The UAE deploys some of the world's most advanced surveillance technologies to pervasively monitor public spaces, internet activity, and even individuals' phones and computers, in violation of their right to privacy, freedom of expression, association, and other rights.
Internet Access Management (IAM) policy
TDRA monitors online content available to users in the UAE and will notify website operators based in the UAE of any potential breaches of the IAM policy.
Especially over the past few years, the UAE government has dramatically scaled up its surveillance capabilities, both online and through mass monitoring of physical spaces, prompting experts to list Abu Dhabi and Dubai among the world's most closely surveilled cities.
In the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi record the most number of Facebook users. This region has become the focus of attention because of incidents that involve abusive behavior of users in the region. This has caused the government to monitor social media platforms.
New media. New media, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram are used widely in the UAE by the government entities and by the public as well. H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai actively uses social media to communicate with the people.
WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption features prevent the UAE government from monitoring calls.
This is done to protect profits for the country's two main telecom companies. As a result, anybody who purposefully unblocks a restricted VoIP service could face prosecution. Some of these applications are WhatsApp, Viber, Facetime, Snapchat, and Facebook Messenger.
Sharing or distributing copyrighted material, pirated software, slanderous comments on Facebook, or other unauthorized content is illegal in Dubai.
WhatsApp, like most free VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), video calls, and messaging services, is blocked in Dubai and The UAE. This can make it difficult to keep in touch with friends and family back home unless you're willing to pay for a government-approved service like C'Me or BOTIM.
EXCLUSIVE: Websites Like Al Jazeera And Onlyfans Are No Longer Blocked In The UAE. The UAE is making quick strides to loosen its grip over censorship in the region. Several news agencies that were previously banned for controversial stories have now been unblocked in the region.
You're quite likely to have your phone swabbed and checked for explosives/drugs upon departure from DXB, but you would be very unlucky to have the contents examined.
February 24, 2022. Is Dubai safe for solo female travelers? Yes, Dubai is definitely safe for solo female travelers, and it is the perfect destination for solo female digital nomads!
Dubai's Islamic Affairs department has clarified that using someone else's WiFi without their knowledge is illegal in the UAE.
Can the police track VPN usage in UAE? No, the police in the UAE don't have the ability to track your real-time internet traffic while encrypted by a VPN.
While many social media apps are either restricted or blocked in Dubai, it doesn't mean you can't access them completely. Technology has made even the impossible possible, and you can access unrestricted Facebook, Twitter, and Tinder using VPN.
No ban on YouTube in UAE - News | Khaleej Times.
Sexting in the UAE is against the law. That also includes nude selfies, as this young couple found out.
Swearing and making rude gestures (including online) are considered obscene acts and offenders can be jailed or deported. Take particular care when dealing with the police and other officials. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and there have been several arrests for kissing in public.
Yes, you can use Instagram in Dubai. There are plenty of alternatives for WhatsApp that will help you stay connected to your loved ones while you're visiting Dubai.
A person who is using VPN illegally in UAE can receive a heavy fine or even be jailed. These fines can range from AED 500,000 to AED 2,000,000 depending on the type of crime committed. However, there may be cases in which the person will receive a fine and spend time in prison.
UAE doesn't allow Internet dating but it does allow select matrimonial services.
Dubai Police's Al Ameen Security Services clarified that contrary to rumours circulating about violating the privacy of UAE residents, text messages and phone calls are not recorded.
No, you can't do FaceTime from Dubai because the application is illegal in the United Arab Emirates. If you want to use FaceTime in Dubai, you can access it with the help of a reputable VPN like NordVPN.
Why Are Voice Calls, Video Calls and VOIP Services Banned? As mentioned earlier, the UAE government has banned WhatsApp calling and other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) calls because of privacy and national security reasons. However, that's just the tip of the iceberg.