Pakistanis in UAE Warned About New Law to Avoid Fine Up to AED 500,000

The Embassy of Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates has issued a public notice alerting Pakistani nationals to a new media regulation law implemented by UAE authorities.

Effective from May 29, 2025, the UAE Cabinet Decision No. 42 of 2025, issued under Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023, outlines strict penalties for a range of media-related violations. The rules apply to individuals, media organizations, and digital content creators operating within the UAE.

The law categorizes 20 types of violations based on severity. Key penalties include:

• Insulting religious beliefs or the Divine Entity – AED 100,000 to 1,000,000
• Disrespecting UAE leadership, national symbols, or institutions – AED 50,000 to 500,000
• Publishing content harmful to foreign relations – AED 30,000 to 250,000
• Promoting sectarianism, violence, or terrorism – AED 100,000 to 500,000
• Spreading immoral, false, or misleading information – AED 10,000 to 100,000
• Violating privacy or children’s rights – AED 5,000 to 100,000
• Disregarding age restrictions or misrepresenting national identity – AED 5,000 to 100,000

The embassy has urged all Pakistani citizens in the UAE to exercise caution while using social media and digital platforms, and to respect local laws and cultural values to avoid legal consequences.