UAE Arrests 35, Including 19 Indians, For Spreading Fake, AI Missile Strike Videos Amid Israel-US-Iran War

The United Arab Emirates has ordered the arrest of 35 people including 19 Indians for allegedly circulating misleading and AI-generated videos about missile strikes during the ongoing Israel-US-Iran conflict.

Amid spiralling tensions in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates has ordered the arrest of 35 people including 19 Indians for allegedly circulating misleading and AI-generated videos about missile strikes during the ongoing Israel-US-Iran conflict. According to a report by the UAE’s official news agency WAM, the suspects have been referred for an expedited trial after investigators found they were sharing manipulated or misleading footage related to missile activity. The arrests come as continued strikes from Tehran keep major UAE cities such as Dubai, Sharjah, and the capital Abu Dhabi within potential target range.

Authorities say the accused filmed videos showing missiles and drones moving through the skies or being intercepted, and then circulated them on social media with dramatic commentary and sound effects. Officials claim the altered clips triggered unnecessary fear and heightened anxiety among residents.

The latest arrests involve 25 individuals of multiple nationalities, including 17 Indians. This is separate from an earlier action in which 10 suspects including two Indians were detained a day earlier over similar allegations.

UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the crackdown followed intensive surveillance of digital platforms to prevent the spread of fabricated content capable of destabilising public order.

“Investigations and electronic monitoring revealed that the defendants were divided into three groups that committed various acts. These included the publication of real clips related to current events, the fabrication of clips using AI, and the promotion of a state practising acts of military aggression while glorifying its leadership and military actions,” the statement said.

Investigators say the first group comprising 10 suspects allegedly shared authentic footage of missiles passing through UAE airspace or being intercepted. They also filmed crowds watching the incidents and added dramatic narration suggesting active attacks on the country.

Officials warned that such posts could expose sensitive defence capabilities and allow hostile accounts to amplify misleading narratives online. This group includes five Indians, along with individuals from Pakistan, Nepal, the Philippines, and Egypt.

The second group allegedly circulated entirely fabricated visual content created using artificial intelligence. In some cases, they recycled footage from incidents outside the UAE but falsely claimed it showed explosions or missile strikes within the country. These clips often included national flags or specific dates to make the claims appear authentic.

This group comprises seven individuals five Indians, one Nepali, and one Bangladeshi.

Meanwhile, a third group of six suspects allegedly shared posts praising a hostile state and portraying its regional military aggression as a success. Authorities said the posts glorified the country’s political and military leadership while amplifying propaganda harmful to UAE national interests. Five of those accused are Indians, while one is Pakistani.

Additionally, two other individuals both Indians are facing charges linked to similar online activities.

Earlier, WAM reported that public prosecutors had begun interrogating the first 10 defendants and ordered them to remain in custody during the investigation.

Attorney-General Shamsi warned that such offences carry serious consequences under UAE law.

“Such events have been exploited to disseminate misinformation intended to deliberately mislead the public while undermining national security, order and stability,” he said.

Shamsi added that some of the accused circulated AI-generated clips depicting explosions, attacks on iconic landmarks, and massive fires with smoke billowing across UAE cities.

“The incidents also involved exploiting children’s emotions in videos falsely implying security threats. Other clips claimed the destruction of military facilities within the country or attributed foreign incidents to locations in the UAE, with the aim of misleading public opinion and spreading anxiety,” he said.