Abu Dhabi Authorities Arrest 109 Individuals for Circulating ‘Misleading’ War Footage and False Information

Abu Dhabi authorities have detained 109 people for posting "misleading" war footage and misinformation as the UAE cracks down on social media during the conflict.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 8:18 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from AFP

A Widespread Crackdown on Digital Misinformation

The Abu Dhabi Police announced on Friday the arrest of 109 individuals accused of filming sensitive sites and disseminating incorrect information across social media platforms. These arrests mark a significant escalation in the Gulf nation's efforts to control the narrative surrounding the current regional war and Iranian attacks. According to official statements, the suspects include people of various nationalities who allegedly shared "misleading information" that could provoke public concern or expose defensive capabilities during active military operations.

Legal and Administrative Consequences for Violators

Under the United Arab Emirates' stringent cybercrime legislation, spreading fabricated content or unverified news during a crisis is a criminal offense punishable by a minimum of one year in prison. Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi emphasized that the public prosecution will not tolerate attempts to exploit cyberspace to disturb public order. In addition to potential jail time, those convicted of sharing misleading material face substantial fines starting at 100,000 dirhams, as authorities seek to deter the circulation of footage that could incite panic among residents and tourists alike.

The Proliferation of AI-Generated and Manipulated Content

Investigations into the detained individuals revealed that the shared material was often a mix of real footage and sophisticated fabrications. Some suspects allegedly used artificial intelligence to create synthetic scenes of explosions and strikes on prominent landmarks, while others repurposed old videos from unrelated foreign incidents to falsely imply they were occurring within the UAE. Authorities noted that even the circulation of authentic footage—such as air defense systems intercepting incoming projectiles—is strictly prohibited, as it can inadvertently reveal the country's defensive positions to hostile entities.