Emirati Jailed for 3 Years for Promoting Marriage to Underage Moroccan Girls
A court ruling highlights the UAE’s strict stance against hate speech, misinformation, and threats to social harmony.
- Publish date: Thursday، 21 May 2026 Reading time: two min read
An Emirati man has been sentenced to three years in prison and fined Dh5 million ($1.3 million) by an Abu Dhabi court for publishing an online video that falsely claimed Moroccan laws permitted marriages to underage girls. The ruling underscores the UAE’s commitment to combating hate speech, misinformation, and actions that threaten social cohesion and international relations.
Saif Salem Saif Ali Al Maqbali was referred for an urgent trial after the video surfaced, in which he made false assertions about Moroccan marriage laws. The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal not only upheld the conviction but also ordered the deletion of the offensive video and the shutdown of Al Maqbali’s social media accounts. Additionally, the court directed the seizure of the phone used to commit the offense.
A Serious Breach of UAE Values and International Relations
Investigations revealed that Al Maqbali’s rhetoric incited hatred and social discrimination, violating the UAE’s laws and values while also offending the bilateral relations between the Emirates and Morocco. The court’s decision reflects the country’s zero-tolerance policy toward content that promotes harm, misinformation, or undermines social harmony.
This case is part of a broader effort by UAE authorities to address the spread of misleading and divisive content, particularly in the wake of regional tensions. Earlier this year, the UAE arrested 35 individuals for publishing videos that sparked public disorder amid attacks attributed to regional conflicts.
Upholding Justice and Protecting Society
The UAE’s legal system continues to emphasize accountability for actions that threaten public order, social stability, and international relations. By holding individuals accountable for spreading false or inflammatory content, the country reinforces its stance on protecting vulnerable communities and preserving respectful diplomatic ties.
Al Maqbali’s conviction serves as a stark reminder that misinformation and hate speech carry severe legal consequences in the UAE, where societal harmony and respect for others are paramount.