London CNN
A British citizen has been charged in Dubai with cybercrimes related to allegedly filming missile strikes, UK authorities have confirmed. The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny of civilian activity during periods of regional conflict.
The 60-year-old man, identified as a tourist, faces charges under a law prohibiting the publication or sharing of material that could disrupt public safety. The UK Foreign Office stated it is in contact with local authorities following the arrest. “We are in contact with local authorities following the detention of a British man in the United Arab Emirates,” a spokesperson told CNN.
CNN has reached out to the Dubai government for comment.
Lana Nusseibeh, the United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for European Affairs, told the BBC she was “aware” of some violations of the law, but did not comment specifically on the case of the British citizen. She added that the regulations were introduced for public safety. “My best advice to anyone visiting us is to follow the guidelines. The guidelines are there for your safety and protection.”
Violating the UAE’s cybercrime laws carries a minimum penalty of two years in prison, as well as a fine of 200,000 Emirati dirhams (approximately US$54,000). Multiple charges can be filed, according to reports.
In an interview on British radio station LBC, the UAE Ambassador to the UK, Mansoor Abulhoul, said that “the UAE is a very safe country.”
He added: “There are guidelines and regulations in the UAE to ensure the safety of the population” and that recording videos is discouraged to prevent injuries from falling debris.
On Friday, March 12, 2026, the UAE’s Attorney General warned against spreading photos or videos of attack sites, or inaccurate information that could cause panic.
Another government warning, disseminated via email, text message, and public statements, read: “Photographing or sharing locations of security or critical facilities, or re-posting unreliable information, may lead to legal action and compromise national security and stability. Compliance helps keep the community safe and stable.”
A further warning stated: “Consider before you share. Spreading rumors is a crime.”
In a post on X, the UK Embassy in the UAE stated: “UAE authorities warn against photographing, publishing or disseminating images of incident sites or damage caused by projectiles, as well as government buildings and diplomatic missions. British nationals are subject to UAE law. violations can result in fines, imprisonment or deportation.”
More than 1,800 drones and missiles have been launched at the UAE since the start of the war, the country’s defense ministry said on X this Friday. Six people have been killed and 141 injured.
