A British holidaymaker has been arrested in Dubai after allegedly filming missile activity during the escalating war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran. The 60-year-old Londoner, who has not been publicly named, was detained earlier this week and is being held at a police station in the Bur Dubai district, according to campaign group Detained in Dubai. His arrest comes amid sweeping enforcement of strict Emirati cybercrime laws as the Gulf region faces mounting military tension. Holiday video turns into criminal charge Authorities accuse the Briton of using an online network to publish or circulate material that could “disturb public security”. According to Radha Stirling, chief executive of Detained in Dubai, the tourist had filmed missiles during the conflict but deleted the video when asked. She said he did not intend to cause harm. Even so, he now faces prosecution under the UAE Cybercrime Law — legislation critics say can criminalise routine online behaviour. Sweeping crackdown on wartime posts The British man is reportedly one of 21 people of various nationalities detained under the same law. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have tightened surveillance of social media as Iranian strikes hit targets across the Gulf in retaliation for Western air raids. The country’s defence ministry says it has intercepted more than 1,500 drones and hundreds of ballistic missiles since the conflict began. Serious penalties for a viral clip If convicted, the tourist could face up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 200,000 dirhams (£40,000), or deportation. Under the law, not only the original poster but also anyone who reposts or comments on a video can face criminal charges — meaning a single clip can trigger multiple prosecutions. Warning to foreigners as tensions rise Stirling warned that many visitors assume sharing widely circulated footage online is harmless. “In the UAE that assumption can be extremely dangerous,” she said, adding that suspects can be treated as national security risks during periods of regional crisis. As missiles continue to cross Gulf skies, the case highlights a stark reality for tourists: in wartime Dubai, even filming the moment can land you behind bars. British tourist arrested in Dubai for ‘filming footage of Iranian missiles’ | The Independent
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