Case Explained: British man charged in Dubai for alleged filming of Iranian missiles – Legal Perspective

She told the BBC the formal charges were “very vague”.

“I’ve reviewed the charge sheet and from reading it you wouldn’t know what they’ve done wrong,” she said.

“We’re seeing more and more people being charged under the UAE’s cyber-crime rules.”

She added that the family of the British man had been able to speak to him following his detainment.

Criticism of the government is illegal in the UAE.

Stirling told the BBC that she believed the UAE had detained people for filming missiles as they “want to maintain the facade that it is safe for tourists”.

For years, Dubai has cultivated a reputation as a glamorous and attractive destination for expats pursuing business opportunities and travel.

Conflict across the Middle East has entered a second week after the US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes on Iran, killing the country’s supreme leader on 28 February.

Iran has continued to respond by launching attacks on Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf, which have extended to non-military targets, including civilian sites and energy facilities.

Some of the UAE’s most iconic buildings have been damaged – including Fairmont The Palm hotel, in the luxurious Palm Jumeirah area, and the Burj Al Arab hotel.

Flights across the Middle East have also been severely disrupted by the conflict.