British Tourist Detained in Dubai for Recording Iranian Missiles
A British man has been charged under cybercrime laws in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for allegedly recording Iranian missiles over the city. The 60-year-old tourist is currently being held in custody.
According to CNN on Sunday (15 March 2026), the man was identified as a tourist. He has been charged under laws prohibiting the publication or sharing of material that could threaten public security.
“We are in contact with local authorities following the detention of a British man in the UAE,” said the British Foreign Office to CNN.
Lana Nusseibeh, UAE State Minister for European Affairs, told the BBC that she was “aware” of law violations but declined to comment specifically on the British man’s case. She stated that existing regulations have been introduced for public safety.
“My best advice to everyone here, whom we welcome, is to follow the guidelines. These guidelines exist for your safety and protection,” said Nusseibeh.
Penalties for cybercrime violations in the UAE include a minimum prison sentence of two years, plus a fine of 200,000 UAE dirhams, equivalent to approximately £42,000. In an interview with British radio station LBC, Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, stated that the UAE is “very safe”.
“Guidelines and regulations exist in the UAE to ensure public safety,” he said.
He explained that the UAE prohibits filming to prevent people from being struck by “falling debris”. The UAE Attorney General has warned the public against distributing photographs or videos showing attack locations or inaccurate information that could cause panic.
Other government warnings, distributed through email, text messages, and public information announcements, stated: “Photographing or sharing security sites or critical infrastructure, or reposting unreliable information, may result in legal action and endanger national security and stability. Compliance helps protect community safety and stability”.
“Think before you share. Spreading rumours is a crime,” stated the UAE warning.
In a post on X, the British Embassy in the UAE said that UAE authorities have warned against photographing, uploading, or sharing images of attack sites or damage from projectiles, as well as government buildings and diplomatic missions. British citizens are subject to UAE law, and violations may result in fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
Over 1,800 drones and missiles have been launched at the UAE since the United States-Israel war with Iran began. Six people have been killed and 141 injured.