Abu Dhabi, March 14: Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have arrested ten individuals of various nationalities for spreading misleading and fabricated videos online that falsely suggested attacks and security incidents inside the country.
According to the UAE Public Prosecution, the arrests were ordered by Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi following investigations into content circulating on social media platforms.
Officials said the suspects shared real footage of air defense systems intercepting attacks and their aftermath, as well as videos showing projectiles on the ground and crowds gathering to watch events. In addition, they allegedly posted fabricated videos created using artificial intelligence, falsely claiming explosions, attacks on major landmarks, and large fires across different areas of the country.
Authorities also noted that some videos manipulated children’s emotions to suggest security incidents, while other clips showed incidents from outside the UAE but were falsely presented as events occurring within the country.
The Public Prosecution said such actions could mislead the public, spread fear, and undermine public security, while also providing hostile media outlets with material that could distort facts or reveal sensitive defense information.
The suspects are currently under pretrial detention while investigations continue.
Attorney General Al Shamsi stated that spreading misleading information that threatens public security is a serious crime punishable by at least one year in prison and a fine of no less than AED 100,000 under UAE law.
He emphasized that authorities will take strict legal action against anyone who uses digital platforms or modern technologies to spread fabricated content, misinformation, or videos that compromise national security or disturb public order. Officials also confirmed that monitoring of online platforms will continue to identify and prosecute similar violations.
