Business Desk 
Jun 03, 2025
The Embassy of Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has released a public alert for all Pakistani citizens residing in the country related to new media regulation legislation that was issued with effect from 29 May 2025.
Notably, the new legislation will apply to individuals, media, and content creators who, for purposes of the legislation, use a digital platform in the UAE.
The regulations, formally known as UAE Cabinet Decision No. 42 of 2025, are issued in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023, which established tough penalties for everyone who violates the media regulations (fines ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 1 million depending on the violation).
UAE new media rules for Pakistanis
There are 20 types of media offences, grouped by the level of severity, in the legislation. The following is a list of some of the major offences and penalties for violating the media regulations:
- Insulting the religion or the Divine Entity: AED 100,000 to 1,000,000
- Insulting the UAE leadership or national symbols: AED 50,000 to 500,000
- Publishing content detrimental to foreign relations: AED 30,000 to 250,000
- Publishing false or misleading news: AED 10,000 to 100,000
- Invasion of privacy, especially the rights of children: AED 5,000 to 100,000
- Promoting violence, terrorism, or sectarianism : AED 100,000 to 500,000
The Pakistani Embassy has requested that citizens be extra careful with their use of social media to avoid creating fake news and respect the local culture and laws.
This is especially important for bloggers, vloggers, influencers, and even those who share opinions on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
