The UAE’s National Media Authority is currently drafting new policies to address the growing issue of unauthorized filming at weddings and private family gatherings. As social media use continues to skyrocket, officials are concerned about guests recording and sharing footage of attendees without their permission, which poses a significant threat to individual privacy. According to Jamal Al Kaabi, the authority’s secretary-general, these new regulations aim to curb intrusive behavior, emphasizing that while sharing memories may seem harmless, posting identifiable footage of guests or private moments without consent is a direct violation of privacy that could lead to legal repercussions.

This initiative is part of a broader six-week national campaign designed to promote digital responsibility and educate the public on media content standards. Beyond wedding etiquette, the campaign highlights the importance of respecting national identity, protecting children, and avoiding the spread of misinformation or AI-generated content that could incite panic. Authorities have made it clear that while they prefer to foster a culture of awareness, persistent violations of these media standards—which can range from mocking state symbols to insensitive commercial portrayals—may eventually result in severe penalties, including fines of up to Dh1 million.