Aussies stranded in Dubai warned they face $77k fine, possible jail time for posting unverified conflict videos

A fire at the five-star Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai, after an Iranian missile strike. It normally offers views panoramic views of the Gulf and the Dubai Marina. Photo / Social media, X

Australians stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been warned that posting unverified conflict footage could lead to $77,000 in fines and even imprisonment, as the region continues to face a barrage of missiles coming from Iran.

The UAE Public Prosecution released a statement warning anyone who posts or reposts footage from “unknown sources” will face legal accountability including a Dh200,000 ($77,700) fine and imprisonment of not less than one year.

“Information is a responsibility, and spreading rumours is a crime,” the UAE Public Prosecution shared in a statement on X on March 2.

“The Public Prosecution warns against publishing or circulating rumours and information from unknown sources through social media platforms.”

This warning follows a shocking clip posted to social media of guests at a restaurant frantically running for cover and fleeing in terror after hearing a loud explosion.

While the sound was of a cannon gone off to celebrate Ramadan, it was mistaken by guests as a bomb.

Many travellers and locals in Dubai have shared numerous clips of explosions, documenting the strikes on their social media.

British content creator Will Bailey has taken to his social media account to share his experience living in Dubai amid the ongoing US-Iran crisis.

He has posted multiple videos on Instagram documenting missile strikes and those that have been intercepted.

View this post on Instagram

As of Tuesday March 3, the UAE said its air defences had intercepted a total of 174 missiles and 689 drones launched from Iran.

Smartraveller has raised its level of advice for the UAE with the region now labelled as a “do not travel zone”.

With ongoing retaliatory strikes, military conflict in the region could result in widespread movement restriction.

Smartraveller has urged Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members in the UAE to register on DFAT’s registration portal to receive direct updates from DFAT.

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