Sharjah Police Caution Against Spreading Rumours; Penalties Include Dh100,000 Fine and Jail
Sharjah Police have issued a stern reminder to residents about the legal consequences of circulating unverified information on social media platforms. Under UAE law, those found guilty of spreading rumours or false news can face imprisonment of at least one year and fines amounting to Dh100,000 or more.
Warning Through Awareness Video
In an educational video released by Sharjah Police Headquarters, authorities highlighted how quickly misleading content can spread online, often triggering unnecessary alarm and anxiety among the public. The video portrays everyday situations where individuals receive alarming posts — such as fake or outdated footage of industrial fires — and forward them through messaging apps like WhatsApp and Instagram to family and friends without first confirming their authenticity.
Potential Harm to Social Stability
Major Saud Al Shaiba, Director of the Awareness Branch at Sharjah Police, warned that even a single message can have wide-reaching effects. “A single message can be enough to cause anxiety among hundreds of people,” he stated, adding that sharing unverified information can undermine social stability and create fear based on false claims.
Sharjah Police further reminded the public that publishing or sharing false news and rumours online may lead to criminal penalties under Article 52 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes. This provision specifically addresses the use of electronic platforms to broadcast, publish or republish rumours, false news, and misleading information.
According to the awareness campaign, offenders could be sentenced to at least one year in prison and fined no less than Dh100,000.
Responsibility of Social Media Users
Police urged citizens and residents to take personal responsibility for the content they circulate online, cautioning that spreading false information can harm both individuals and the wider community. The public was advised to rely on official government entities and authorised news sources for accurate updates, and to always verify the source and authenticity of any material before sharing it.
Sharjah Police stressed that responsible digital behaviour is a collective duty. They called on social media users to pause and check information before forwarding it to others, noting that even a single false rumour can have consequences that extend far beyond the original post.
