Sharjah Police issued a warning on Saturday, October 24, 2026, as part of an awareness campaign, stating that spreading fake news or unverified rumours can result in a minimum fine of Dh100,000 and at least one year in jail. The penalty is based on Article 52 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes. the warning comes amid the rapid spread of unverified or outdated content on social media, including fabricated or manipulated footage of industrial incidents that can trigger unnecessary panic and anxiety among the public. The force stressed that a single message shared through messaging apps such as WhatsApp or platforms like Instagram can be enough to cause widespread anxiety among hundreds of people within a short period.
Authorities urged residents and citizens to verify the accuracy of any news or footage with official and credible sources before resharing it online, and to avoid circulating content from unclear or unconfirmed origins. The warning follows recent instances of inaccurate reports about alleged industrial incidents in the region that spread quickly across social platforms.
The UAE's law on combating rumours and cybercrimes remains one of the key legal tools authorities use to curb the spread of misinformation online, and Sharjah Police's renewed warning signals continued strict enforcement. Social media users in the UAE are reminded that sharing unverified content, even without malicious intent, can carry serious legal consequences, ranging from substantial fines to imprisonment, underscoring the importance of checking facts before posting or forwarding.