Nearly Barred from Leaving... Korean Detained for Filming at Dubai Airport, Released After Apology and Returned Home

Caught and Detained by Airport Police While Filming a Souvenir Video

Consulate: "Strict Ban on Filming Security Facilities... Please Exercise Caution"

A South Korean national was detained and later released with a warning by airport police at Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where many citizens have been returning home due to the ongoing Middle East crisis, after filming a video at the airport.

On the 6th, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai issued a safety notice stating that on the 5th (local time), a South Korean national was apprehended by airport police while filming a commemorative video at Dubai International Airport prior to departure.

The consulate explained, "In the UAE, filming government or security-related facilities, certain buildings, or individuals is strictly regulated for reasons including national security, public order, and personal privacy." Violations may result in severe penalties, including hefty fines, detention, imprisonment, deportation, and bans on re-entry.

The consulate further stated that, especially in the case of a fine, individuals may be prohibited from leaving the country until the court verdict is delivered and the fine is paid in full.

South Korean nationals staying in the Middle East are returning home and reuniting with their families through Incheon International Airport on the 6th, arriving on a flight departing from Dubai. Photo by Yonhap News

Upon learning of the incident, the consulate immediately contacted Dubai police and issued an apology for the violation. By deleting the video footage and pledging to prevent recurrence, the consulate was able to persuade the authorities, and the individual was released with a warning.

The consulate emphasized, "Amid the current tense atmosphere, police officers are stationed at government and security-related facilities," and urged, "If you are seen filming, you may be arrested on the spot and face severe punishment, so please exercise utmost caution."

Meanwhile, direct flights from Dubai to South Korea resumed on this day at Dubai International Airport, where operations had been suspended due to the Iran crisis. A total of 372 South Korean nationals departed from Dubai on Emirates flight EK322 and arrived at Incheon International Airport on the same day. This marks the first time direct flights between South Korea and the Middle East have resumed since the US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

Currently, it is estimated that approximately 18,000 South Korean nationals are staying in 14 Middle Eastern countries, including about 4,900 short-term visitors.

On the afternoon of the 6th, Kang Hoonshik, policy chief at the Presidential Office, stated during a briefing at the Blue House that "about 3,500 short-term visitors are waiting to return home from the UAE and Qatar due to canceled flights," and announced that the government is considering dispatching additional chartered flights by Korean Air in cooperation with the UAE to support their return.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.