The UAE authorities arrested 25 people of different nationalities for spreading misleading content and glorifying military aggression online / Photo: WAM
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have ordered the arrest of 25 more people accused of spreading misleading and fabricated content online that could harm national defense efforts and cause public panic.
Officials say the suspects, who belong to various nationalities, will face urgent prosecution after investigations revealed that they used digital platforms to distribute manipulated footage and narratives linked to ongoing regional tensions. UAE Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi issued the arrest warrant after authorities carried out widespread monitoring of online platforms to track the spread of false or manipulated content.
According to officials, the monitoring efforts aim to curb fabricated information and synthetic media designed to incite unrest and undermine public stability. Investigations and electronic surveillance found that the defendants were organized 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 UAE airspace, as well as the impact of such incidents. Members of this group also filmed gatherings of people watching these events and added comments and sound effects indicating active military aggression. Authorities said such content could cause unnecessary public anxiety and panic.
Officials also warned that sharing such footage risks exposing the country’s defense capabilities and could allow hostile online accounts to push misleading narratives. The second group allegedly shared fabricated visuals created using artificial intelligence or reused old footage from incidents outside the UAE while falsely claiming that the scenes took place inside the country. Investigators said these clips often contained digitally created scenes of explosions and missiles. In some cases, national flags and specific dates were included in the images to make the false claims appear credible and mislead viewers. The third group was accused of publishing content that glorified a hostile country and its political and military leadership. According to authorities, the leaflets portrayed the country’s regional military operations as achievements. This included praising its leadership and circulating propaganda that aligned with hostile media narratives and harmed the national interests of the UAE. The Public Prosecution opened investigations into the accusations and ordered the defendants to be detained in custody, provided that the investigations continue.
Officials said that the defendants were referred to a speedy trial due to the seriousness of the charges. Dr. Al Shamsi stressed that such actions represent a serious violation of the law. He said that spreading misleading or manipulated information online could mislead public opinion and spark social unrest, especially during sensitive security situations. The Attorney General also warned that using cyberspace to distribute false information or footage that threatens public security or exposes the country’s defense capabilities is a criminal offense.
He added that the matter is of particular importance in light of the military aggression that the country is currently facing. He concluded by saying that anyone proven to be involved in such activities will be referred to the judiciary to face the penalties stipulated by law. The authorities said that the legal action is a necessary response to attempts to distort facts or exaggerate events without taking into account the country’s security conditions.
