Dubai: In a stark reminder that digital actions have real-world consequences, the Abu Dhabi Police have announced the arrest of 45 individuals of various nationalities today. The group is accused of filming sensitive locations during ongoing regional events and circulating misleading information and “crisis rumors” across social media platforms.
As Dubai and Abu Dhabi maintain their sophisticated defensive shield, authorities are tightening the net on anyone whose digital footprint threatens public order or national security.
1. What Happened?
The Criminal Investigation and Investigations Directorate of Abu Dhabi Police confirmed that the arrests were made following a sweep of social media platforms.
- The Charges: Filming military or defense-related locations, publishing unverified footage of “incidents,” and spreading misleading news that could provoke public concern.
- The Evidence: Specialised teams monitored the circulation of manipulated videos—some using AI or old footage from other countries—falsely presented as current events inside the UAE.
2. The Legal Hammer: Fines and Jail Time
The UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 (The Cybercrime Law) is one of the most robust in the world. During a time of crisis or emergency, the penalties escalate significantly.
| Offense | Minimum Fine | Potential Jail Time |
| Spreading False News/Rumors | AED 100,000 | Min. 1 Year |
| Provoking Public Panic during Crisis | AED 200,000 | Min. 2 Years |
| Filming Military/Security Sites | AED 200,000 | Up to 2 Years + Deportation* |
*Note: For foreign nationals, deportation is a mandatory administrative measure following the completion of a prison sentence for these specific offenses.
3. Why Filming the “Shield” is Illegal
While it might be tempting to film the spectacular sight of a successful interception, doing so endangers the country in three specific ways:
- Revealing Battery Locations: Videos can inadvertently help adversaries “triangulate” the location of mobile air defense units like THAAD or Patriot batteries.
- Aiding Damage Assessment: Posting footage of where debris falls provides “Battle Damage Assessment” (BDA) to those launching the projectiles, helping them refine their next target.
- Spreading Panic: Unverified clips of smoke or explosions, often without context, create unnecessary fear and disrupt the city’s economic and social stability.
4. “Reposting” is Enough to Get You Arrested
A common misconception is that you are only in trouble if you filmed the video. This is false.
Under Article 52 of the Cybercrime Law, circulating, forwarding (on WhatsApp), or even “liking/commenting” on misleading content can be enough to trigger criminal liability. Authorities emphasize that ignorance of the source is no defense.
Official Safety Protocol
- DON’T Record: If you hear an interception, stay away from windows. Do not reach for your phone to record.
- DON’T Share: If you receive a video in a group chat that isn’t from an official source (WAM, Dubai Media Office, MoI), delete it immediately. Do not forward it “to ask if it’s real.”
- DO Verify: Only trust information from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, or NCEMA.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
The security of our home is not just the job of the men and women in uniform—it’s the job of every resident with a smartphone. As the Abu Dhabi Police stated today, “Maintaining security and stability is a shared responsibility.” Think twice before you hit ‘send.’
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