Photography Restrictions, Restricted places & Fines - Dubai
1. Don't take pictures of government establishments
You may come across many Government buildings in Dubai, Don't dare to take pictures of them because they are restricted from photography. If you get caught, you would have to face the legal consequences. Some of these buildings are: Civil Defence, Dubai Chamber, Department of Finance, Public Prosecution, Courts & other government-owned buildings.
2. Do not capture anyone without their consent
There may be situations where you capture others' photos accidently while clicking for something else. In UAE, this is considered as a serious crime related to torturing privacy. If you get caught, according to Article 378 of the UAE Penal Code (Federal Law 3 of 1987), you are not allowed to take pictures without approval.
3. Don’t share photos without permission
Even if you accidently took someone's image. You are not permitted to share it on social media without approval. According to the Article 43 of the UAE Copyright Law (Federal Law No. 7 of 2002), if somebody has captured a photograph or video of another person, he or she should not publish, distribute or exhibit without permission. If you are caught, you are required to pay a fine or even imprisonment.
4. Do not conduct a photoshoot without a legal permission
Taking pictures in Dubai has its own restrictions. You cannot simply conduct a photoshoot somewhere, unless you have permission from the responsible authority. These places also include public spaces such as beaches, malls, cultural places, bridges,etc.
5. No permission to take pictures of Aircraft
Videography and photography are strictly forbidden at Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport. This is done for the protection of passengers and civil aviation authority workers. If someone takes images of the aircraft, they might reveal the setup and technology to a third party, causing them harm. However, if you wish to photograph such sites, you must present the necessary documentation and follow the restrictions.
Before going to any nation, you must be aware of its laws and regulations. This will make your stay easier. However, the UAE's photography rules and restrictions are straightforward to understand. We recommend that you read it once before visiting Dubai or Abu Dhabi. If you are discovered taking a picture, please be respectful and remove the photo from your phone or camera.