UAE authority cautions public against sharing content that damages country’s reputation

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has issued a warning to residents against publishing or sharing online content that mocks or damages the reputation of the UAE or its institutions.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on April 29, the department reminded the public that anyone found guilty of spreading rumors, false information, or content intended to ridicule the state -- whether through websites, social media, or other digital platforms -- could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to Dh500,000.

The warning is based on Article 25 of the Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on combating rumors and cybercrimes, which criminalizes actions that undermine the country’s image or social harmony.

This advisory follows a similar message issued by Abu Dhabi Police on April 12, urging the public to verify information before sharing it and to refrain from circulating fake news or unverified claims on social media.

According to the report, legal experts have also cautioned that residents who post or share content that violates the UAE’s principles of tolerance, coexistence, and public decency may face even stricter penalties -- including fines of up to Dh1 million and jail time.