Abu Dhabi: Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have ordered the detention of 35 individuals, including 19 Indian nationals, for allegedly circulating misleading and manipulated content online during heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent military strikes on Iran.
Officials said the suspects were found sharing fabricated clips and misleading narratives on social media platforms that falsely suggested attacks or military activity inside the UAE. The government has ordered a fast-track legal process against those involved after investigators concluded the posts could trigger public panic and threaten national security.
According to officials, the crackdown unfolded in two stages. On Saturday, authorities first ordered the arrest of 10 people, including two Indians. Later, a second directive was issued covering 25 additional suspects from several nationalities, among them 17 Indians, taking the total number of accused to 35.
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the action followed continuous surveillance of digital platforms aimed at preventing the spread of false information, particularly AI-generated visuals and manipulated footage related to the ongoing regional conflict.
Investigators said the suspects were categorised into three separate groups based on the type of online material they shared.
The first group, comprising 10 individuals, allegedly reposted genuine footage showing missiles passing through or being intercepted in the UAE’s airspace. However, authorities said the clips were presented with dramatic commentary and added sound effects that falsely implied active strikes on the country, potentially causing unnecessary fear among residents.
The second group of seven people was accused of distributing fabricated videos produced using artificial intelligence or recycled from incidents that occurred outside the UAE. These clips reportedly showed explosions and missile strikes but were edited with elements such as dates and national symbols to falsely portray them as incidents within the Emirates.
The third group, which included six suspects, allegedly shared posts praising Iran’s leadership and military actions during the ongoing conflict, presenting them as achievements.
In addition, two other individuals, both Indian nationals, were booked for similar offences related to spreading deceptive digital content.
Earlier statements from prosecutors indicated that some of the circulated material included digitally created videos showing explosions, fires and attacks on well-known landmarks in the UAE, none of which had actually taken place.
Under UAE law, publishing or spreading false information that disrupts public order can result in a prison term of at least one year along with a minimum fine of AED 100,000.
Authorities also noted that some misleading videos used emotionally charged themes, including scenes involving children, to amplify the sense of threat or falsely depict damage to security installations.
The crackdown comes as tensions remain elevated across the region. Gulf countries have stepped up security alerts after Iran accused the United States of using bases in the UAE to launch attacks on Kharg Island, the primary terminal for Iran’s oil exports.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has urged allied nations to deploy naval forces to help safeguard shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route for global energy supplies, as fears of further escalation persist.
