A senior official in the United Arab Emirates has issued a stark warning regarding the weaponization of social media bots to incite regional friction. Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority, revealed that over 11,000 automated accounts were generated in October 2026 alone. These bots are primarily used to manufacture the illusion of widespread public consensus, amplifying misinformation and harmful narratives that threaten diplomatic relations. While the government is actively collaborating with tech platforms to dismantle these networks behind the scenes, authorities remain cautious about publicly addressing every false claim, noting that official rebuttals can sometimes inadvertently lend credibility to baseless propaganda.

To combat this digital threat, the UAE has implemented a rigorous legal framework under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, which imposes severe penalties—including significant fines and multi-year prison sentences—for those who circulate rumours or misleading news. Officials emphasized that even reposting unverified content carries legal risks, underscoring the importance of media literacy and official verification. Looking ahead, the UAE is pushing for a unified regional strategy, including the potential establishment of a 24/7 AI-powered monitoring centre, to collectively tackle the rising tide of disinformation across the Gulf.