In a landmark ruling, the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Claims Court has fined a man Dh20,000 for posting a woman’s photos and videos on social media without her consent. The court found that the defendant’s actions violated the plaintiff’s privacy, causing her significant moral and psychological harm. The ruling, issued on October 16, 2025, followed a thorough review of both criminal and civil aspects of the case. The woman had initially filed a lawsuit after discovering that her images had been shared online, leading to emotional distress and reputational damage. The defendant had previously been convicted by the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court for breaching the woman’s privacy, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal in March 2025. The civil court emphasized that the compensation awarded must be proportionate to the harm caused. While the plaintiff sought Dh50,000 in damages, the court determined that Dh20,000 was sufficient to address the emotional and reputational impact. The ruling was based on Article 282 of the Federal Civil Transactions Law, which mandates compensation for any harm caused to another person, regardless of intent. This case highlights the UAE’s stringent privacy laws, which criminalize the unauthorized sharing of personal data, images, or messages. Legal experts warn that such actions can result in fines up to Dh500,000, imprisonment, or even deportation for non-citizens. The court’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the legal and financial consequences of violating privacy in the UAE.
UAE: Man fined Dh20,000 for posting woman’s photos online without her consent
