DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai authorities said media outlets that publish false or unverified reports about the emirate could face action under local and federal laws, after a report claimed explosions had been heard in Downtown Dubai.
In a post on X, the Government of Dubai Media Office said outlets must verify information before publishing and rely only on official sources.
The warning came after Reuters carried a brief report saying witnesses had heard loud booms in Downtown Dubai on Thursday. The dispatch did not identify the cause of the sounds or say whether any incident had taken place.
Dubai officials rejected the report and said no explosions occurred in the Downtown area.
The media office also urged news organizations to avoid spreading rumors or claims that have not been confirmed through official channels. The statement reflects Dubai’s broader push to ensure accuracy in fast-moving news situations and limit the spread of misinformation.
