ASIATODAY.ID, ABU DHABI – Authorities in Dubai have issued a stern warning to influencers and content creators not to publish photos or videos showing damage allegedly caused by Iranian missiles and drones. Violators could face heavy fines or even imprisonment.
Officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) said anyone sharing content deemed harmful to “public order” or “national unity” could be fined up to $77,000 or sentenced to jail.
Dubai has long been a global hub for digital creators and social media personalities, particularly since the government introduced the Golden Visa, which allows long-term residency for investors, entrepreneurs, and content creators.
However, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, authorities appear to be tightening control over information circulating on social media platforms.
A lifestyle influencer living in Dubai told The Telegraph that the government is clearly trying to shape the narrative during the crisis.
“There are very strict rules about what you can say here,” she said.
Authorities Warn Against Rumors and Unverified Information
In an official statement released Saturday—just hours after the United States and Israel launched massive airstrikes against Iran—the UAE public prosecutor’s office warned citizens and residents against spreading rumors or unverified information online.
Officials urged social media users to rely only on official and accredited sources when sharing updates about the situation.
According to the authorities, spreading rumors is a criminal offense under UAE law.
Missile Debris Reportedly Hits Residential Area
The UAE Ministry of Defense said the country had come under attack involving multiple Iranian ballistic missiles, some of which were intercepted by air defense systems.
However, missile debris reportedly fell into a residential area, and one person was killed in an incident at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The Gulf nation hosts two U.S. military bases, which have reportedly been targeted by Iranian retaliatory strikes in recent days.
Regional Conflict Escalates
The Iranian strikes come amid a broader escalation in the region following a major military campaign launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.
According to reports, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior military commanders were killed during the attacks.
Since the conflict began, more than 1,200 people in Iran have reportedly been killed, including at least 160 schoolchildren and teachers.
Russia has strongly condemned the strikes on Iran, warning that the escalation could further destabilize the Middle East. (RT)
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