UAE Photography LAW and some our Advises

First of all we would like to share our experience. Taking the Photos around UAE more than 6 years we would like to say its not really easy take your camera and shoot anything you want, especially if you photograph models, families etc.

Some of the places like Emirate Palace allowed you to take photos with proffessional cameras in front of the main view exept weddings. But most anothers hotels will not let you shoot if you dont have special permission from hotel management. There is a best way to book the room and this permission is in your pocket. But this senario is expensive.

For example, Jumeirah group hotels will allowed you to take photos in case-

-your clients stays in the hotel

-you bought 1 day beach club pass

And Uhooo you can take photos with Burj Al Arab view with out any problem.

But in case you want to make fashion shoot of collection and use flashes and models, make up artist etc. You will need to get this permission before shoot from management and its a bit complicated.

Most of the Public Places in UAE are not allowed to take photos, I personally, got many times an issue that security not allowed me to shoot, saying that this is private area. And if you still want continue you will need to visit management and in case they have good mood they will allowed you. But our advise to check everything  before you going.

Planning your photoshoot be sure that you have all permissions!

And now you can read all LAW regarding the photography. If you still have any question you can contact us)

Article 378 of the UAE Penal Code (Federal Law 3 of 1987) makes it clear that taking a person’s picture without their consent or in legally permitted circumstances shall be an invasion of that person’s privacy or family life. Not only will the camera or device be confiscated and the recordings destroyed, but the photographer or videographer may have to pay a fine and be imprisoned. The same punishment is also applicable to anyone who publishes such pictures.

Article 43 of the UAE Copyright Law (Federal Law No. 7 of 2002) reiterates the offence under the Penal Code but also grants some exceptions. If the photographer or videographer captures a picture of another they shall not have the right to keep, show, exhibit, communicate, distribute, or publish the pictures without the prior consent of the person of whom the picture had been taken. The offence shall be punished by detention for not more than six months and payment of a fine.

The exceptions to this offence are if:

 

  • The picture is captured at a public event;
  • The picture is of official personalities, public figures or celebrities; or
  • The publication of the pictures is permitted by the authorities in the public interest.


Under Article 21 of the UAE Cyber Crime Law (Federal Law No. 5 of 2012), using a visual device to invade the privacy of a third party by capturing their picture or transferring, copying or keeping those pictures is a crime punishable by at least six months imprisonment and a fine of up to Dh500,000.

In addition to the legislation mentioned above, Dubai has its own Code of Conduct to set the standards for social ethics and mutual respect to be followed by all of Dubai’s citizens, residents and visitors in respect of the Emirate’s culture, religion and habits. Whilst it is specific to Dubai, it is safe to assume the same or more stringent standards would apply in the other Emirates. Article 4.5 of the Code of Conduct reads: “Photos of people - and especially photos of women and families - in public places shall not be taken without their permission. Taking photos of people is a sensitive issue in Dubai’s local culture.”


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UAE Photography LAW and some our Advises

First of all we would like to share our experience. Taking the Photos around UAE more than 6 years we would like to say its not really easy take your camera and shoot anything you want, especially if you photograph models, families etc.


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