Have you ever taken a video of photo of a movie in the theatre? This could fetch you a heavy fine and even jail time.

UAE: Up to Dh100,000 fine, 2 months in jail for taking photos, videos at the cinema.

In January 2022, the UAE implemented Federal Law No. 38 of 2021, replacing the previous copyright legislation. The new law imposes hefty fines and imprisonment for copyright infringement, particularly targeting unauthorized photography or filming in cinemas.

So, what’s the scoop? Offenders may face fines up to Dh100,000 and a maximum of two months in jail.

Furthermore, the UAE’s copyright legislation aligns with international agreements and treaties, including the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, of which the UAE became a member in 2004. The government’s commitment to these international agreements strengthens the legal framework against copyright infringement.

But wait, there’s more! Cinemas in the UAE have their own set of rules. UAE cinemas are mandated to strictly enforce age ratings, requiring meticulous inspection of customers’ proof of age and identification documents.

LIKEWISE, RULES YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PUBLIC PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE UAE

Rules about Public Photography in the UAE

• DON’T TAKE PICTURES OF SEMI-GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS AND MILITARY SITES

Permit Requirement: Special permits are often necessary for photographing government and military establishments.

Specific Locations: Restricted areas include Dubai International Financial Centre, military headquarters like the UAE Armed Forces GHQ, and government entities such as Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Public Spaces: Be aware of limitations in public spaces like beaches, bridges, cultural sites, free zones, and airports.

• PERMISSION COMES FIRST: NEVER CLICK PICTURES OF ANYONE WITHOUT THEIR CONSENT

It is important to respect other people’s privacy. Don’t click pictures of others without seeking their consent. Article 378 of the UAE Code states that taking pictures without obtaining permission will result in the camera being confiscated, recordings destroyed and photographers being charged a fine, or in some situations, being imprisoned.

EXCEPTIONS TO THE LAW FOR SHARING PICTURES IN THE UAE

You may share the picture:

• If it has been captured at a public event
• If the picture is of a known personality or a public figure
• If the publication is permitted by the authorities in public interest

PHOTOGRAPHY FINES IN THE UAE

There is a fine for breaching the UAE public photography laws.

• The fine for unapproved external or internal photography at semi-government sites range between AED 8k- AED 13k for half a day and AED 15k- AED 25k for 24 hours.
• The fine for unapproved external or internal photography at the government sites is AED 25k for a full day.

“CAPTURE THE BEAUTY OF THE UAE, BUT BEWARE: A CLICK WITHOUT CAUTION COULD COST YOU”