What does the law prohibit?
Article 44 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 (Cybercrimes Law) punishes using an information network, system or technology with intent to invade the privacy or sanctity of private or family life of someone without consent by eavesdropping, intercepting, recording, transmitting or revealing conversations or audio or visual material, taking photos of third parties in any public or private place, or preparing, transferring, disclosing, copying or keeping electronic photos.
The penalty is imprisonment of at least six months and/or a fine of AED 150,000 to AED 500,000.
Does it matter if the information is true?
Article 44 also covers publishing news, electronic photos, images, comments, data or information, even if true and genuine, with the intention of harming the person.
It also covers taking or publishing photos of injured people, the dead or victims of accidents or disasters without the consent of the parties concerned, and tracking or revealing the location data of third parties.
What about altering images or recordings?
Whoever uses an information system or technology to modify or process a record, photo or scene with the intention of defaming or insulting another person faces imprisonment of at least one year and/or a fine of AED 250,000 to AED 500,000 (Article 44).
Defamation and slander online are separately punished by Article 43.
What should you do if you are accused?
Stop sharing and do not delete devices or accounts. Keep the original files and records, because the defence will examine how the material was obtained, whether consent existed and what was shared with whom.
If you are the victim, preserve evidence and report. Content can spread quickly, so early action matters.
What should I do first?
Stop sharing and posting
Do not forward or comment.
Preserve the devices and accounts
Do not wipe or reset.
List who had access
People, devices, dates.
Speak to a lawyer before talking to police
Consent and intent matter.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Is taking a photo of someone in public illegal?
Taking photos of third parties without consent with intent to invade privacy is covered by Article 44.
Is sharing true information a crime?
It can be, if published with the intention of harming the person (Article 44).
What is the penalty?
Imprisonment of at least six months and/or a fine of AED 150,000 to AED 500,000 (Article 44).
Is editing a photo to insult someone punished?
Yes, with at least one year and/or a fine of AED 250,000 to AED 500,000 (Article 44).
Related guides
Sexual Offences overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewStalking and Threats
How threats, persistent harassment, tracking and online extortion are punished under the Crimes and Cybercrimes Laws.
Read the guideSexual Harassment
How the law defines sexual harassment, the penalty and what makes it more serious, plus related offences in public places.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 (Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 4 April 2024, with one amendment. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.