British Tourist Faces Up to Two Years in Dubai Prison After Allegedly Filming Iranian Missile Strikes

A 60‑year‑old British tourist has been arrested in Dubai after allegedly recording footage of Iranian missiles during recent attacks on the United Arab Emirates. Authorities have charged him under the UAE’s strict cybercrime laws, and he now faces a potential prison sentence of up to two years.

The Londoner, who has not been publicly named, was reportedly on holiday when he captured the missile activity on his phone. According to advocacy group Detained in Dubai, he deleted the video immediately when instructed by authorities and maintains he had no intention of violating local laws. Despite this, he is one of 21 individuals charged over videos and social media posts related to the ongoing Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting Dubai.

Prosecutors accuse the group of using digital platforms to “broadcast, publish, republish or circulate false news, rumours or provocative propaganda” that could disturb public security, an offence that carries penalties of imprisonment, fines, or both. Under UAE law, not only the original uploader but anyone who shares, comments on, or reposts such content can face identical charges.

Human rights advocates say the charges are broad and can be applied even when individuals share widely circulated content without malicious intent. Some detainees were reportedly questioned simply for recording missile interceptions visible from public areas.

The arrest comes amid heightened regional conflict, with Iranian missile and drone attacks striking multiple locations across the UAE in recent weeks. Dubai landmarks including hotels, residential areas, and parts of the city’s airport have sustained damage. The UAE’s Ministry of Defence reports intercepting more than a thousand drones and hundreds of ballistic missiles since hostilities escalated.

Authorities have warned residents and visitors that sharing unverified or sensitive security‑related content could “incite panic” and lead to prosecution. Social media posts about missile activity have sharply declined as enforcement has intensified.

The detained Briton is being held at Bur Dubai police station, and his family is said to be extremely concerned. The case also raises diplomatic sensitivities, as Dubai hosts around 240,000 British expatriates and relies heavily on its reputation as a safe, stable destination for tourism and business.