5 Rules To Follow When Photographing In Dubai

 

Dubai is one of the most visually stunning locations on Earth. However, you may be surprised to learn that Dubai has several stringent statutes governing photography. There are frequent reports in the media of people being prosecuted for violating photography regulations and compromising the privacy of others.

 

These regulations apply to everyone, regardless of whether you're a resident or visitor in the UAE. Taking a brief photo of a building with your smartphone and watching it is considered secure, and taking photographs or capturing video in public places in Dubai and the UAE is not prohibited unless expressly stated; however, a few exceptions must be observed.

 

Ensure you have permission to film or photograph before you do so.

 

In most hotels, resorts, and public places in the UAE, permission from Management teams and additional authorities is required to take photographs and organize photoshoots. If you need to take photographs as part of your work, you must obtain the proper permissions to conduct a session in a public area.

 

For instance, when visiting attractions such as Madinat Souk Jumeirah or other large malls in Dubai, you must obtain permission before taking photographs there. In addition, the majority of hotels prohibit the use of professional cameras on their premises without prior sanction.

 

However, suppose you are leisurely visiting a public place, such as one of Dubai's malls or beaches, or a popular attraction. In that case, taking photos on your smartphone of the viewpoint, an event, or a family member is generally acceptable. However, if accosted by management or security and asked to delete any captured images or footage, you should comply.

 

It is illegal to photograph a person without their consent.

 

According to UAE law, taking photographs or recordings that violate another person's privacy can result in severe penalties. Article 378 of the UAE Penal Code and Article 21 of the UAE Cyber Crime Law protect an individual's privacy in the UAE.

 

Article 378 makes it plain that photographing someone without their consent or in legally permissible circumstances invokes their privacy or family life. It is common knowledge that it is illegal to photograph women and families in public places in the UAE.

 

Taking photographs of individuals are frowned upon in the culture of the UAE. Upon doing so, the camera or other recording device would be confiscated, and its recordings would be deleted. The person taking photographs or videos may also be subject to a fine or imprisonment.

 

Article 21 of the United Arab Emirates Cyber Crime Law states, "Using a visual device to break the privacy of a third party by capturing, copying, or transferring their image is a crime punishable by six months in prison and a fine of Dhs500,000."

 

Do not distribute captured footage without permission!

 

The UAE Copyright Law, which governs the sharing of pictures or video footage of a person without their permission, states that if a photographer or videographer captures the image of another person, they do not have the right to retain, show, exhibit, communicate, distribute, or publish the image without the consent of the subject. In the event of such an offense, the punishment consists of imprisonment for up to six months and a fine.

 

However, there are exceptions to this law if the photograph was taken at a public event, if it depicts official figures, public figures, or celebrities, or if the authorities sanction the publication of photographs in the public interest. In addition, you should not post another person's work-related pictures or videos online without their consent, nor should you tag them online without their permission.

 

It is prohibited to film government agencies and military installations.

 

Significant installations, strategic and military locations, government organizations, and political buildings cannot be photographed for security reasons. It is against the law in the UAE to photograph restricted areas.

 

If you intend to go off-roading or camping in the desert, you should avoid photographing the dotted regions designated by the emirate as restricted zones. You may not realize that the picture of a camel you just saw contains a military base, so take caution not to enter the area.

 

You need permission to film or take photos in limited parts of an airport.

 

We frequently see signs in airports stating that photography is prohibited while airside at the Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Market Central without a license from Dubai Airports. 'airside' refers to aircraft-accessible areas, such as taxiways, runways, and approaches.

 

However, check-in locations are not included. A spokesman for Dubai Airport stated that any demand to film or photograph aircraft from within or near the airports requires authorization from the appropriate authorities.

 

Al Maktoum International at DWC and Dubai International Airport are secure environments with limited access to safeguard the safety and security of passengers, employees, and stakeholders. Avoid photographing in restricted areas such as immigration or security checkpoints, embassies, airports, and security facilities.