UAE: 109 Arrested for Misinformation During Airstrikes – Abu Dhabi Police
Abu Dhabi Police announced the arrest of 109 individuals of various nationalities for allegedly filming sites and disseminating inaccurate information on social media during recent airstrikes targeting the United Arab Emirates. The arrests, disclosed in a police statement, come as authorities seek to curb the spread of misinformation that could incite public opinion and fuel rumors, according to the statement.
The police stated they have initiated legal and administrative proceedings against those arrested, citing violations of applicable laws and regulations concerning the misuse of social media. Authorities emphasized the importance of verifying information before publishing or sharing it, highlighting the potential negative impact of unverified content on community security and ongoing security operations.
Abu Dhabi Police’s statement did not specify the nature of the “inaccurate information” being circulated, nor did it detail the specific sites that were filmed. However, the announcement underscores a heightened sensitivity to online activity following recent security incidents. The UAE has been targeted by Houthi rebels in Yemen with drone and missile attacks in recent months, prompting retaliatory strikes by a Saudi-led coalition of which the UAE is a member.
The Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters (GHQ) provides e-services to the public, according to its website, and is keen to provide police services through various tools. The force, established in 1957, operates under the command of Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. The police force’s website lists several online services, including traffic fine payment and vehicle registration, indicating a focus on digital accessibility alongside security concerns.
According to its official website, Abu Dhabi Police’s vision is for Abu Dhabi to be a “world-leading Emirate in sustainable safety and security.” The force emphasizes integrity and honesty, and a commitment to delivering a fair and courteous service to the community. The recent arrests, however, suggest a firm stance against activities perceived as undermining that security, even if expressed through social media.
The UAE government has previously expressed concern over the potential for misinformation to destabilize the region. The arrests follow a pattern of increased scrutiny of online content and a tightening of regulations surrounding social media use. As of this reporting, Abu Dhabi Police have not released further details regarding the ongoing investigation or the potential penalties faced by those arrested.