DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has ordered the arrest of 10 individuals of various nationalities for publishing misleading and fabricated videos about security incidents on social media, the country’s Attorney-General said.

Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi directed authorities to detain the suspects and refer them to urgent trial after investigations found that the group circulated false and manipulated content online during a period of heightened regional tensions.

According to the Public Prosecution, authorities had been closely monitoring digital platforms when the videos began circulating. Officials said the content sought to exploit ongoing developments in the region by spreading misinformation aimed at misleading the public and undermining national security and stability.

Investigations revealed that some of the defendants posted authentic footage showing air defence systems intercepting attacks, while other clips showed projectiles falling to the ground or crowds gathering near incident sites. Authorities said these videos were presented in a misleading context to create the impression that the events were taking place inside the UAE.

In addition, the suspects were found to have circulated fabricated videos created using artificial intelligence (AI). The clips falsely depicted explosions, missile strikes on prominent landmarks and large fires in different parts of the country.

Officials said some of the content appeared deliberately designed to generate fear and confusion among residents.

Prosecutors added that certain videos also exploited children’s emotions by suggesting that security threats were unfolding inside the country. Other clips falsely claimed that military facilities in the UAE had been destroyed or misrepresented incidents from other countries as having occurred within the UAE.

Authorities warned that publishing such material — whether authentic but misleadingly presented or completely fabricated — could threaten public security, spread panic among residents and provide hostile media outlets with content that could be used to distort facts and undermine confidence in national institutions.

The Public Prosecution said the suspects have been interrogated and ordered to remain in custody pending legal proceedings.

Dr Al Shamsi said the acts constitute criminal offences under UAE law and carry penalties of at least one year in prison and a minimum fine of 100,000 dirhams ($27,000).

He stressed that the penalties apply to those who deliberately spread misinformation, threaten public safety, incite fear among the population or attempt to destabilise society.

Authorities also urged the public to rely on official sources for information and to refrain from sharing unverified content on social media.

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