UAE warns people against sharing unverified information on Iranian strikes

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates has warned that people can face prosecution if they share or repost rumours from unverified sources related to Iranian attacks on the country.

Arab Gulf states have come under Iranian strikes since Saturday in retaliation to a US-Israeli offensive on Iran that has killed more than 550 people.

Tehran claims it is targeting American interests in these countries, but civilian infrastructure has also been hit with missiles and drones in the Gulf states including airports and hotels.

UAE capital Abu Dhabi and its commercial hub Dubai have long been seen as havens of peace and stability in the region but have come under repeated attack for three days.

Videos, widely circulated online, have shown drones hitting iconic Dubai landmarks like Burj al-Arab and Burj Khalifa, as well as other tourist sites. A terminal at the Dubai Airport was also hit.

Other videos have shown people panicking in restaurants when hearing booms from interceptors.

Many content creators are based in the UAE, particularly Dubai. Most of the country's population is made up foreigners, particularly from south and east Asia.

The move to penalise those sharing "unverified" footage or news comes as the UAE tries to curb misinformation that could harm public order, safety, and social stability, authorities say.

According to state news agency WAM, the Public Prosecution "warned against publishing or circulating rumours, false news, or information from unknown sources via social media or any other digital platform, stressing that such actions can cause confusion and harm societal security and stability."

It emphasised the need to "obtain information solely from official and accredited sources, and not to be misled by unverified content circulating online".

It also confirmed that "anyone who shares or republishes content from unknown sources may face legal accountability under the country’s applicable laws, even if they are not the original creator of the content.

Be aware — information is a responsibility, and spreading rumours is a crime".