According to Detained in Dubai, a non-governmental organization providing legal assistance to foreigners in the UAE, Dubai police recently arrested a British citizen. He stands accused of violating the nation's Cybercrime Law.

Authorities detained the 60-year-old male tourist from London, whose identity remains undisclosed, while he was traveling in the Gulf city. He is one of 21 individuals of various nationalities arrested in the latest crackdown by local authorities related to sharing content about regional conflicts.

Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, stated that the tourist immediately deleted the video when requested. He asserted he "had no malicious intent". However, authorities still took him to Bur Dubai police station for investigation starting 10/3.

The Address Creek Harbour hotel in Dubai was damaged by a drone attack. *AP*

Dubai authorities accuse the tourist of using information technology to "broadcast, publish, or circulate fake news, rumors, or provocative propaganda that could disturb public opinion or affect public security".

Ms. Stirling, head of the legal aid organization, commented, "On paper, the charges sound vague, but in reality, they are very serious". She noted that actions considered violations can sometimes be as simple as sharing or commenting on a video that has gone viral online.

Under UAE law, not only the original content creator but also anyone who shares, reposts, or comments on such content can face criminal prosecution. "From just one video, dozens of people can find themselves in legal trouble", Ms. Stirling warned.

If convicted, the tourist could face a sentence of up to two years in prison, along with a fine of 20,000 to 200,000 AED, or both penalties, accompanied by a deportation order.

The arrest occurs amid a heightened security alert in the UAE, due to escalating tensions between the US and Iran. The UAE has activated its defense systems to counter attacks from Iran in retaliation for airstrikes from the US and Israel.

Debris from a drone attack at Creek Harbour, Dubai. *AP*

The UAE Ministry of Defense reported intercepting over 1,500 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and nearly 300 ballistic missiles since the conflict erupted. Some debris fell near the airport and damaged a major hotel in Dubai, making local authorities sensitive to visual information regarding security incidents.

Detained in Dubai noted that many Western tourists often mistakenly believe filming missile interceptions, which are widespread in global news reports, is harmless. In the UAE, such actions are considered a threat to national security.

"Foreigners need to understand that social media behaviors considered normal elsewhere can lead to arrest here", Ms. Stirling explained. In some situations, authorities may take tourists to specialized interrogation facilities and detain them for extended periods before the matter is clarified.

The British Foreign Office has received information about the incident and is coordinating with authorities to assist its citizen.