The UAE social media laws everyone needs to know, according to experts

The rapid rise of social media has been embraced by billions of people around the world, helping them to stay connected with friends and family whether they live in the same city or another continent.

Social media has been a benefit to the UAE's large expatriate community, but with the power of advanced technology comes great responsibility, and a need to be aware of potential pitfalls. The Emirates has stringent social media laws in place to protect people from harm online, meaning it is critical to think before you click and to take careful steps in a fast-evolving legal landscape.

“The intersection of technology, personal expression and legal boundaries creates a delicate ecosystem where one misunderstood post can trigger significant legal consequences,” said Ahmad Al Khalil, a partner at the Abu Dhabi legal consultancy Crimson Legal. “Social media users must exercise extreme caution and thoughtfulness before posting any content.

"It's not just about avoiding intentional offence; even unintentional posts that could be misinterpreted can potentially lead to legal challenges. The best approach is to be respectful, measured and mindful of the cultural and political sensitivities that are deeply important in the UAE.”

While these regulations are designed to protect individuals, maintain social harmony, and uphold public order, Maroun Abou Harb, an associate at BSA Law, based in Dubai International Financial Centre, added that the consequences for breaking these laws can be severe. They include jail time and significant fines, in some cases up to Dh1 million ($272,294). For this reason, The National has enlisted experts to outline the social media laws that residents and visitors of the UAE should know about.

Breaching individual privacy

In the UAE, sharing images of individuals without their consent is a crime that can lead to serious legal consequences, said Danish Qazi, senior associate at BSA Law. Numerous laws mention this, such as the Cybercrimes Law, which criminalises capturing or distributing a person’s photographs without permission, and the Penal Code, which prohibits transmitting someone’s image without consent.

Mr Al Khalil added that sharing photos, videos, or even conversations without consent is punishable by jail – with a starting point of six months – and fines ranging from Dh150,000 to Dh500,000. “These regulations cover anyone using social media within the UAE, including visitors,” he added.

Mr Qazi warned that even sharing defamatory content or personal WhatsApp messages may breach the Cybercrimes Law and Penal Code. “People should bear caution and avoid getting into abusive or other defamatory spats,” he said, adding that violations can result in penalties such as imprisonment and fines up to Dh1 million.

Discrimination and hate speech

Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2023 on Combating Discrimination, Hatred, and Extremism is a recent law that outlines strict regulations on social media usage to promote respect and prevent harm, said Mr Al Khalil. “It prohibits acts of blasphemy, such as mocking or insulting religions, rituals, or symbols, through digital platforms, punishable by imprisonment of at least one year and fines of between Dh250,000 and Dh1 million.”

The law also criminalises the use of social media to promote discrimination based on religion, race or gender, with penalties including imprisonment for a minimum of one year and fines ranging from Dh500,000 to Dh1 million, he added.

“Provoking hate speech or conflict between individuals or groups via social media is another serious offence, with similar penalties. Additionally, possessing or sharing content online that promotes hate speech, blasphemy, or discrimination is strictly forbidden and can result in imprisonment and fines of Dh50,000 to Dh200,000. These provisions ensure the UAE’s commitment to fostering a respectful and cohesive digital environment while holding users accountable for their actions online.”

Defamation and public reputation

Publishing content that exposes someone to public disdain or making false accusations that harm another’s reputation is an offence under the Penal Code, said Mr Qazi. “The Cybercrimes Law similarly prohibits insulting others or attributing conduct that subjects them to contempt.”

This includes even truthful statements, which can be considered defamatory if they damage someone’s reputation. This extends to comments, memes and even emoji usage that could be construed as offensive, with penalties including fines of up to Dh500,000 and possible jail time, said Mr Abou Harb.

“This extends to commercial entities,” Mr Qazi added. “Operators of online platforms that allow public feedback should be aware of the risks associated with hosting potentially defamatory content.”

Spreading rumours and fake news

What makes Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes so serious is its broad interpretation, explained Mr Al Khalil. “The law casts an incredibly wide net, covering everything from spreading false information to sharing content that could be seen as threatening national security or disturbing public order,” he said.

“It doesn't matter if you didn’t intend to cause harm; what matters is the potential impact of your post. Sharing a news article without verifying its source, commenting on sensitive political or social issues or even reposting content without careful consideration can mean legal consequences.”

Respect for religion and culture

With such a diverse population, the UAE has enshrined the need for mutual respect and tolerance among people of different religions, backgrounds, and cultures within its laws. This is also true of Islam. “The Cybercrimes Law forbids using information technology for activities that contradict public morals and proper conduct,” said Mr Qazi.

“This includes content that is un-Islamic, blasphemous, obscene, promotes sinful behaviour, or aims to corrupt minors.” Even if it’s not something you say yourself, website operators may be held accountable for user-generated content that violates these standards, he added.

Undermining national unity

Mr Qazi said the Cybercrimes Law also prohibits content threatening social cohesion, such as inciting sedition, mocking national leaders, or undermining national unity. “UAE law can have extraterritorial reach, meaning actions taken outside the country can still be subject to UAE legal provisions if they affect the nation,” he said.

This law extends beyond simply avoiding direct criticism, added Mr Al Khalil. “Even seemingly harmless posts that might be perceived as damaging public order or national security can put you at risk.

"Sharing rumours, spreading what could be considered false information or posting content that might be deemed insulting to UAE leadership can trigger legal action. The threshold for what is considered offensive is quite low and the consequences can be severe.”

Influencer licensing

With the proliferation of social media influencers, the UAE has introduced several rules to regulate the industry in recent years. One of these is the need for a licence, said Mr Abou Harb.

The UAE made it mandatory for social media influencers making money from posts they share online to have a licence in 2018. The UAE said at the time that those flouting the rules would face fines of up to Dh5,000, but penalties can vary by emirate. It was confirmed earlier this year that influencers operating for monetary gain in Abu Dhabi must secure a permit specific to the emirate and can face a Dh10,000 fine for failing to do so.

“Social media influencers earning income through their platforms are required to obtain a licence under the UAE’s National Media Council regulations,” he explained. “Operating without this licence can result in fines and suspension of activities.”

Business marketing activities

Any companies leveraging social media for marketing must also adhere to all these regulations, said Mr Abou Harb. “Misleading advertisements, unlicensed promotions, or misuse of user data can lead to reputational damage and legal action. Companies must ensure their digital marketing strategies align with the UAE’s legal and cultural standards.”

Samuel Moore, a paralegal at BSA Law, said advertisers could be subject to significant fines or imprisonment for such violations under Federal Law No. 34 of 2021, Concerning the Fight Against Rumours and Cybercrime. “In our growing digital landscape, social media has become a powerful tool for businesses to connect with consumers,” he said. “The law ensures that these connections are built on trust and not deceptive practices.”