UAE Public Photography Laws Detail Restrictions, Consent Rules and Fines Up to Dh500,000

Emirates 24|7 reported on UAE legal regulations governing photography and videography in public and restricted spaces. Violations involving filming individuals without consent carry fines up to Dh500,000 and minimum six-month jail terms under cybercrime laws. Filming security, military, or government installations without permits can lead to fines of at least Dh100,000 and up to five years in prison.

Published October 22, 2026 Source: Emirates 24|7

English Original
中文 Chinese version
العربية Automatic translation

Issuing authority: UAE Federal Government
Jurisdiction: United Arab Emirates
Stage: Final rule
Official document: Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, Federal Law No. 3 of 2016
Official source: news.google.com

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While photography and videography in public spaces are generally permitted in the UAE, activities remain subject to strict legal restrictions concerning individual privacy and protected sites, Emirates 24|7 reported, citing legal expert Awatif Al Khouri, founder of Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates and Legal Consultancy.

Under Article 44 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 (the UAE Cybercrime Law), capturing photos of individuals in public or private places without their consent, as well as circulating or storing such images, constitutes an offence. Publishing images or information with the intent to harm an individual is also barred. Penalties for privacy violations include imprisonment for at least six months, a fine between Dh150,000 and Dh500,000, or both.

Similar protections apply to children under Article 44 of the Cybercrime Law and Article 5 of Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 concerning Child Rights (Wadeema's Law), with unauthorized photography of children carrying identical penalties of Dh150,000 to Dh500,000 in fines and at least six months of imprisonment.

Regarding restricted zones, Article 175(2) of Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law) prohibits taking pictures or making recordings of restricted sites. Prohibited locations include military and defence installations, government ministries, diplomatic missions, courtrooms, prosecution offices, presidential palaces, royal residences, and secure police facilities. Violators face between six months and five years in prison, alongside a minimum fine of Dh100,000.

Dubai Airports rules state that filming at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) requires prior written permits, security clearance, or passes, while photographing high-security zones such as immigration, customs, and security checkpoints is strictly banned. In addition, utilizing photography or videography to spread false news or rumours carries at least one year of imprisonment and a fine of at least Dh100,000.