UAE orders arrest of 10 for publishing misleading online content

UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has ordered the arrest of 10 people of various nationalities for publishing misleading and fabricated videos on social media.

The suspects have been referred to an urgent trial after authorities monitored online content circulating during recent regional developments.

Investigations found that the defendants shared footage of air defence systems intercepting attacks, as well as clips showing projectiles on the ground or crowds watching events.

They also circulated fabricated videos created using artificial intelligence, falsely suggesting explosions, strikes on prominent landmarks and large fires across parts of the UAE.

Authorities said some videos also exploited children’s emotions to falsely imply security threats, while others claimed the destruction of military facilities or misrepresented incidents from other countries as taking place in the UAE.

Officials warned that publishing such content, whether real or fabricated, can threaten public security, spread confusion and be exploited by hostile media to distort facts or undermine confidence in authorities.

The Public Prosecution has begun questioning the suspects and ordered their remand in custody.

The Attorney-General said those found guilty could face at least one year in prison and a minimum fine of AED 100,000 for deliberately spreading misinformation and causing public fear.

He stressed that authorities will not tolerate attempts to misuse digital platforms or modern technologies to spread information that threatens national security or public order, adding that legal action will be taken against anyone involved.