maintains that he had no intention of breaking the law.
He is among 21 individuals charged over social media posts and videos connected to recent missile attacks on the United Arab Emirates. Authorities allege the offences involve “broadcasting, publishing, republishing or circulating rumours or provocative propaganda that could disturb public security.”
Dubai’s government has intensified social media policing since the outbreak of the conflict, warning that sharing information that could incite panic may result in jail time. Many early videos of the strikes have since vanished from online platforms, replaced by content praising the government.
Once known as a tax-free haven attracting thousands of British expats and social media influencers, Dubai has endured repeated missile and drone attacks targeting hotels, high-rise buildings, and the international airport. Residents describe widespread fear, with some fleeing the city and others claiming that Dubai’s appeal as a global hotspot is “finished.”
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