Offenders risk penalties of up to Dh100,000 and prison sentences of at least one year. Ras Al Khaimah: The public has been cautioned by Ras Al Khaimah Police not to disseminate rumors and misleading information on social media or other digital platforms, emphasizing that doing so will result in severe legal repercussions under UAE law. According to the police, anyone who uses electronic networks or information technology to publish, circulate, or re-share false news, misleading data, or biased reports—including content that contradicts official announcements—may be subject to harsh penalties under Article 52 of Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes.
Additionally, the law makes it illegal to transmit content that provokes public opinion, disturbs public peace, instills fear in people, or harms the public interest, the national economy, public order, or public health. Offenders risk fines of up to Dh100,000 and a minimum prison sentence of one year. Aggravated cases result in harsher penalties. The minimum penalty increases to two years in prison and a fine of at least Dh200,000 if the offense incites public opinion against any UAE authority or institution or if it is committed during epidemics, crises, emergencies, or disasters.
The police emphasized that rumors are a major threat to society, cautioning that unconfirmed information can damage public health, cause economic instability, instill fear in the populace, and divert security resources from actual crises. Residents were advised not to forward unsubstantiated news, to authenticate information before sharing it, and to only trust licensed media sites or official government sources. Additionally, the police urged the public to use official channels, such as the e-Crime reporting portal and police smart applications, to report any suspicious or misleading information. Ras Al Khaimah Police emphasized that upholding social stability and public safety is a shared duty and urged citizens to behave appropriately online.
