The UAE Ministry of Interior warning tells residents, visitors, and organisations across the United Arab Emirates that photographing, publishing, or re-sharing sensitive security and vital sites is prohibited, alongside promoting unreliable or fabricated information, to protect national security and stability.
Key Takeaways
- Do not photograph, publish, or re-share content showing sensitive security or vital sites in the UAE.
- Do not post or circulate unreliable information or fake news, including fabricated content created using modern technologies.
- The Ministry of Interior says compliance supports public safety guidance and reflects strong national awareness.
What the UAE Ministry of Interior has prohibited
In a public notice issued “in light of current developments,” the UAE Ministry of Interior (MOI UAE) said it is prohibited to:
- Photograph sensitive security sites and vital locations, or publish that material online.
- Re-share such content on social media platforms or messaging channels.
- Promote unreliable information or fabricated content, including material produced using modern technologies.
The Ministry of Interior framed the directive as a national security and stability measure, aimed at preventing harm and limiting the risks that can arise when sensitive location details or unverified claims circulate widely.
The notice signals stricter public guidance on social media behavior during sensitive periods, aiming to reduce security risks and panic from misinformation. For residents and businesses, it clarifies compliance expectations that can affect day-to-day content sharing and reputational/legal exposure.
WHO MUST COMPLY?
The MOI UAE guidance applies nationwide in the United Arab Emirates and is relevant to:
- Residents and visitors who post, forward, or comment on content through social media compliance channels, including public accounts and private groups.
- Businesses and employers whose staff manage corporate accounts, brand pages, community groups, or customer communications.
- Content creators and media administrators who publish images, clips, maps, or location identifiers that could expose sensitive security sites or vital facilities.
Can you share photos of security sites in the UAE?
The Ministry of Interior said photographing, publishing, or re-sharing sensitive security sites and vital locations is prohibited in the UAE under the current notice. This includes posting images or videos, as well as circulating them through reposts, forwards, or re-uploads.
The same notice also prohibits promoting unreliable information or fake news and fabricated content, including content created using modern technologies, as part of broader public safety guidance.
On misinformation, the MOI UAE warning is explicit: do not circulate unverified claims, and do not amplify fake news and fabricated content, including material generated with modern technologies. The Ministry of Interior said adherence reflects strong national awareness, positioning compliance as both a legal obligation and a public safety measure.
