UAE takes action against resident for insulting Emirati women

The UAE's National Media Authority (NMA) has initiated legal proceedings against a resident who published social media content deemed insulting towards Emirati women. The NMA has also revoked the resident's advertising permit for a period of three months. According to the authority, the online post contravened the standards set by the Media Regulation Law and its executive regulations.

In the social media post, a woman expressed her desire for models from other countries to audition for a photo shoot to honor Emirati Women's Day, citing the scarcity of Emirati women. The NMA underscored its intolerance for any content that insults Emirati women or undermines their position and contributions to the nation. The authority stressed the necessity for social media users to exercise responsible behavior when publishing and to respect national identity.

The Union Association for Human Rights reiterated the importance of respecting Emirati women's dignity, identity, and status, opposing stereotypes and discrimination, and advocating for responsible discourse in the digital realm, all in line with UAE laws and regulations. The Union emphasized that such behavior is inconsistent with the UAE's commitment to protecting national identity and cultural heritage.

Under the Emirati National Identity Strategy, guidelines prohibit the misuse of traditional attire in advertising and restrict content that insults local symbols. Legal penalties for violations of standards for public, digital, and commercial content are stringent. Offenders may be fined up to Dh500,000, face imprisonment, and, for expatriates, face deportation.