Amid rising regional tensions linked to the ongoing Israel-US-Iran war, the United Arab Emirates has ordered the arrest of 35 individuals, including 19 Indians, for allegedly publishing misleading and fabricated videos about missile and drone attacks using artificial intelligence and edited footage on social media.
According to the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM), the accused have been referred for an expedited trial after authorities concluded that the videos circulated online created panic, spread misinformation, and risked exposing sensitive defence information.
The development comes as Iranian missile and drone strikes in the wider region continue to keep key UAE cities including Dubai, Sharjah, and the capital Abu Dhabi within their potential operational range, increasing public anxiety and prompting heightened monitoring of digital platforms.
Authorities say the suspects belong to multiple nationalities and were involved in filming real missile interceptions, producing AI-generated clips depicting explosions or attacks, and circulating commentary that exaggerated or misrepresented ongoing events.
The arrests follow a similar crackdown announced a day earlier involving another group of individuals accused of spreading comparable misinformation, signalling a broader effort by the UAE government to control false narratives online during a period of regional instability.
UAE Cites AI Videos, Online Panic
According to UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, investigations and electronic surveillance revealed that the defendants were divided into three groups, each responsible for different forms of content manipulation or misleading communication. The first group allegedly filmed and circulated authentic videos capturing the passage or interception of missiles in UAE airspace as well as the aftermath of aerial defence operations.
However, officials say these clips were edited with commentary, dramatic sound effects, or contextual claims suggesting that the country was under sustained attack, which could heighten fear among residents. Members of this group reportedly also recorded crowds gathering to watch missile interceptions and added narration that authorities believe amplified the perception of immediate danger.
A second group allegedly created or circulated AI-generated visuals portraying explosions, missile strikes, fires, or damage to infrastructure that never occurred in the UAE. In several instances, the videos included national flags, landmarks, or specific dates to make fabricated scenes appear credible and locally relevant. Investigators say some of the clips were actually recycled from incidents outside the UAE but falsely presented as current events inside the country.
The third group, authorities allege, published posts praising the leadership and military actions of a hostile state involved in regional aggression, presenting those actions as achievements and amplifying propaganda narratives that authorities said undermined national security.
Prosecutors emphasised that such acts are punishable offences under UAE law and may lead to a minimum of one year’s imprisonment and fines starting from AED 100,000, reflecting the seriousness with which the government views misinformation during periods of geopolitical tension.
Earlier Arrests Amid Wider Digital Crackdown
The latest arrests are part of a broader enforcement effort launched by UAE authorities as the regional conflict continues to intensify. Just a day earlier, officials announced the detention of 10 individuals, including two Indians, who were similarly accused of spreading misleading footage online.
Those suspects were placed under interrogation and remanded in custody while prosecutors examined their role in circulating videos allegedly designed to provoke panic or misrepresent security conditions within the country. Authorities say some of the clips suggested explosions at major landmarks, damage to military installations, or massive fires spreading across urban areas, even though no such incidents had occurred.
In some cases, investigators found that the videos were accompanied by captions or commentary implying imminent threats to public safety. Officials also noted that certain posts appeared to exploit children’s emotions or reactions in order to dramatise the perceived danger and increase engagement on social media platforms.
According to the attorney-general’s statement, such content not only misleads the public but may also inadvertently reveal details about the country’s defensive systems or response capabilities when genuine footage of missile interceptions is circulated without context.
The UAE has therefore intensified digital monitoring to prevent what authorities describe as coordinated attempts to manipulate public perception or destabilise social order during a volatile geopolitical moment. By ordering fast-track trials for the accused, officials have signalled their intention to respond swiftly to misinformation campaigns that could undermine national stability or create unnecessary alarm among residents and expatriate communities.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The incident underscores a rapidly growing global challenge: the misuse of digital platforms and artificial intelligence to blur the line between fact and fiction during times of crisis. As technology makes it easier than ever to generate convincing visuals or edit real footage, misinformation can spread quickly, often reaching millions before verification catches up. Governments have a responsibility to protect public safety and prevent panic, particularly when national security is involved.
At the same time, the situation highlights the urgent need for stronger digital literacy, responsible content sharing, and transparent communication between authorities, media, and citizens. Many of those accused are expatriate workers or residents navigating a complex online environment where sensational content often spreads faster than verified information.
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