UAE Man Fined Dh20,000 for Sharing Woman's Photos Online Without Consent
Abu Dhabi court orders compensation for privacy breach, reinforcing UAE’s strict cybercrime and defamation laws.
In a digital era where sharing online has become second nature, the UAE continues to uphold privacy as a core legal and social value. A recent court ruling in Abu Dhabi has once again highlighted this commitment, as a man was fined Dh20,000 for breaching a woman’s privacy by posting her photos and videos on social media without her consent.
The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Claims Court issued the ruling on October 16, 2025, ordering the defendant to compensate the woman for the emotional distress and reputational harm caused by his actions.
According to court documents, the woman filed a lawsuit after discovering that the man had uploaded her images and video clips online. The posts, which circulated on a social media platform, caused her significant psychological and moral harm.
A criminal case was previously filed, with the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court finding the man guilty of violating the woman’s privacy. The verdict was upheld by the Court of Appeal in March, and the ruling became final after no further appeal was made.
The civil court stated that the act constituted a wrongful act that warranted compensation, though it adjusted the amount sought by the plaintiff. While the woman initially requested Dh50,000 for the harm to her honour and reputation, the court found Dh20,000 to be a fair and proportionate amount based on the evidence.
In its reasoning, the court cited Article 282 of the Federal Civil Transactions Law, which stipulates: “Any harm done to another obliges the person who caused it — even if not legally competent — to provide compensation for the damage.”
The case underscores the UAE’s uncompromising stance on digital privacy. Legal experts remind residents that sharing photos, videos, messages, or personal data without consent—through any electronic means—can constitute a cybercrime under UAE law.
“Social media, WhatsApp, email or even blogs, all of these fall under electronic means. Once something is shared, it becomes a cybercrime. Penalties can go up to Dh500,000, jail time, and in some cases, deportation for non-citizens,” one legal expert told Khaleej Times.
Under UAE law, defamation includes any statement or post that harms another’s honour, reputation, or social standing. Truth is not a defense—meaning even accurate information can lead to liability if it causes reputational damage.
The ruling serves as a strong reminder to think before sharing, reinforcing that digital responsibility is as crucial as digital freedom in the UAE.