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Photographing people without consent
Under Article 44 of the 2021 cybercrime law, taking or sharing photos of people without consent can mean at least six months in prison and/or a Dh150,000–Dh500,000 fine.
- Status
- Restricted
- Country
- UAE
- Category
- Activities & Laws
- Banned since
- 2022-01-02
- Last checked
- 01/11/2026
Taking photos or videos of people without their consent in the United Arab Emirates can be a crime. Under the UAE’s cybercrime law, which took effect on 2 January 2022, invading someone’s privacy with a phone or camera can lead to at least six months in prison and a fine of Dh150,000 to Dh500,000, or either penalty.
Key facts
- Status: restricted; photographing people without consent can be prosecuted
- Law: Article 44, Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes
- In force: 2 January 2022
- Penalty: at least six months in prison and/or a Dh150,000–Dh500,000 fine
What does the law ban?
Article 44 makes it an offence to use a phone, camera or other technology to invade someone’s private or family life without consent. That includes taking photos of others, and copying, saving, sharing or publishing them. The UAE Public Prosecution has explained that this applies even when the photo or information is true.
The 2021 law also added a specific offence for photographing or filming people injured or killed in accidents and disasters without permission. Altering someone’s photo to harm or defame them carries tougher penalties, with at least one year in prison and a fine of Dh250,000 to Dh500,000.
Does it apply in public places?
Yes, it can. Lawyers and local media have warned that being in a public place does not automatically make a photo legal if it targets a specific person without consent. Photographing children, women and families is treated especially seriously, and filming in sensitive locations such as airports or police buildings is restricted by separate rules.
Can tourists take photos in Dubai?
Yes, but with care. Landmarks and wide shots are generally fine; the risk comes from focusing on strangers or sharing their images online. Ask before photographing people.
The UAE also changed other laws that affect visitors, such as the 2020 reform on alcohol without a licence. See every UAE rule we track on the UAE bans page.
General information, not legal advice. Check official UAE sources before you rely on it.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to take photos of people in the UAE?
It can be. Article 44 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 bans using technology to invade someone's privacy, including photographing or sharing images of them without consent.
What is the fine for taking photos without permission in Dubai?
The penalty is at least six months in prison and a fine of Dh150,000 to Dh500,000, or either one.
Can tourists take photos in Dubai?
Yes. Landmarks and general scenes are fine, but avoid photographing strangers, children or families without asking, and do not post such images online.