Dubai — Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have detained 35 individuals, including 19 Indian nationals, for posting video clips on social media that contained misleading and fabricated content during the heightened tensions stemming from the ongoing war between the United States, backed by Israel, and Iran.
UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered the arrests on March 15 after electronic monitoring and investigations identified the suspects. The individuals were divided into three groups: those who published authentic video clips related to current events, those who fabricated clips using artificial intelligence, and those who promoted a state engaged in acts of military aggression while glorifying its leadership and military actions.
Such offences are considered crimes under UAE law, punishable by at least one year in prison and a fine of no less than AED 100,000, according to the official news agency WAM.
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The arrests form part of a broader effort to prevent the spread of fabricated information intended to provoke public disorder and undermine stability in the Gulf nation. The UAE has faced repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks, with more than 1,800 projectiles launched toward the country — the highest number targeting any single nation in the conflict. While air defences have intercepted most incoming threats, falling debris has caused injuries and damage in civilian areas, including near Dubai International Airport.
In a related development on Monday, operations at Dubai International Airport were temporarily suspended after a drone struck a fuel tank nearby, sparking a fire that was quickly brought under control. Dubai Police closed traffic on Airport Road and the Airport Tunnel during the response. Emirates airline advised passengers to check flight status directly.
The incidents unfolded as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed the situation by phone, agreeing that Iran’s repeated attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council countries represent a dangerous escalation threatening regional security.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Israeli strikes on fuel depots in Tehran as “ecocide,” claiming they violate international law and risk long-term environmental harm. Tehran has also accused the UAE of allowing US forces to use its facilities for operations against Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal. UAE diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash reiterated his country’s right to self-defence while calling for restraint.
Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia told Reuters that relations between Tehran and Gulf states need a “serious review” to reduce external influence and promote neighbourly prosperity.
Strikes have additionally targeted eastern Saudi Arabia, including oil areas and Prince Sultan Air Base. All Gulf states have condemned the Iranian actions.
The UAE, home to US military facilities and having normalised relations with Israel in 2020, continues to monitor the security situation closely. Dubai Airport authorities expect operations to resume once safety is fully assured, with passengers advised to contact their airlines for updates on delays or cancellations.
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