New Delhi | 16 March 2026

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have arrested 35 people, including 19 Indians, for allegedly posting video clips and information on social media that contained “misleading and fabricated content” during the ongoing conflict between the United States backed by Israel and Iran in West Asia. Officials said the arrests were made after repeated warnings asking residents not to film attack sites, share interception footage, or spread unverified information online.

According to UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, on March 15 authorities ordered the arrest of 25 individuals of different nationalities and directed that they face a fast-tracked trial. The list includes 17 Indians and is separate from another group of 10 individuals two of them Indians who were ordered to be arrested earlier. Authorities said the action followed strict digital monitoring to prevent the spread of fabricated information and artificial content that could cause public disorder and threaten stability.

In an official statement, authorities said investigations showed the accused were divided into three groups. The first group allegedly circulated real video clips showing missiles passing through the country’s airspace or being intercepted and added commentary or sound effects suggesting active attacks. The second group reportedly shared visuals created through artificial intelligence or reposted footage from incidents outside the UAE while falsely claiming they occurred within the country. The third group was accused of sharing posts praising a hostile state and promoting its political and military leadership.

Officials warned that such actions are considered serious offences under UAE law. “Such events have been exploited to disseminate misinformation intended to deliberately mislead the public while undermining national security, order and stability,” the statement said. Those found guilty could face imprisonment of at least one year and a fine of no less than AED 100,000. Authorities also confirmed that questioning of several accused has already begun.

Amid US–Iran Conflict, UAE Detains 19 Indians for Posting “Misleading and Fabricated Content” Online

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have arrested 35 people, including 19 Indians, for allegedly posting video clips and information on social media that contained “misleading and fabricated content” during the ongoing conflict between the United States backed by Israel and Iran in West Asia. Officials said the arrests were made after repeated warnings asking residents not to film attack sites, share interception footage, or spread unverified information online.

According to UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, on March 15 authorities ordered the arrest of 25 individuals of different nationalities and directed that they face a fast-tracked trial. The list includes 17 Indians and is separate from another group of 10 individuals two of them Indians who were ordered to be arrested earlier. Authorities said the action followed strict digital monitoring to prevent the spread of fabricated information and artificial content that could cause public disorder and threaten stability.

In an official statement, authorities said investigations showed the accused were divided into three groups. The first group allegedly circulated real video clips showing missiles passing through the country’s airspace or being intercepted and added commentary or sound effects suggesting active attacks. The second group reportedly shared visuals created through artificial intelligence or reposted footage from incidents outside the UAE while falsely claiming they occurred within the country. The third group was accused of sharing posts praising a hostile state and promoting its political and military leadership.

Officials warned that such actions are considered serious offences under UAE law. “Such events have been exploited to disseminate misinformation intended to deliberately mislead the public while undermining national security, order and stability,” the statement said. Those found guilty could face imprisonment of at least one year and a fine of no less than AED 100,000. Authorities also confirmed that questioning of several accused has already begun.