The ten people arrested in the UAE for publishing sensitive incident videos. MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

Authorities in the UAE have arrested 10 people of different nationalities for publishing sensitive incident videos, fake artificial intelligence (AI) clips and misleading information online, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) announced on Saturday (March 14). The arrests were ordered by Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, who directed authorities to detain the suspects after investigators found they had circulated videos that could mislead the public and create unnecessary panic. According to the MOI, some of the clips showed real scenes of air defence systems responding to attacks and their aftermath. Others were fabricated videos created using artificial intelligence that falsely depicted missile strikes, explosions, fires and attacks on well-known landmarks in the UAE. Authorities said some suspects even used emotional content involving children or repurposed footage from incidents outside the country and falsely claimed the events happened in the UAE. Officials warned that publishing such videos—whether real or manipulated—could undermine public security and spread fear among residents. “The publication of these clips, whether real or fabricated, would affect public security and provoke panic among members of the community,” the ministry said. The Attorney-General has ordered the suspects to remain in custody while investigations continue. Under UAE law, intentionally spreading misleading information or fabricated content that affects public safety can lead to serious penalties. Authorities said offenders could face at least one year in prison and fines of no less than Dh100,000. Al Shamsi stressed that prosecutors will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who uses social media or digital technology to spread false information or content that could threaten national security. “Anyone who proves to be involved in such acts will be subject to immediate criminal accountability,” he said.

Earlier warnings issued

The arrests come days after the UAE Public Prosecution warned residents not to photograph or share videos of incident locations. Al Shamsi said publishing images of areas affected by falling projectiles or debris could interfere with authorities responding to emergencies and give a misleading picture of the situation in the country. “Disseminating such materials or inaccurate information can incite public panic and create a false impression of the country’s actual situation,” he said. Authorities also warned against fabricated videos produced using AI or digital editing, including clips that falsely show missile strikes or attacks on facilities that never occurred. “Fabricating or publishing such content to mislead the public is a criminal offense,” Al Shamsi said. Police across the UAE have also reminded residents to use social media responsibly. Earlier on Saturday, Abu Dhabi Police announced that 45 people have been arrested for sharing sensitive incident videos, manipulated videos or misleading information. Earlier this month, Dubai Police sent an SMS alert to residents and visitors warning them not to share sensitive photos, misleading videos or unverified information online. “Responsibility begins with compliance. Photographing or sharing security or critical sites, or reposting unreliable information may result in legal action and compromise national security and stability,” the message read. Meanwhile, the UAE Cybersecurity Council urged the public to verify information before reacting to online videos that may have been digitally manipulated. Authorities continue to advise residents to rely only on official announcements for updates and to avoid reposting unverified content circulating on social media. CAM/ICA/Expat Media
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