A British tourist has been charged under cybercrime laws in the United Arab Emirates after allegedly filming Iranian missiles over Dubai, according to a legal support organisation assisting detainees in the country.
The man, reportedly from London, was detained after authorities discovered a video of an Iranian missile strike on his phone. He has been charged under UAE legislation that prohibits publishing or sharing material that could threaten public security.
According to Detained in Dubai, a legal advocacy group that provides assistance to individuals facing legal issues in the UAE, the British national was charged alongside 20 other people.
Radha Stirling, the organisation’s chief executive, said the charges appear unclear. Speaking to the BBC, she described the allegations as “very vague”.
“I’ve reviewed the charge sheet and from reading it you wouldn’t know what they’ve done wrong,” Stirling said, adding that authorities have increasingly relied on the country’s cybercrime legislation in recent years.
She also confirmed that the detainee’s family had been able to speak with him following his arrest.
Stirling suggested the detentions may be linked to authorities’ efforts to control the public narrative around security conditions in Dubai. She said officials may be concerned about videos circulating online that show missile activity over the city.
Criticism of the government is illegal in the UAE, and strict cybercrime laws regulate online speech and the sharing of digital content.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International has repeatedly criticised the UAE’s legal framework governing expression. The group says the country has continued to criminalise free speech through multiple laws and frequently penalises actual or perceived critics of the government.
For decades, Dubai has built a global reputation as a luxury destination and major business hub attracting tourists, entrepreneurs, and expatriates.
However, escalating regional tensions have raised security concerns. The conflict in the Middle East entered a second week after the United States and Israel launched extensive military strikes on Iran, reportedly killing Iran’s supreme leader on 28 February.
In response, Iran has launched attacks targeting Israel and several US-aligned countries in the Gulf region. Some of the strikes have reportedly hit civilian infrastructure and energy facilities.
Authorities say several high-profile locations in Dubai sustained damage during recent attacks, including the Fairmont The Palm in the Palm Jumeirah district and the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel.
The growing regional conflict has also caused major disruption to flights across the Middle East, affecting both commercial travel and tourism.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is understood to be providing consular support to the detained man’s family as legal proceedings continue.
