In a significant ruling reinforcing digital privacy rights, Abu Dhabi’s judicial system has delivered a decisive verdict against unauthorized image sharing. The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Court adjudicated on January 6, 2026, mandating a defendant to pay Dh25,000 in compensation for capturing and disseminating an individual’s photograph without consent.
The case originated when the defendant photographed the plaintiff in a public setting and subsequently published the image on Snapchat without authorization. This action prompted both civil and criminal proceedings, with the criminal court previously establishing the defendant’s guilt in privacy violation. The initial criminal judgment, upheld by the Abu Dhabi Appeals Prosecution in August 2025, included a provisional compensation of Dh20,000, mandatory deletion of the Snapchat account, and a six-month internet ban.
In the civil proceedings, the plaintiff sought Dh50,000 compensation, citing substantial emotional distress and reputational damage among professional and personal circles. The court meticulously examined evidentiary documents, including the February 2025 prosecution judgment that confirmed the privacy infringement.
While acknowledging the moral damages suffered by the plaintiff, the court differentiated between emotional and financial impacts. The final award of Dh25,000 specifically addresses moral damages, incorporating the previously awarded provisional compensation with an additional Dh5,000 for intangible harms. The court dismissed financial damage claims due to insufficient evidence connecting the defendant’s actions to monetary losses.
The comprehensive ruling also requires the defendant to cover all court expenses and legal fees, delivering a clear message about the serious consequences of non-consensual image sharing in the digital age.