UAE warns online insults can lead to jail and fines up to Dh500,000
By Dubai Currents Staff1 min read
The UAE Ministry of Interior, together with Dubai Police and the Dubai Electronic Security Centre, has issued a warning that insulting or defaming others online can result in imprisonment and a fine of up to Dh500,000.
The alert was published on Mon 19 Oct 2026 at 3:05 PM.
Legal consequences under cybercrime law
The warning forms part of the nationwide ‘The UAE is safe with your digital awareness’ campaign, launched during Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October. The campaign is run by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Dubai Police and the Dubai Electronic Security Centre.
It highlights Article 43 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes, which prescribes penalties for online insults and defamation.
Details of the penalties
Under the law, anyone who insults another person or attributes to them an act that could expose them to punishment or contempt through an information network may face imprisonment, a fine ranging from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000, or both.
The penalty is increased when the target is a public official performing official duties.
Promoting constructive online behaviour
Beyond the legal warning, the campaign encourages users to treat social media as a platform for constructive expression and respectful exchange of opinions, rather than personal attacks or mockery.
It urges the public to foster positive dialogue and help build a safer digital environment that reflects the UAE’s social values.
Broader digital safety initiative
‘The UAE is safe with your digital awareness’ is a comprehensive public education effort covering cybercrime, online fraud and the misuse of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
The initiative aims to strengthen digital literacy and promote responsible online conduct across all sections of society.
The campaign runs throughout October as part of the UAE’s annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month observance.
The source also notes that readers can stay updated via KT’s WhatsApp channel.
