The United Arab Emirates (UAE) imposes draconian restrictions on freedom of expression and speech, exerting significant control over what can be publicly shared and discussed.
This control is implemented through a series of severe laws that could, for instance, bring a British national to prison merely for taking a photograph of a rocket or an explosion.
A recent warning highlighted this issue following the case of a 60-year-old British tourist who was charged in Dubai under the nation’s cybercrime laws after he allegedly filmed missile strikes occurring in the region.
This incident prompted a statement from the campaign group Detained in Dubai, which reported that the tourist was accused of circulating material that might “disturb public security.”
It is noted that the individual deleted the footage when requested by authorities and asserted that he had no intention of causing any harm.
The man who innocently and simply filmed an “Iranian missile” over UAE was accused under their weird, draconian laws of having used “an information network or information technology tool to broadcast, publish, republish or circulate false news, rumours or provocative propaganda that may incite public opinion or disturb public security”, Detained CEO Radha Stirling said.
The British Embassy in the UAE has frequently issued advisories to both residents and tourists, cautioning them against photographing or sharing images of incident sites, missile damage, government buildings, or diplomatic missions.
Authorities emphasise that any violations of local laws on these matters can lead to serious repercussions, including hefty fines, imprisonment, or even deportation.
According to reports from Detained in Dubai, at least 21 individuals have faced charges connected to social media posts regarding recent missile attacks across the Gulf region, underscoring a growing crackdown on public discourse linked to sensitive political events.
In light of the detention of the British national, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed that it is actively engaging with local authorities to clarify the circumstances and seek assistance for the detained individual.
In the UAE, all media content is overseen by the UAE Media Council, which implements strict regulations governing content creation and dissemination.
This includes requiring influencers to obtain licenses and monitoring online publications to ensure that their content adheres to state-established standards. Under the provisions of the country’s 2021 cybercrime law, individuals can face severe penalties for sharing “unverified information” or for capturing and distributing footage of sensitive incidents, particularly if authorities believe such material could pose a threat to national security or public order.
Human rights organisations express concern that the law is often interpreted broadly and enforced rigorously, with foreigners at risk of deportation and facing fines of up to 1 million dirhams for posts deemed harmful to the nation’s image or reputation. This environment creates a chilling effect on freedom of expression and highlights the significant challenges faced by both residents and visitors when navigating the UAE’s legal landscape.
