The advisory follows the implementation of the UAE Cabinet decision on media regulation, which officially came into effect on May 29, 2025. The law outlines a broad framework of 20 categories of media-related violations that apply to individuals, media organizations, and digital platforms.
Key penalties under new law:
- 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 has called upon the Pakistani community to exercise caution on social media and other online platforms, and to respect local laws, traditions, and cultural sensitivities.
“We strongly advise all Pakistani nationals to familiarize themselves with the new media law and refrain from sharing, liking, or commenting on any content that could be interpreted as offensive or unlawful under UAE regulations,” the notice read.
