The Public Prosecution has broadened its investigation to cover additional cases of misinformation claiming explosions were heard in Downtown Dubai, according to a report by the Emirates News Agency. Officials are examining the origins and dissemination of the false claims that circulated after a now-retracted news dispatch. The probe focuses on those responsible for publishing and amplifying the unverified information across various channels.
Dubai’s Government Media Office rejected the reports as inaccurate in a statement issued on July 16, 2026. The office confirmed there were no sounds of explosions in the area and urged the public and media to rely exclusively on official sources. It added that action would be taken against media outlets publishing incorrect news about the emirate in line with local and federal laws, as reported by Khaleej Times.
A Reuters report from the same day alleged witnesses heard booms in Downtown Dubai amid regional tensions but was withdrawn shortly afterward. The news agency said in a follow-up statement that the story did not meet its editorial standards and expressed regret over its publication, according to multiple outlets including Gulf News. The initial dispatch had fueled widespread online discussion before the correction.
The false information emerged as Iranian attacks targeted several countries in the region including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan, Anadolu Agency reported. No related incidents occurred in the UAE, whose authorities moved to counter any potential panic from the misinformation. The Dubai Media Office’s statement on X reinforced the need to avoid rumors during periods of heightened geopolitical activity.
UAE authorities have pursued similar cases in recent months to address fabricated security threats. In March 2026 the Attorney-General ordered the arrest of 25 defendants involved in distributing synthetic videos of explosions and missiles that included national flags and dates to enhance their apparent credibility, a prior WAM dispatch showed. Those efforts formed part of ongoing measures against digital deception that could undermine public trust.
The expanded investigation by the Public Prosecution now encompasses further platforms and accounts linked to the latest false claims, according to the Emirates News Agency. Prosecutors are applying relevant legal frameworks governing the spread of false news and its potential impact on security perceptions. Residents received renewed calls to verify all information through established government communications.
