Can you photograph and publish people in public in the United Arab Emirates?

The UAE Personal Data Protection Law (Federal Decree Law No. 45 of 2021) prohibits processing personal data without the owner's consent, except in certain cases such as protecting a public interest or carrying out legal procedures. Owners can ask for correction of inaccurate data and to restrict or stop processing.

Sources: UAE Government portal: Personal Data Protection Law

Checked against the official source on October 6, 2026.

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Last verified October 6, 2026 by Terrell Groggins. Rules change: check the official source before you shoot or post. This is not legal advice.