“UAE authorities and experts warn that posting images of deceased individuals online can cause significant emotional distress and may result in substantial penalties, with fines potentially reaching as high as Dh500,000.”
Sharing pictures of the deceased online risks emotional impact and hefty fines of up to Dh500,000, warn UAE professionals.
Families across the UAE have voiced profound anguish after learning that photographs of their late relatives were being shared publicly on social media platforms without their consent. For many, the experience has intensified their grief, adding layers of emotional pain to an already difficult period of mourning. The unauthorized circulation of such sensitive images has left relatives feeling violated and exposed at a time when privacy and respect should be paramount.
Local media outlet Emarat Al Youm highlighted numerous instances where grieving families stumbled upon highly distressing visuals online. In some cases, these photos depicted accident scenes with graphic details, including bloodstains, damaged property, or the deceased in their final moments. These images often surfaced on messaging applications like WhatsApp as well as on open social media pages, long before close family members had been properly notified of the deaths. The sudden and public exposure of such intimate and traumatic moments has sparked outrage, as it exacerbates the pain of losing a loved one while undermining the dignity of the deceased.
Experts in the UAE have pointed out that sharing such content is not only ethically questionable but can also carry serious legal consequences. The act of posting images of the dead without the consent of next of kin is considered a violation of privacy and can result in substantial fines. Beyond the financial implications, authorities and mental health professionals warn that these actions can have a lasting psychological impact on families, leading to heightened anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and prolonged mourning.
The distress caused by this practice has ignited broader discussions about digital responsibility, social media ethics, and the importance of obtaining explicit permission before sharing sensitive content. Advocates emphasize that individuals must consider the emotional consequences for grieving families, stressing that the ease of sharing images online does not absolve users from moral and legal accountability. The UAE’s legal framework aims to protect individuals from such violations, reinforcing the need for respect, sensitivity, and restraint in the digital space, particularly when dealing with subjects as sensitive as death and mourning.
In light of these incidents, authorities continue to urge the public to exercise caution, respect privacy, and prioritize compassion when handling images or information concerning deceased individuals, ensuring that the dignity of both the deceased and their families is preserved.
A mother in the UAE described feeling an overwhelming sense of heartbreak and anger upon discovering that graphic images from her child’s fatal accident had been circulated widely on social media and messaging platforms. The photos, which depicted distressing and deeply personal details of the incident, were shared without any prior consent or consideration for the family’s emotional wellbeing. For her, the experience compounded the grief of losing her child, turning an already unimaginable tragedy into a prolonged ordeal that extended into the digital sphere. The unauthorized dissemination of these images left her feeling exposed, violated, and powerless, highlighting a growing concern about the consequences of unchecked online sharing of sensitive content.
Legal specialists consulted by local media outlets emphasized that the implications of such actions go far beyond causing immediate emotional harm. They explained that posting graphic images of the deceased without permission constitutes a serious breach of personal privacy and dignity. Beyond the moral and ethical considerations, the experts noted that such behavior can have practical repercussions, including interfering with official procedures. When accident scenes and images of victims are shared publicly before investigations are concluded, the circulation of content can hinder the collection of evidence, disrupt the work of authorities, and compromise the integrity of legal processes.
Moreover, the legal professionals highlighted the psychological consequences for families forced to confront the public exposure of their private tragedies. Seeing such images circulated widely can intensify feelings of shock, grief, and helplessness, potentially contributing to long-term emotional distress and trauma. Experts argue that repeated exposure to these images may exacerbate mental health challenges, delaying the grieving process and creating additional burdens for those already coping with the loss of a loved one.
Authorities and legal advisors stress the importance of awareness and responsibility in digital spaces, especially when it comes to content involving fatalities. Sharing images of accident scenes or deceased individuals without family consent is not only disrespectful but may also carry financial and legal consequences under UAE law, including substantial fines. Experts urge the public to exercise restraint, respect privacy, and prioritize compassion, emphasizing that preserving the dignity of victims and shielding grieving families from further harm is a collective social responsibility.
The mother’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of careless sharing online, demonstrating how a single act of negligence can amplify suffering and leave lasting emotional scars on families already navigating profound loss.
Legal and mental health experts in the UAE have raised serious alarms about the practice of sharing images depicting the deceased, accident victims, or grieving families on social media and messaging platforms. According to these professionals, such acts are not merely insensitive or morally questionable—they can also constitute criminal behavior under the country’s laws. The consequences for those found responsible can be severe, ranging from substantial fines to imprisonment, alongside other potential legal penalties designed to deter violations of personal privacy and dignity. Authorities and experts emphasize that the harm caused by such actions goes far beyond the immediate emotional impact, affecting families, legal investigations, and societal norms surrounding respect for the dead.
Concerns have grown in recent years as technology and social media platforms have made it easier than ever to capture and distribute graphic images. Photographs taken at funerals, gravesites, hospital emergency rooms, or accident scenes can quickly spread to large audiences, often without the knowledge or consent of those most directly affected—the families of the deceased. Once posted online, these images are difficult, if not impossible, to fully remove, leaving grieving relatives exposed to repeated reminders of trauma and public intrusion at a time when privacy and dignity are essential. Mental health professionals caution that such exposure can prolong grief, increase stress, and contribute to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic symptoms, compounding the suffering of those already navigating loss.
Legal advisors highlight that the UAE’s regulations are clear: sharing private and sensitive content related to deceased individuals or tragic events without authorization can be prosecuted under laws governing privacy, cybercrime, and public decency. The penalties are designed not only to punish but also to reinforce social norms that value human dignity and respect for personal boundaries. Experts stress that even well-intentioned sharing—such as attempting to document an event or inform others—does not absolve individuals from responsibility. Consent from family members or legal guardians is critical before any images or videos of this nature are disseminated.
The combination of legal enforcement and public awareness is essential, professionals argue, to curb a growing trend of casual, sometimes thoughtless online sharing. Advocates call on social media users to exercise extreme caution, to think critically about the potential consequences of posting sensitive material, and to prioritize the rights and emotional wellbeing of those directly affected. Sharing graphic visuals without authorization, they insist, is not a neutral act—it can inflict profound emotional harm, disrupt investigations, and invite serious legal repercussions.
Ultimately, the warnings from legal and psychological experts underscore a broader social responsibility. Respecting the dignity of the deceased, honoring the grief of families, and exercising restraint online are all integral to maintaining a compassionate and lawful digital environment. The UAE’s combined focus on legal accountability and mental health awareness seeks to ensure that personal tragedies are not compounded by public exposure, emphasizing that ethical conduct in the digital age is a vital extension of societal care and respect.
Diana Hamade, a prominent lawyer and legal consultant as well as the founder of Diana Hamade Attorneys at Law, has highlighted the serious legal implications of sharing images of deceased individuals without authorization in the UAE. According to Hamade, such actions represent a clear breach of federal law, specifically citing Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, which addresses cybercrime and related online offenses. The legislation is designed to protect not only the general public but also the families of those who have passed away, shielding them from content that could provoke fear, anxiety, or significant emotional distress. By prohibiting the posting of images of individuals without their consent, and in the case of deceased persons without the approval of their next of kin, the law seeks to uphold both privacy and dignity in an era where digital content can travel globally within moments.
Hamade emphasized that once a person has passed away, they are no longer in a position to defend their own rights, privacy, or personal dignity. “The deceased cannot protect themselves or challenge the misuse of their image,” she explained. “Consequently, the law extends protection to the family and close associates, who are directly affected when sensitive or graphic material is disseminated without consent.” She stressed that unauthorized sharing of photographs or videos can inflict significant emotional harm on relatives, exacerbating grief and turning an already difficult time into an ordeal that can linger for weeks, months, or even longer.
A particularly troubling aspect of this issue, according to Hamade, is the nature of the images themselves. Photographs taken at the scenes of accidents, in hospitals, or during funerals are often graphic, distressing, and highly sensitive. When such images are circulated widely on social media or messaging apps, they can trigger widespread distress not only for immediate family members but also for communities and the general public. Hamade pointed out that the circulation of these images may inadvertently create an atmosphere of fear or panic, particularly when viewers are unprepared for the content or encounter it unexpectedly.
In addition to the emotional and psychological toll, Hamade noted that the unauthorized sharing of sensitive images can undermine public order and societal stability. By making graphic scenes widely accessible, individuals may contribute to panic or alarm, while also infringing upon the legal rights of families. This intersection of emotional, social, and legal consequences underscores the importance of exercising caution and responsibility when dealing with content that involves fatalities or serious accidents.
The lawyer further emphasized that the legal framework is not intended to restrict freedom of expression arbitrarily but to create clear boundaries that protect vulnerable groups. Families who have lost loved ones are often in a fragile state, and exposure to graphic images online can aggravate grief, delay emotional recovery, and even contribute to mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress. By enforcing strict rules regarding consent and privacy, the UAE aims to ensure that families can mourn in peace while holding individuals accountable for actions that could otherwise magnify their suffering.
Hamade concluded by urging the public, journalists, and content creators to recognize the broader consequences of sharing sensitive material. She stressed the necessity of obtaining explicit permission from family members before posting images of the deceased, highlighting that this legal requirement serves as both a protective measure and a moral obligation. Protecting the dignity of the deceased and the emotional wellbeing of surviving relatives is not only a legal mandate under UAE law but also a critical ethical responsibility in today’s highly connected digital landscape.
Under the UAE’s cybercrime legislation, individuals who post images of deceased persons without proper authorization face significant legal consequences. Penalties can include fines ranging from Dh150,000 to Dh500,000, reflecting the serious nature of such violations. In addition to financial sanctions, the law also allows for imprisonment in cases where the act is considered particularly harmful or egregious. Expatriates who commit these offenses may face even more severe repercussions, including deportation, especially if authorities determine that the sharing of content has the potential to disrupt public order or compromise community safety. These provisions underscore the UAE’s commitment to protecting both the privacy of individuals and the emotional wellbeing of grieving families.
Legal experts emphasize that intent is not a mitigating factor in these cases. Even when a person believes that posting such content is an act of sympathy—for example, to encourage prayers for the deceased or to memorialize them online—this does not exempt them from legal accountability. Diana Hamade, a leading lawyer and legal consultant, stresses that the law is designed to protect the dignity of the deceased and the emotional security of their relatives. The consent of family members is mandatory before any images are shared publicly, regardless of the poster’s motivations. Failure to obtain explicit permission, or sharing content that is invasive, graphic, or otherwise disrespectful, constitutes a clear violation.
Hamade further highlighted that the regulation serves both a legal and ethical purpose. Families are often in a vulnerable state following the loss of a loved one, and encountering images of the deceased online—particularly when they depict distressing circumstances—can exacerbate grief, trauma, and emotional distress. By ensuring that families have control over what is made public, the law aims to preserve personal dignity, protect mental health, and prevent unnecessary suffering.
In practice, this means that anyone wishing to share photographs or videos related to a deceased individual must first obtain clear, informed consent from the closest relatives. The content itself must also be handled responsibly: it should not contain graphic or invasive imagery that could harm the reputation or dignity of the deceased, or cause distress to family members or the wider public. These measures collectively reflect the UAE’s broader emphasis on ethical digital conduct, accountability, and the protection of human dignity in an era where online sharing is immediate and widespread.
Emotional Impact
The psychological effects of sharing graphic images of the deceased go far beyond legal or ethical concerns. Dr. Nashwa Tantawy, a psychologist and managing director of Nafsology Psychology Centre in Dubai, explained that these visuals can dramatically worsen trauma for grieving families, with children being particularly at risk. Relatives are often already struggling to process the sudden loss of a loved one, and repeated exposure to accident-related photos or videos can trigger vivid traumatic recollections, disrupt sleep, provoke flashbacks, and impair emotional regulation.
“Many families consciously try to avoid hearing details about the incident because they already retain strong visual memories,” she noted. “When such images are widely circulated online, they are repeatedly confronted with reminders of the tragedy, leading to re-traumatization and making it much harder to begin the healing process.”
Children are especially susceptible because their brains are still developing the capacity to process and integrate traumatic experiences. They may respond by withdrawing from social interaction, showing persistent sadness or anger, reverting to earlier developmental behaviors, or experiencing disruptions in sleep, appetite, and concentration. Moreover, witnessing the distress of adults around them can intensify their emotional instability, creating challenges that may have long-term effects on their psychological growth and recovery.
Legal consultant Hassan El Hais emphasized the gravity of sharing or capturing sensitive images without proper authorization, noting that photographing funerals, accident scenes, burials, or grieving families without consent not only infringes on personal privacy but also conflicts with cultural norms that uphold respect and dignity in death.
He highlighted that Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, specifically Article 44(4), prescribes a minimum of six months’ imprisonment along with fines starting at Dh150,000 for anyone who takes or publishes such images without the approval of the family or relevant parties.
El Hais also pointed out that other legal provisions apply. For instance, Article 431 of the UAE Penal Code criminalizes photographing or sharing images of individuals in private settings without permission, while Article 43 of the Copyright Law requires prior consent before capturing or publicly reproducing someone’s likeness.
He further cautioned that circulating unverified or misleading visuals can disrupt official investigations and misinform the public. Under Article 52 of the Cybercrime Law, spreading false or unconfirmed information carries penalties of at least one year in prison and fines of no less than Dh100,000. These penalties are even more severe if the false content is circulated during emergencies or in ways that undermine public trust.
El Hais added that social media platforms can be formally approached to remove illegal content, and if they fail to comply, additional legal action may be pursued under Federal Decree Law No. 55 of 2023 on Media Regulation. He stressed that these measures are in place to protect both the public and the bereaved, ensuring that sensitive situations are handled with the necessary legal and ethical safeguards.
Legal and mental health experts strongly advised the public to refrain from sharing or engaging with digital content in ways that compromise the emotional health, privacy, or dignity of grieving families. Diana Hamade emphasized that while social media makes it easy to post or comment on sensitive material, doing so without consent can inflict lasting psychological harm on relatives and violate the rights of the deceased. “The purpose of this legislation is to safeguard personal privacy, support the emotional well-being of families, and uphold societal stability, respect, and security,” she explained, underscoring the importance of ethical online behavior.
