Authorities in the UAE have warned people for spreading negative information about the nation. A video of a Dubai Police officer giving an awareness speech has been shared on the internet, in which arguing social media users should not spread misinformation or negative information or videos about Dubai. Doing so will prompt action from authorities, which can lead to deportation.
This comes after several visuals from the UAE have been circulating on the internet after Iran continued to strike the Gulf nation in retaliation to US-Israel joint operation in Tehran, killing more than 500 civilians, including girl students, in the heart of Iran's capital.
Several fake videos claim a huge fire at Burj Al Arab after an Iranian drone attack. Another visual of the Palm Jumeirah building, which is said to be severely damaged in a missile strike. However, residents and authorities of the UAE, including Dubai, rejected such information say their lived reality over the past few days has been far calmer than what is being portrayed online.
A Dubai cop addressing to the crowd in a public place. In the viral video, the cop said one can complain if spotted anything going wrong, but important to note that do not record or share visuals of fire or accident which spread misinformation and panic. He said by spreading such things, you will not gain anything from this, but you will be deported.
UAENMA Issued Warning
The UAE National Media Authority (UAENMA) ask citizens to refrain from recording, filming, posing, reposing and sharing any visuals or audio materials, information, media content or misleading rumours issued by unofficial sources.
The UAENMA argued that people and tourists should share only verified information published by official authorities and institutions in the UAE. "Refrain from posting or circulating any content that includes incitement, abuse, unverified information, or any material that may harm the public interest or violate the privacy of individuals or official entities," UAENMA said in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The UAE government warned of legal action for those sharing misinformation on the internet. "In accordance with the laws in force in the UAE, legal action will be taken against anyone found to be in breach of these instructions," it said.