Dubai parents told not to take photos on school campuses under new privacy rules

Dubai private schools are asking parents not to take photos or videos on campus where other students or staff may appear without consent, Khaleej Times reported.

A recent circular cited UAE privacy requirements. Schools are reinforcing the guidance to protect children's privacy in increasingly digital school environments.

Is it illegal to take photos of other people's children at a Dubai school?

Under UAE law, personal data generally cannot be processed without consent, with specific exceptions. Schools say a child's image falls under this privacy concern. Taking a photo of your own child does not give you the right to photograph or share images of other children.

Where are parents not allowed to take photos on school campuses?

The guidance covers classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, assemblies, and drop-off and pick-up areas. Parents and visitors are asked to avoid photos or videos that capture other students or staff without consent.

Parents are also asked not to share images of other students on social media, WhatsApp groups or other digital platforms without consent.

What does UAE law say about children's photos and privacy?

Federal Decree Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data sets requirements for the confidentiality, security and privacy of personal data. For schools, this sits alongside Dubai's private-school framework. That framework requires institutions to safeguard student rights and take necessary protective measures.

KHDA's current school protocols also treat photography as a privacy concern. They state that photographing students in vulnerable situations violates their privacy.

A harmless family photo can become a problem if another child is clearly identifiable in the background. The risk grows once the image is shared beyond the family. In WhatsApp groups or on social media, further sharing can be hard to control.

Can parents still take photos of their own children at school events?

Yes, but only under school-specific arrangements. The circular does not stop parents from recording their own children's milestones. It asks families to follow the rules set for designated events. Schools will give clear guidance on when and where photography is allowed.

Official school photography will continue to follow established consent and safeguarding procedures, the circular states.

The distinction matters for parents attending concerts, assemblies, sports days and other events. Being invited onto school premises does not mean every child present can be photographed or filmed.

The approach also reflects practices Dubai schools already use. Their photography and videography policies commonly require parental consent for the use of children's images. They also set controls around school events and social media.