UAE announces penalty for spreading rumours

Emirati flag fluttering above Dubai’s marina with the Burj Al Arab landmark hotel in the background [KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images]

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Sunday that spreading misinformation and false news will be punished with imprisonment and a heavy fine.

The UAE Public Prosecution posted a video on its official social media accounts explaining that according to Article 52 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on combating rumours and cybercrimes the punishment for spreading rumours or publishing false news is one year in jail and a fine of Dh100,000.

According to the video, if the published or shared information results in agitating or stirring up public opinion against the State authorities or institutions or are committed at the time of pandemics, crisis, emergencies, or disasters, the punishment will be two years in jail and a fine of Dh200,000.

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