Are you scared of being fined or put into jail for doing something you did not even know was an offense? Here is a list of surface-level innocent actions that could have serious consequences in the UAE. Stay informed and be aware!
1. Feeding Stray Animals
Some animal welfare groups are of the opinion that feeding stray animals and birds will increase their ability to give birth and the infants are more likely to die in a very short span of time. Feeding stray animals like cats & dogs and birds like crows & pigeons is a big no no and can lead to legal consequences including a fine of AED 500, as per Dubai Municipality Rules.
2. Recording An Accident Scene
We have seen plenty of videos on social media of accidents taking place all over the world. However, in the UAE taking pictures or videos of accidents can get you into serious legal trouble. Apart from recording the incident for claiming compensation damages later on, creating those records or even gathering around an accident scene is punishable by law.
Photographing accident victims in the UAE could result in a six-month jail term and/or a fine ranging from Dh150,000 to Dh500,000. Additionally, crowding an accident scene can incur a penalty of Dh1,000.
3. Possession Of Khas Khas
White poppy seeds known as khas khas are a common kitchen item in a lot of households all over the world, but that is not the case in UAE. You will not be able to buy khas khas in the country, as its illegal to buy or sell it and it is also illegal to bring it with you when you fly from another country.
4. Calling Someone Silly Or Stupid
Yes, you read it right. In the heat of the moment, or in banter over texts, if you call someone silly or stupid, and if they report you, you can land in serious trouble with the authorities. This crime can lead to one year jail term and a fine of AED 10,000
5. Car Washing In Public
There are areas designated for car washing, and it is expected you wash your cars in those areas only. If someone is found violating this rule and washing the car in non-designated areas, like on the streets or outside their own homes. It can lead to fines of AED 500.
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6. Inspecting Other’s Phone
Be it your own wife or a close friend, it is illegal to obtain the password to someone else’s phone look through it without their knowledge. Unauthorized access to any information system using a password obtained without permission may result in a significant penalty. Acquiring a password with the intention of committing a crime will be considered a more serious offense.
Unauthorized access to any information system using a password obtained without permission may result in jail time and/or a fine ranging from Dh50,000 to Dh100,000. If the intentions are found to be criminal, the consequences may be more severe, with a minimum of six months of imprisonment and/or a fine between Dh300,000 and Dh500,000.
7. Unauthorized Satellite TV
Watching TV can land you in legal trouble if you obtain the satellite from illegal or unauthorized ways. Reiterating their warning several times, authorities in the UAE have stated that the advertisement, sale, and/or distribution of television services by unlicensed, unauthorized, and unlawful providers is strictly prohibited and considered illegal. It can lead to jail time and a fine of AED 2000 or more
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8. Fundraising
Are you looking to raise funds for charity purposes, be sure to obtain the required permits! No matter how genuine your intentions, if you raise funds without proper permit, you are likely to face legal consequences.
Donations can only be collected, received, and made by authorized charities, as well as federal and local authorities, in accordance with the law. If you violate this law, not only will be funds collected be confiscated but it may also lead to imprisonment and a fine anywhere between AED 200,000 to AED 500,000.
9. Pursuing Unlicensed Massage Service
Have you seen cards lying around your parked car that advertise a massage parlour with indecent pictures on it? If you think pursuing a masseur from that card is a good idea, think again. As that is not legal and it can lead to a fine or imprisonment. Furthermore, the people running this so called massage parlour can be dangerous and may cause you harm.
10. Employing Domestic Help Illegally
If you wish to employ domestic help, the best way will be to sponsor one yourself. As if you employ a domestic help illegaly the repurcussions of it are way more sever than you would imagine. You are likely to be fined anywhere between AED 50,000 and AED 5 million along with imprisonment.
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