In the UAE, snapping a photo or recording a scene while at the cinema isn’t just frowned upon—it’s illegal. Despite warnings issued before movies, many continue to engage in this act, unaware of its serious legal implications. Alexander Kukuev from Uppercase Legal Advisory highlights in a Khaleej Times report that filming or photographing a movie in a cinema without the copyright holder’s consent is a breach of UAE’s copyright laws.
The enforcement of these laws intensified with the introduction of the Federal Law No. 38 of 2021 on Copyright & Neighboring Rights, effective from January 2022. This law, replacing the earlier Federal Law No. 7 of 2002, sets strict penalties for copyright violations. Articles 39, 40, and 41 of this law outline punishments including fines, imprisonment, and the destruction of illegal copies. Specifically, Article 30 states that offenders can face fines up to Dh100,000 and/or up to two months in jail for filming or photographing in cinemas.
This strict stance aligns with international standards, as the UAE has been a member of the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works since 2004.
Additionally, UAE cinemas enforce age restrictions for film viewers, requiring proof of age and identification. While there are no penalties for underage viewers or their parents, non-compliance results in being barred from watching the film.