UAE- You can be punished for recording video without consent

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) I was about to record a video at Dubai airport where I witnessed a fragile luggage being handled inappropriately. But I was informed by an airport official that video-recording such a matter is an offence. There is no clear signage about this. The man threatened us, telling us he would call the police and we would be arrested immediately.

It should be noted that recording video in public place without the knowledge and consent of the person who has been videographed is illegal in the United Arab Emirates. This is in accordance with Article 378 of Federal Law No.(3) of 1987 of the Penal Code as amended by Federal Law No. 34 of 2005 states that:

"A punishment of confinement and fine shall be inflicted on any person who attacks the sanctity of individuals' private or family life by committing any of the following acts in other than the legally permitted cases or without the victim's consent:

a: Eavesdropping or recording or transmitting by any system of whatever kind, any conversation held at a particular place or via the phone or any other set.

b: Picking up or transmitting by any system of whatever kind, a person's picture at a particular place. If the acts referred to in the above two cases during a meeting within the hearing or sight of the person attending, their consent shall be required.

Know the law A punishment of confinement and fine shall be inflicted on any person who attacks the sanctity of individuals' private or family life

The same punishment shall be inflicted on any person who publishes through any means - news, pictures or comments pertaining to the secrets of people's private or familial lives even if the same is true. A punishment of confinement for a period not exceeding seven years and a fine shall be inflicted on any public officer who commits any of the acts described in this article depending on his functionary authority.

In all cases, systems and other tools used in the crime shall be confiscated and the recordings found shall be obliterated or destroyed"

If you found anything improper happening before you, you should inform the police on duty at the airport who could then deal with the matter, as stipulated in law.

Ashish Mehta is the founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates. He is qualified to practise law in Dubai, the United King. Full details of his firm on: www.amalawyers.com. Readers may e-mail their questions to: or send them to Legal View, Khaleej Times, PO Box 11243, Dubai

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