The UAE is one of the strictest countries in dealing with cybercrimes, imposing severe penalties on violators under Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on combating rumors and cybercrimes.

Key Cybercrimes and Their Penalties

1- Hacking Systems and Websites

• Penalty for unauthorized access to websites and information systems:
  • A fine of up to AED 100,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
  • If the hacking involves altering data or disabling the system, the penalty increases to up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to AED 2 million.

2- Crimes Related to Social Media

• Publishing inappropriate, offensive, or immoral content:
  • Imprisonment for up to 2 years and a fine of up to AED 500,000.
• Spreading false news or rumors:
  • Imprisonment for up to 1 year and a fine of up to AED 200,000.
  • If the rumor causes panic or threatens national security, the penalty increases to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to AED 1 million.

3- Cyber Extortion and Defamation

• Penalty for cyber extortion:
  • Imprisonment for up to 2 years and a fine of up to AED 500,000.
  • If the extortion involves financial demands or damage to reputation, the penalty increases to up to 10 years.
• Defamation of others online:
  • Imprisonment for up to 1 year and a fine of up to AED 500,000.

4- Online Fraud and Data Theft

• Penalty for online fraud, such as bank account or credit card data theft:
  • Imprisonment for up to 3 years and a fine of up to AED 1 million.
• Online identity impersonation:
  • Imprisonment for up to 2 years and a fine of up to AED 200,000.

5- Privacy Violations and Cyber Espionage

• Spying or recording calls without permission:
  • Imprisonment for up to 2 years and a fine of up to AED 500,000.
• Publishing photos or videos of others without their consent:
  • Imprisonment for up to 6 months and a fine of up to AED 500,000.

6- Promoting Illegal Activities Online

• Promoting drugs or prohibited products:
  • Imprisonment for up to 5 years and a fine of up to AED 2 million.
• Inciting hatred or racial discrimination online:
  • Imprisonment for up to 5 years and a fine of up to AED 1 million.

How to Avoid Cybercrime Violations?

• Do not share or publish unverified information online.
• Do not store or share private photos or videos of others without their consent.
• Use strong passwords for your accounts and avoid sharing personal data.
• Verify the source of any message requesting sensitive information or money transfers.

How to Report Cybercrimes?

If you are a victim of a cybercrime, you can report it through Dubai Police or other relevant authorities:

• Dubai Police “Cybercrime Reporting” Service on their official website.
• Call 999 for emergencies.
• Call 8002626 to report cybercrimes in Abu Dhabi.