Up to AED 200,000 fine, jail term for spreading false news in UAE

Anyone who uses the internet to publish, circulate or spread false news, rumours or misleading information, could face imprisonment for at least one year and fined AED 100,000.

The UAE Public Prosecution is reminding people of the penalties in place and to only follow news published by official sources, through a video on its social media accounts. 

In case the publishing of false news or rumours riles public opinion against state authorities or occurs during times of pandemic, crises or disasters, the violator could be imprisoned for at least two years and fined AED 200,000.

The Public Prosecution has published the information as part of its ongoing legal cultural awareness campaign aimed at raising the public's awareness.