A video widely circulated on social media led to the arrest of a group of people by Dubai police, on charges of public debauchery. The video showed several naked models lined up on a balcony while filming in Dubai's Marina neighborhood.
This was a big shock for the Arab country, where even kissing in public or drinking alcohol without a license, can be sentenced to prison.
Violations of public decency law in the UAE, including nudity and other "shameful" behavior, carry sentences of up to six months in prison and a $ 1,900 fine. Sharing pornographic material is also punishable by imprisonment and heavy fines under the laws of the country.
The state-run newspaper, The National, reported that this appeared to be a "publicity stunt", without giving details. Dubai police said those arrested for the "inappropriate" video had been referred to the public prosecutor's office.
"Such unacceptable behavior does not reflect the values ??and ethics of the Emirati society," the police statement said.
The UAE, although liberal in many respects compared to its neighbors in the Middle East, has strict behavioral laws. There have been cases where people have been jailed for their comments and videos online.
