By Doer Digitalz
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Taking photos of children during school events may seem completely normal. Parents often want to capture special moments such as celebrations, performances, competitions and school activities.
However, parents in the UAE need to be careful when taking photos or videos on school premises, especially when other children appear in them.
According to a recent Gulf News report, parents or visitors who photograph or record children without proper consent could potentially face serious legal consequences if the conduct is reported to the authorities and found to violate UAE privacy laws.
Why Are UAE Schools Warning Parents?
Schools in Dubai and Sharjah have recently reminded parents and visitors about student privacy.
Some schools have asked parents not to take photographs or videos on campus where other students or staff members may be captured without consent. The guidance can apply to classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, assemblies and even school drop-off and pick-up areas.
The purpose is simple: protecting the privacy, safety and dignity of every child.
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It Is Not Only About Social Media
One important point for parents to understand is that privacy concerns are not limited to posting a picture publicly on Instagram, Facebook or other social media platforms.
According to legal experts quoted by Gulf News, taking a photograph without consent may itself potentially create legal exposure. Sharing or forwarding the image through a private WhatsApp group is also not automatically exempt simply because the group is private.
For example, a parent may take a photo of their child during a school activity. If several other students are clearly visible in the picture, sharing that image in a parents’ WhatsApp group could potentially raise privacy concerns.
Could Parents Really Face a Dh500,000 Fine?
The Dh500,000 amount is not an automatic fine from the school for simply taking a photograph.
According to Gulf News, Article 44 of the UAE Cybercrimes Law provides penalties where electronic technology is used to intentionally invade another person’s privacy without consent or lawful authorisation.
If the conduct is found to constitute an offence, the penalty can include at least six months’ imprisonment, a fine ranging from Dh150,000 to Dh500,000, or both.
Whether a particular situation amounts to an offence depends on the circumstances and the authorities’ assessment.
Children Have a Right to Privacy
Children receive additional protection under UAE law.
Gulf News reports that the UAE Child Rights Law, commonly known as Wadeema’s Law, recognises a child’s right to privacy. Legal experts have stressed that children’s privacy and dignity should be respected, including when photographs and videos are taken or shared.
This is why schools are increasingly careful about how student photographs and videos are captured, stored and shared.
What About School Events?
Parents do not necessarily have to stop taking every school photo.
Some schools may allow photography during designated events. However, parents may be asked to photograph or record only their own children and avoid capturing other students.
The safest approach is to check the school’s photography policy before taking pictures or videos at an event.
Simple Rules Parents Can Follow
Parents can reduce privacy risks by following a few simple precautions:
- Check the school’s photography rules before taking photos or videos.
- Focus the camera on your own child whenever possible.
- Avoid photographing other students without appropriate consent.
- Check the background before posting or forwarding a picture.
- Do not assume a private WhatsApp group makes sharing automatically acceptable.
- Follow any instructions provided by the school during events.
- When unsure, ask the school before taking or sharing the photo.
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Think Before You Click and Share
Smartphones make it easy to capture and share a moment within seconds. But when children are involved, privacy needs to come first.
A photograph that appears harmless may contain images of other students whose parents have not agreed to their child’s image being taken or shared.
For parents in the UAE, the safest rule is simple: before you click, post or forward a school photo, check who else is in the picture and whether you have permission.
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Source
This article is based on information reported by Gulf News on October 6, 2026, including comments from UAE legal experts regarding school photography, children’s privacy and Article 44 of the UAE Cybercrimes Law.
Read the original Gulf News report
Disclaimer: This article is for general awareness and informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice.