Around 70 British nationals have reportedly been arrested in the United Arab Emirates for taking photos and videos of Iranian missiles striking the Gulf nation.
This comes amid rising tensions following Tehran’s retaliation against neighbouring countries.
Expats, visitors, and even cabin crew members have been detained in cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi for documenting the attacks on airports, buildings, and public areas.
Under the UAE’s strict laws against sharing content deemed a threat to public security, they may face up to 10 years in prison. Fines could also reach up to £200,000.
The arrests have shocked tourists and residents alike. Dubai, which has long been marketed as a glamorous and tax-friendly destination for wealthy foreigners, now finds itself enforcing harsh laws amid a volatile regional conflict. Several advocacy groups, including Dubai Watch, have raised concerns about the treatment of the detained Britons.
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The organisation’s founder, David Haigh, confirmed that at least 35 British nationals are held in Dubai, with a similar number detained in Abu Dhabi.
“Sending even a single photo or video of these attacks is treated as a serious crime,” Haigh stated. “These individuals are being thrown into a legal system that is extremely harsh and opaque, and the consequences are devastating for families abroad.”
These detentions highlight the risks facing foreign nationals in the Gulf amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While the UAE has historically projected an image of safety and luxury, the arrests reveal the harsh realities of its legal system, particularly during periods of heightened security concerns.
The CEO of Detained In Dubai, Radha Stirling, said: “British citizens are being held in overcrowded conditions, denied medication, and pressured to sign confessions without legal representation.
“This is a serious failure of protection. Immediate and robust diplomatic intervention is required to safeguard their welfare and secure their release. These are not criminals, but ordinary tourists, workers and residents who acted without malicious intent.
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