•Under UAE law, spreading misleading content that threatens public order can lead to at least one year in prison and fines starting from AED 100,000, officials warned as tensions in the region continue to rise.
BY PC Bureau
March 16, 2026: Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have ordered the arrest of 35 people — including 19 Indian nationals — accused of sharing misleading or fabricated content on social media during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Officials said the suspects allegedly circulated manipulated videos and misleading narratives online related to recent missile and drone incidents across the UAE. Authorities added that the accused will face expedited legal proceedings following an investigation into the posts.
The action came in two phases. In the latest order, 25 individuals of multiple nationalities — including 17 Indians — were named under various charges. This follows a previous order issued on Saturday for the arrest of 10 people, including two Indians.
Just in: UAE Attorney-General orders arrest of 25 defendants of various nationalities for expedited trial over publishing misleading content harming defence measures, glorifying acts of military aggression against UAE — WAM / UAE PP pic.twitter.com/ULIDO7vBpM
— 🇦🇪 HGS (@Sajwani) March 14, 2026
According to Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the arrests followed extensive monitoring of digital platforms aimed at preventing the spread of misinformation that could trigger panic or threaten public stability.
Investigators said the suspects were divided into three groups based on the nature of the content they posted.
The first group — comprising 10 individuals, including five Indians — shared authentic videos showing missiles passing through UAE airspace or being intercepted. Authorities alleged they added commentary and sound effects suggesting active attacks, which officials said could create public anxiety and reveal sensitive defence-related information.
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The second group — seven individuals including five Indians — allegedly circulated fabricated videos created using artificial intelligence or reused footage from incidents outside the UAE while falsely claiming they occurred within the country. Some clips reportedly depicted explosions or missile strikes alongside national symbols or dates to make the claims appear credible.
A third group of six individuals — including five Indians and one Pakistani — was accused of posting content praising Iran’s leadership and presenting its military operations as achievements, which authorities described as promoting propaganda from a hostile state.
Two additional individuals, both Indian nationals, also face similar charges.
Officials said several of the circulated videos falsely depicted explosions at major UAE landmarks or claimed attacks on military facilities. Some posts allegedly used emotional imagery, including children reacting to supposed security threats, in an attempt to amplify public fear.
Under UAE law, spreading misinformation that threatens national security or public order can carry penalties including at least one year in prison and a minimum fine of AED 100,000, authorities said.
The arrests come as tensions across the Gulf intensify amid the widening conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Over the weekend, Gulf states including the UAE reported new missile and drone incidents. Iran has also warned the UAE over alleged US-linked military activities in the region, including claims — not backed by evidence — that American forces used facilities in the country to launch attacks on Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran’s oil exports.
Amid rising tensions, Donald Trump said he hoped allied nations would deploy warships to help secure the vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.
