Abu Dhabi Police issued a formal warning on Saturday, April 12, urging all residents to stop spreading rumours and misinformation and to access news exclusively from official, credible sources. The Abu Dhabi Police misinformation warning is part of an ongoing strategy to protect public trust, safety, and social harmony across the UAE.
Abu Dhabi Police Call for Responsible Sharing
According to the official statement, sharing false information through media platforms contradicts the principles of responsible citizenship. Abu Dhabi Police directed every person to support national stability and help build a trustworthy information environment.
The authority emphasised that disseminating unconfirmed or misleading content "produces unnecessary alarm which disrupts public harmony and threatens community protection." Residents were urged to check facts carefully and verify information before passing it on to others.
UAE Cybercrime Law: Legal Consequences for Spreading Fake News
Residents were reminded that distributing false stories carries serious legal consequences under UAE law. Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes defines strict regulations on misinformation and sets out penalties including fines of at least Dh100,000 and a minimum of one year in prison for those who spread false or provocative content online.
All residents — and particularly influencers, bloggers, and public figures — must exercise caution when handling and sharing news related to safety emergencies and official statements.
Verify Before You Share
People should trust only official, reliable sources and must stop transmitting unverified information, according to the statement. Residents are encouraged to cross-check news with government websites and verified social media accounts before sharing.
"The social fabric and societal protection demand both accuracy and responsibility for maintaining stability," the statement read.
Online Monitoring and Reporting
Abu Dhabi Police conduct ongoing monitoring of online platforms for violations. The public is also welcome to report suspicious or misleading content through official reporting channels made available by the authority.
Today's expanding social media landscape demands heightened media literacy and digital responsibility. The public should trust verified news sources and carefully review sharing decisions to contribute to a safer, more stable society.
