Residents in the United Arab Emirates are experiencing unusual GPS errors, with smartphones and navigation apps sometimes showing incorrect locations, such as the middle of the sea or cities hundreds of kilometers away.
Experts say the disruptions are linked to electronic warfare tactics used during the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
GPS Jamming and Spoofing Behind Errors
Security analysts say the problem is likely caused by GPS jamming and spoofing, defensive measures designed to disrupt drones and missiles that rely on satellite navigation.
According to Clayton Swope from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, jamming makes it difficult for devices to receive GPS signals, while spoofing sends false signals that trick devices into calculating the wrong location.
Because GPS signals from satellites are relatively weak, stronger local transmissions can easily interfere with them.
Residents Face Navigation Issues
Several residents in Dubai reported navigation problems while using mapping applications. One driver said her phone began directing her through unusual routes, forcing her to rely on road signs to reach her destination.
Delivery drivers have also been affected, with some saying trips that normally take 10 to 15 minutes now take up to 30 minutes due to frozen or constantly rerouting navigation systems.
Despite the inconvenience, the unusual glitches, such as delivery drivers appearing to be floating in the Arabian Gulf, have also sparked jokes on social media.
Impact on Aviation and Shipping
Experts warn that GPS interference can pose risks to aviation, shipping, and other critical infrastructure.
Lisa Dyer, director of the Global Positioning System Innovation Alliance, said electronic warfare techniques have been used since World War II and can provide both strategic and tactical advantages in conflict situations.
However, she cautioned that disruptions could affect regional transportation systems if not carefully managed.
Shipping Also Affected in Gulf Waters
Maritime monitoring firm Kpler reported that up to 1,000 ships in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman may have been affected by navigation interference since the conflict escalated.
Analyst Dmitris Ampatzidis said roughly half of the vessels in the region experienced disruptions, particularly near the coasts of the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Some ships have even appeared on tracking systems as if they were on land deep inside the UAE or Iran, highlighting the scale of the spoofing activity.
Defensive Measures Amid Regional Conflict
Regional authorities appear to be using electronic warfare to protect against incoming drones and missiles, which often rely on satellite navigation systems to reach their targets.
Despite the disruptions to civilian navigation systems, experts say governments may consider these measures necessary given the high risk posed by missile and drone attacks during the ongoing Middle East conflict.
