List of Major Cybercrimes as per UAE Law, Penalties and Tips for Compliance

Sl. No

Offence Description

Penalty (Fine & Imprisonment)

Compliance Tips

Unauthorised System Access (Hacking) - Accessing a website, an electronic information system, an information network, or a piece of information technology equipment without permission.

AED 100,000 - 300,000 and optional imprisonment

Restrict access to authorised personnel only; implement multi-factor authentication and robust access control.

Hacking Causing Damage or Disruption - Hacking that leads to damages, data alteration, deletion, or loss of confidentiality, or disrupts work in systems, networks, or devices.

AED 150,000 - 500,000 and minimum 6 months imprisonment

Regularly monitor system security, conduct vulnerability assessments, and maintain strong firewalls.

Hacking for Illegal Data Acquisition- Unauthorised access specifically to acquire sensitive data or information for illegal or unethical purposes.

AED 200,000 - 500,000 and minimum 1 year imprisonment

Implement strict data access controls, restrict permissions based on roles, and monitor for suspicious activity.

Hacking Government Systems - Unauthorised access, tampering, or disruption of electronic information systems, networks, or equipment belonging to government entities.

AED 200,000 - 500,000 and temporary imprisonment

Secure systems used in government work with added layers of security; restrict access to trusted personnel only.

Causing Harm to Information Systems - Intentionally causing harm, destruction, or interruption to websites, information systems, networks, or technology equipment.

AED 500,000 - 3,000,000 and minimum 1 year imprisonment

Use monitoring tools to identify vulnerabilities, and regularly back up critical systems and data.

Unauthorised Access to Personal Data - Acquiring, modifying, deleting, or sharing personal electronic data or information without permission from the individual.

AED 20,000 - 100,000 and minimum 6 months imprisonment

Encrypt sensitive data, and ensure access permissions align with privacy policies and legal standards.

Unauthorised Access to Passwords or Codes - Obtaining someone else’s password, PIN, or other access credentials without permission.

AED 50,000 - 100,000 and optional imprisonment

Implement multi-factor authentication; educate employees on the importance of securing access credentials.

Creating Fake Websites, Accounts, or Emails - Creating fake websites, accounts, or emails and falsely attributing them to individuals or entities, including government bodies.

AED 50,000 - 200,000 (up to 2M if impersonating govt.) and up to 5 years imprisonment for government impersonation

Verify online identities when engaging with unknown sources; avoid creating misleading accounts or profiles.

Intercepting or Obstructing Electronic Communications - Illegally intercepting or obstructing access to data, networks, or communications without permission.

AED 150,000 - 500,000 and minimum 1 year imprisonment

Establish secure communication channels and avoid any unauthorised data interception activities.

Disclosure or Use of Intercepted Information - Disclosing, sharing, or using intercepted information or communications without permission.

AED 500,000 - 1,000,000 and minimum 1 year imprisonment

Encrypt sensitive communications and implement strict access policies.

Incitement to Overthrow Government or Law Suspension - Publishing content to incite the overthrow of the UAE government, protest against laws, or advocate unconstitutional changes.

Life imprisonment

Avoid creating or sharing content that challenges or undermines UAE laws, governance, or constitutional principles.

Promoting or Supporting Terrorism- Creating or sharing information to facilitate communication with terrorist groups or promote terrorist ideologies.

AED 2,000,000 - 4,000,000 and life imprisonment

Ensure that the content shared does not support or promote any illegal or violent activities; adhere to security reporting protocols.

Sharing Sensitive UAE Information- Sharing information or data that is unauthorised and could harm the UAE’s reputation, security, or interests.

Temporary imprisonment

Verify whether information is permitted for public sharing; limit access to sensitive information.

Incitement to Harm Public Security or Judicial Officers - Using online platforms to incite actions or publish content that threatens public security or targets law enforcement officials.

AED 1,000,000 and temporary imprisonment

Ensure that the content shared does not incite violence or threats toward individuals or public officials.

Promotion of Sedition, Hatred, or Racism - Publishing content that promotes division, sectarianism, racism, or hatred that can harm social stability.

AED 200,000 - 1,000,000 and temporary imprisonment

Avoid sharing divisive content and adhere to respectful communication practices.

Mocking UAE Symbols or Figures - Publishing content to mock or taint the UAE’s flag, currency, national anthem, public figures, or founding leaders.

AED 500,000 and up to 5 years imprisonment

Use appropriate language and respect national symbols in all public communications.

Unauthorised Call for Demonstrations - Organising or promoting demonstrations or protests online without a government permit.

AED 200,000 - 1,000,000 and optional imprisonment

Secure the necessary permits from authorities before organising public gatherings.

Incitement to Disobey UAE Legislation - Using online platforms to encourage disobedience or non-compliance with UAE laws.

AED 100,000 - 500,000 and optional imprisonment

Ensure all content aligns with UAE laws and does not encourage illegal behaviour.

Offending Foreign Countries - Publishing content that insults or offends foreign countries or diplomatic relationships.

AED 100,000 - 500,000 and minimum 6 months imprisonment

Maintain diplomatic decorum; avoid comments that may offend international relations.

Illicit Trafficking of Firearms or Explosives - Using online platforms to promote, sell, or discuss unauthorised weapons, explosives, or related equipment.

AED 500,000 - 1,000,000 and minimum 1 year imprisonment

Avoid any online promotion or discussions related to weapons without authorisation.

Illegal Transfer, Use, or Possession of Funds - Moving, using, or disguising funds obtained through illegal sources via online platforms.

AED 100,000 - 5,000,000 and up to 10 years imprisonment

Verify the legality of funds before transferring or using; adhere to anti-money laundering (AML) laws.

Promoting Drugs or Psychotropic Substances - Creating or sharing content to facilitate the sale, promotion, or use of drugs or banned substances.

AED 500,000 - 1,000,000 and temporary imprisonment

Avoid any online association with drug promotion or illegal substances.

Human Trafficking or Organ Trade - Using online platforms to facilitate the trafficking of persons or trade of human organs.

AED 500,000 - 1,000,000 and temporary imprisonment

Avoid any online engagement with illegal trade of persons or organs.

Incitement to Immoral Acts or Prostitution - Promoting or encouraging prostitution or immoral acts through online platforms.

AED 250,000 - 1,000,000 and temporary imprisonment; at least 5 years if a child is involved

Use online platforms responsibly and avoid involvement in any form of content promoting immoral acts.

Sharing Obscene Content - Creating, sharing, or promoting explicit content that violates public morals.

AED 250,000 - 500,000 and optional imprisonment

Avoid creating or sharing explicit content; maintain respectful online interactions.

Possession of Child Pornography - Storing or sharing explicit content involving children.

AED 150,000 - 1,000,000 and minimum 6 months imprisonment

Refrain from accessing or sharing any child-related explicit content.

Religious Insult or Blasphemy- Insulting Islamic sanctities or other recognised religions via online platforms.

AED 250,000 - 1,000,000 and optional imprisonment; up to 7 years for insulting Divine Essence or Prophets

Maintain respect for all religions in public statements.

Promotion of Gambling - Using online platforms to promote or facilitate gambling activities outside the law.

AED 250,000 - 500,000 and optional imprisonment

Avoid engaging in any unauthorised gambling-related activities online.

Illicit Trade in Antiquities and Art- Using online platforms to sell or trade restricted cultural or art objects.

AED 500,000 - 1,000,000 and optional imprisonment

Verify licensing requirements for art or antique sales.

Online Fraud- Using deception through online platforms to acquire property, assets, or signatures.

AED 250,000 - 1,000,000 and minimum 1 year imprisonment

Verify all business engagements online and avoid misrepresentation.

Unauthorised Fundraising - Collecting funds from the public without proper licensing or approval.

AED 250,000 - 1,000,000 and up to 5 years imprisonment

Obtain necessary licenses for fundraising or public contributions.

Cyber Extortion or Threats - Threatening someone to gain compliance or coerce action online, especially related to criminal acts.

AED 250,000 - 500,000 and up to 2 years imprisonment; 10 years if related to crime

Maintain professional online communications; avoid coercive language.

Cyber Begging- Requesting money or assistance through online platforms offensively or misleadingly.

AED 10,000 and up to 3 months imprisonment

Avoid making public requests for funds without clear justifications.

Spreading False Information or Rumours - Using online platforms to spread false, misleading, or unverified information that may disturb public order.

AED 100,000 - 1,000,000 and minimum 1 year imprisonment; 2 years if it incites unrest

Verify news sources and avoid sharing unconfirmed information.

Illegal Content Retention - Failing to remove or block illegal content when ordered by authorities.

AED 300,000 - 1,000,000

Ensure timely compliance with government orders to remove illegal content.

Creating E-Robots for Dissemination of False Data - Developing bots to distribute false or misleading data within the UAE.

AED 100,000 - 1,000,000 and up to 2 years imprisonment

Avoid using automated bots for spreading unverified or misleading information.

Receiving Rewards for Spreading False Content - Accepting gifts, benefits, or promises in exchange for publishing illegal or false content.

AED up to 2,000,000 and temporary imprisonment

Decline rewards for sharing or promoting unverified or illegal content.