Be advised of significant penalties: Pakistan Embassy in UAE releases public advisory
🌐 Attention Pakistanis in UAE! Keep it cool on social media, online platforms – the Pakistan Embassy in the UAE warns responsibly
In the heart of Dubai, the Pakistan Embassy has sounded a public alarm for the Pakistani community: be mindful of the updated social media rules in the UAE.
The Embassy's strong reminder encourages all Pakistani nationals to tread carefully on online platforms, in full compliance with UAE laws and cultural etiquette.
The Embassy's statement reads, "Effective May 29, 2025, the UAE's Cabinet Decision No. 42 of 2025 falls under the Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023, setting new media regulations."
According to press consular, Mohammed Saleh, "Our public notice toward our community members in the UAE is part of a larger effort to clarify the fresh rules and mandates."
The Public Callout
Under the new UAE Law, there are 20 categories of potential violations, grouped by severity. Key penalties include:
- Religious offense: Dh100,000 to Dh1,000,000 for blasphemy or disrespect of religious beliefs.
- Disrespecting UAE leadership, symbols, or institutions: Dh50,000 to Dh500,000.
- Foreign relations hurting: Dh30,000 to Dh250,000.
- Sectarianism promotion, violence, or terrorism: Dh100,000 to Dh500,000.
- Misinformation, falsehood, or misleading content: Dh10,000 to Dh100,000.
- Privacy invasion, child rights violations: Dh5,000 to Dh100,000 penalties.
- Ignoring age ratings or misrepresenting national identity: Dh5,000 to Dh100,000.
So, Pakistani expats in UAE, remember to keep it classy on your digital pulpits!
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Note: Here are some additional insights about the updated UAE Media Regulation:
- The law strengthens accountability, respect, and professionalism across all media platforms, aligning them with UAE values and enhancing public interest.
- The legislation covers various aspects, such as age rating, child rights protection, and licensing requirements for media organizations operating in the UAE.
- Penalties can escalate for repeat offenses, up to Dh2 million, and extend to online spaces, prohibiting hate speech, misinformation, and privacy violations.
[1] https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/government/new-media-regulation-in-uae-to-address-criminal-cases-of-hate-speech-defamation-1.11183421[2] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-issues-new-media-regulations-including-hate-speech-laws-508437.html[3] https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/uae-updates-media-regulations-fines-for-fake-news-disclosure-required-for-online-advertising-1.77740365[4] https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae-updates-media-regulation-to-deal-with-hate-speech-on-social-media[5] https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/story/UAE_to_enact_media_regulation_to_fight_fake_news_hate_speech-SNG_152717717/
- With the new media regulations set to take effect in the UAE on May 29, 2025, it's important for every Pakistani expat in the UAE to stay informed about the changes in lifestyle, technology, and news that might impact them on social media and other online platforms.
- The recent update in UAE media regulations, which includes penalties for misinformation, falsehood, or misleading content, necessitates a shift in focus from just sharing lifestyle content and technology updates to including local news as well, to ensure a better understanding of the laws and maintain social media compliance.
