A British tourist has been charged under Dubai’s cyber-crime laws for allegedly filming Iranian missiles over the city, UK authorities have confirmed.
The 60-year-old man faces legal action under legislation that forbids publishing or sharing content that could disrupt public security.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office said, “We are in contact with the local authorities following the detention of a British man in the UAE.”
Lana Nusseibeh, the UAE’s minister of state to the EU, told the BBC she was “aware” of “some violations” of the law but did not comment on the British man’s case specifically.
She explained that the regulations had been introduced for public safety, advising, “My best advice to everyone here, who we welcome being here… is follow the guidelines. The guidelines are there for your safety and for your protection.”
Breaching cybercrime laws in the UAE carries a minimum prison sentence of two years, alongside a fine of 200,000 UAE dirhams (approximately $54,000).
Speaking on UK radio station LBC, the UAE’s ambassador to the UK, Mansoor Abulhoul, emphasized the country’s safety, “The United Arab Emirates is very safe.” He added that the “guidelines and regulations are there in the UAE to ensure people’s safety” and explained that the restrictions on filming aim to prevent people from being hit by “falling debris.”
Last Friday, the UAE Attorney General cautioned against sharing photos or videos of attack sites or inaccurate information that could incite panic.
Another government alert, disseminated through emails, text messages, and public announcements, warned, “Photographing or sharing security or critical sites, or reposting unreliable information, may result in legal action and compromise national security and stability. Compliance helps keep the community safe and stable.”
Additional guidance urged residents to “think before you share. Spreading rumors is a crime.”
The UK Embassy in the UAE also reminded citizens on X, “UAE authorities warn against photographing, posting, or sharing images of incident sites or projectile damage as well as government buildings and diplomatic missions. British nationals are subject to UAE laws, violations may lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation.”
According to the UAE defense ministry, more than 1,800 drones and missiles have been launched at the country since the conflict began, resulting in six deaths and 141 injuries.
