The Economist: Gulf States Under Tight Security Grip as War with Iran Escalates

NYN | Reports and Analyses 

A report published by the British magazine The Economist has highlighted a significant escalation in security measures across several Gulf countries amid the ongoing regional conflict, describing the implementation of exceptional measures that, in some areas, are approaching what could be considered “martial law.”

Domestic Pressures and Fears of Growing Public Opposition

According to the report, Gulf authorities have intensified security measures amid concerns over increasing public opposition to the war against Iran and the potential domestic repercussions such sentiment could have on political and security stability throughout the region.

The report noted that these measures are part of broader efforts to contain public reactions and restrict the circulation of information related to the war’s developments and battlefield outcomes.

More Than 1,000 Arrested in the UAE

The Economist reported that the United Arab Emirates has carried out a large-scale arrest campaign involving more than 1,000 individuals, including significant numbers of foreign workers and expatriates. The arrests reportedly stem from allegations related to filming and sharing videos documenting missile strikes and drone attacks targeting key facilities and strategic sites.

According to the report, authorities are seeking to impose strict controls over digital content circulated on social media platforms in order to prevent the dissemination of information or footage that could reveal the extent of damage or provide intelligence that might benefit parties involved in the conflict.

Increasing Electronic Surveillance

The report stated that the current measures reflect a growing trend toward tighter electronic and security surveillance, particularly amid escalating military tensions in the region and the associated concerns regarding national security and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Linked to Expanding Security and Technological Cooperation

The British publication linked these developments to previous reports concerning the expansion of security and technological cooperation between certain Gulf states and Israel, including surveillance systems, cybersecurity capabilities, and artificial intelligence technologies.

The report concluded that these technological tools are no longer being used solely to address external threats but have increasingly become part of domestic monitoring systems designed to oversee digital spaces and track online activity related to the war.