UAE crackdown: 25 arrested for spreading misleading content and glorifying military aggression

Authorities in the UAE have ordered the arrest of 25 more individuals accused of spreading misleading and fabricated content online that could harm national defence efforts and fuel public panic.

Officials say the suspects, who belong to different nationalities, will face an expedited trial after investigations revealed they used digital platforms to circulate manipulated footage and narratives linked to ongoing regional tensions. UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi issued the arrest order after authorities carried out extensive monitoring of online platforms to track the spread of false or manipulated content.

According to officials, the monitoring effort aims to curb fabricated information and artificial media designed to incite unrest and undermine public stability. Investigations and electronic surveillance found that the defendants were organised into three groups, each involved in different types of online activity. The first group was accused of publishing and circulating real video clips related to current events.

These clips showed the passage and interception of missile attacks in the UAE’s airspace, as well as the impact of such incidents. Members of this group also filmed gatherings of people watching these events and added commentary and sound effects that suggested active military aggression. Authorities said such content could create unnecessary public anxiety and panic.

Officials also warned that sharing such footage risks exposing the country’s defensive capabilities and could allow hostile online accounts to push misleading narratives. The second group allegedly shared fabricated visual material created using artificial intelligence or reused old footage from incidents outside the UAE while falsely claiming the scenes occurred within the country. Investigators said these clips often featured digitally created scenes of explosions and missiles. In some cases, national flags and specific dates were inserted into the visuals to make the false claims appear credible and mislead viewers. The third group was accused of posting content that glorified a hostile state along with its political and military leadership. According to the authorities, the posts portrayed the country’s regional military actions as achievements. This included praising its leaders and circulating propaganda that aligns with hostile media narratives and harms the UAE’s national interests. The Public Prosecution has opened investigations into the charges and ordered the preventive detention of the suspects while inquiries continue.

Officials said the accused have been referred for a fast-tracked trial due to the seriousness of the allegations. Dr Al Shamsi stressed that such actions represent a serious violation of the law. He said spreading manipulated or misleading information online can misguide public opinion and trigger social unrest, particularly during sensitive security situations. The Attorney-General also warned that using cyberspace to distribute false information or footage that threatens public security or compromises the country’s defensive capabilities is a criminal offence.

He added that the matter is especially critical in light of the military aggression currently faced by the state. He concluded by stating that anyone proven to be involved in such activities will be referred to the judiciary to face the penalties prescribed by law. Authorities said the legal action serves as a necessary response to attempts to distort facts or exaggerate events without regard for the country’s security circumstances.