UAE Cybercrime Crackdown Escalates Following Iran War in the Gulf - By Radha Stirling, Expert Witness, Crisis Manager and Founder of Detained in Dubai.  29 March 2026

war-torn Dubai: The glittering tax-free influencer fantasy is unravelling as expats are arrested and treated as criminals for simply taking a photo of drone damage and sending to worried relatives

The arrests come amid a wider crackdown in the United Arab Emirates on the sharing of images or videos related to the recent drone and missile attacks targeting the country. The crackdown can be confusing for residents who can already see photos and videos of the attacks widely published across mainstream and social media. Authorities have warned that circulating such content could lead to prosecution under the country’s cybercrime laws.

Detained in Dubai has announced that 21 people have been charged together under the UAE's cybercrime laws.  Its CEO warns even sharing or commenting on circulating videos or news could lead to jail, fines and deportation.

Radha Stirling, founder and CEO of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International, has been the UAE's biggest critic over the past two decades.  She's called out the FCDO and British government for their treatment of citizens abroad and now she's called out the recent political rhetoric targeting British expatriates in Dubai, warning that attempts to portray them as “tax exiles” risk creating public support for the government abandoning its own citizens abroad. 

Detained in Dubai urges governments to intervene so foreign nationals can leave the region with their families

“People Are Fleeing Dubai Leaving Their Dogs Behind” Radha Stirling

Antonia Bettridge has been detained under the UAE’s strict drug laws under suspicion of possession of narcotics with intent to promote which threatens a AED 200,000 fine and life in prison if found guilty.

Regional Instability Could Trigger Economic Knock On Effects in Dubai, Warns Radha Stirling

If you are currently in the UAE: • Avoid posting commentary about the conflict or regional politics • Do not share unverified footage or security related images • Refrain from filming government or military locations • Exercise extreme caution in private messaging apps

John Murphy, stuck in the UAE, homeless and sheltering in a Carrefour car park during the attacks

Detained in Dubai says Brits with travel bans should be allowed to evacuate

Lee Murray - 20 years in prison!

UAE soft power and deepening relations should help Brits but it hasn't so far

Lee Murray has spent twenty years in a Moroccan prison. Limited access to family. Deteriorating health that now requires proper medical assessment and care. For any human being, that is an extraordinary price.

“Lee Andrews’ complaint about prison conditions echoes what we hear repeatedly. Our client Albert Douglas has just spoken publicly about being beaten, tortured and left with broken bones while imprisoned in the UAE. These are not isolated incidents.”

A 63 year old London grandfather returned home after years in hellish Dubai prison where he was beaten, tortured and subjected to egregious human rights abuses. The successful entrepreneur was released after an intense campaign led by his son, Wolfgang Douglas, and Radha Stirling, the founder of Detained in Dubai.

Human Rights Leader Radha Stirling reflects on 18 years on service Detained in Dubai celebrates EIGHTEEN years of incredible work! Wow! Detained in Dubai is now 18 years old and has helped more than twenty five thousand people over its nearly two decades of operation. “It’s hard to believe it was 18 years ago that my friend and colleague was arrested in Dubai. It almost feels like yesterday”,  reflects   Detained in Dubai founder Radha Stirling . “I am endlessly grateful tha

London, UK:  Tortured British Grandfather FREED from Dubai jail and Home for Christmas

Albert Douglas, left, set to be released for Christmas. Radha Stirling, right, of Detained in Dubai worked with the United Nations to secure his release. United Nations Rules UAE must free and compensate British Grandfather beaten and tortured in prison. Family expects Albert will be home for Christmas. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) has issued a landmark ruling (attached) in the case of British citizen Albert Douglas , finding that his impr