Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Web Desk: United Arab Emirates have arrested 70 British nationals for sharing videos and images of Iranian drone and missile attacks, amid heightened regional tensions. Those detained include tourists, British residents, and airline personnel. Some have been released on bail, but passports were confiscated to prevent them from leaving the country.
Under UAE law, circulating sensitive media, and in some cases even receiving it, is considered a criminal offense. Convictions can carry up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to 200,000 dirhams. Officials emphasized that the measures are aimed at safeguarding national security and protecting sensitive information during a period of increased regional volatility.
According to British media, approximately 240,000 UK nationals were living in Dubai before the escalation with Iran, though many have returned to the UK amid rising tensions. Experts note that these arrests reflect the Gulf states’ strict enforcement of security laws and a zero-tolerance policy toward sharing sensitive content on social media during conflict.
