A British tourist arrested for filming missiles hitting Dubai faces two years in prison after being charged with a cybercrime.

The 60-year-old Londoner, who was detained on Monday night, March 9, is said to have deleted the video immediately when asked, insisting that he did not intend to break the law.

However, he has been charged alongside 20 others for videos and social media posts about recent Iranian missile strikes on the UAE, according to the campaign group Detained in Dubai.

The official charge is ‘broadcasting, publishing, republishing, or circulating rumors or provocative propaganda that could jeopardize public security’. The maximum sentence for this offence is two years in prison.

Following his arrest, the British tourist was kept at Bur Dubai police station.

Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai, said: ‘Under UAE cybercrime laws, one post can lead to many arrests. Anyone who shares, reposts, or comments on the same content can face the same charges and be named on the same charge sheet.

‘The charges are vague and broad, but serious nonetheless. Those charged could face lengthy prison sentences.

‘Residents could also be detained under national security laws, held indefinitely, denied access to their embassy, and be subjected to human rights abuses. In times of tension, extreme caution is advised.’

Dubai’s government heavily polices social media and responded to the outbreak of war by threatening jail against anyone sharing information that ‘results in inciting panic among people’.

Videos of drone and missile strikes were regularly shared on social media in the early days of the conflict, but have reportedly disappeared and been replaced by a deluge of posts praising Dubai’s government.

The emirate has been targeted by constant Iranian missile and drone attacks as the regime strikes US allies in the Middle East.

Dubai was hit by a fresh wave of drone attacks today, with a fire breaking out at a hotel in Creek Harbour in the early hours of the morning.