Pakistan Embassy in UAE warns expats of hefty fines in public notice

The Pakistan Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) issued a public notice on Tuesday alerting members of the Pakistani community to updated regulations concerning online conduct.

In its message, the embassy called on Pakistani nationals residing in the UAE to exercise caution and responsibility when using social media and digital platforms.

It stressed the importance of complying with local laws and respecting the country’s cultural values.

"The Embassy of Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates would like to bring to notice of all members of the Pakistani community an important new legal development announced by UAE authorities," read the notice.

"Effective from 29 May 2025, UAE Cabinet Decision No. 42 of 2025, issued under Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 on Media Regulation, sets out a comprehensive list of media-related violations and penalties. These apply to all individuals, media outlets, and digital platforms operating in the UAE."

According to the public notice, the law identifies 20 categories of violations, grouped by severity. Notable 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
• Encouraging 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
• Ignoring age ratings or misrepresenting national identity – AED 5,000 to 100,000

The embassy urged all Pakistani nationals in UAE to use social media and other online platforms responsibly, and to strictly observe UAE laws and cultural sensitivities.