Beware of hefty fines: Pakistan Embassy in UAE issues public notice

The Embassy urged Pakistanis in UAE to use social media, online platforms responsibly

Last updated:
Ashfaq Ahmed, Senior Assistant Editor
1 MIN READ
Pakistan Embassy building in Abu Dhabi
Pakistan Embassy building in Abu Dhabi
Gulf News Archives

Dubai: Pakistan Embassy in the UAE on Tuesday issued a public notice on its social media platforms warning expatriate community to be aware of updated social media rules.

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.

“The Embassy of Pakistan in the UAE would like to bring to notice of all members of the Pakistani community an important new legal development announced by UAE authorities,” reads the embassy notice.

It says: “Effective 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.”

“The public notice is part of the ongoing campaign to educate Pakistani community members in the UAE about the updated rules and regulations in the UAE,” Mohammed Saleh, Press Consular at the Pakistan Embassy, told Gulf News.

Public notice

According to the public notice shared on the embassy social media, the updated UAE Law identifies 20 categories of violations, grouped by severity. Notable penalties include:

  • Insulting religious beliefs or the Divine Entity: Dh100,000 to Dh1,000,000

  • Disrespecting UAE leadership, national symbols, or institutions: Dh50,000 to Dh500,000

  • Publishing content harmful to foreign relations: Dh30,000 to Dh250,000

  • Encouraging sectarianism, violence, or terrorism: Dh100,000 to Dh500,000

  • Spreading immoral, false, or misleading information: Dh10,000 to Dh100,000

  • Violating privacy or children’s rights: Dh5,000 to Dh100,000

  • Ignoring age ratings or misrepresenting national identity: Dh5,000 to Dh100,000

Related Topics:

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox

Up Next