A 60‑year‑old British man on holiday in Dubai has been detained after reportedly filming Iranian missiles over the city as the Middle East conflict spreads. He’s one of at least 21 people linked to similar clips now facing legal action under the United Arab Emirates’ strict cybercrime laws
The man, from London, was arrested in the Bur Dubai area after authorities say he was seen recording the missiles. He deleted the footage when asked, but is still being held as officials investigate.
Under UAE cybercrime rules, sharing or circulating material that authorities judge could harm public security or spread “misinformation” can carry penalties including up to two years in prison and potentially large fines or deportation for foreigners.
Officials have warned residents and visitors to avoid filming or posting videos of the conflict because even reposting or commenting on clips could be interpreted as a violation. Similar laws have led to enforcement in other Gulf states too.
Campaign group Detained in Dubai says the man’s family is extremely concerned, and notes how vague and broad the charges can be from posting to simply resharing content online.
This case highlights how strict local rules on wartime content and social media in the UAE can carry serious consequences for tourists and expats — far beyond just deleting a video.
