ABU DHABI,— Abu Dhabi police have arrested 375 people for filming or sharing misinformation amid the Middle East conflict, officials said.

The crackdown follows a series of Iranian drone and missile attacks on United Arab Emirates targets.

In a statement posted on X, “Abu Dhabi Police said 375 individuals of different nationalities were detained for recording various locations and spreading false information on social media. The case files have been sent to the Public Prosecution for further action,”

Authorities across the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf nations have increased monitoring of online content related to the Iran conflict.

Iran’s strikes have targeted U.S. assets, civilian infrastructure, oil and gas facilities, airports, and residential areas, prompting the regional clampdown.

Experts warn that the UAE’s legal system carries risks for foreigners. Radha Stirling, CEO of the advocacy group Detained in Dubai, said even old posts critical of Dubai or the UAE can lead to arrest.

A British social media user recently received a warning from a major platform after Dubai authorities alleged that he broke local laws with a post made while he was in the United Kingdom.

Detained in Dubai noted the case highlights the reach of foreign cybercrime laws and their potential effect on international travel.

Stirling added that UAE cybercrime regulations can be applied retroactively for up to five years.

In March 2026, reports from The Daily Mail UK stated that up to 70 British citizens had been detained in the UAE for photographing or sharing videos of drone and missile strikes.

Officials say the arrests and monitoring are part of broader efforts to maintain security and control misinformation during ongoing regional tensions.

(With files from AFP, Agencies)

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