Dubai tourists could face prison time after filming and ‘mocking’ woman in niqab
Tourists filmed themselves laughing at a Muslim woman wearing a niqab at a rooftop restaurant in Dubai.
A 13-second video shows two Western women giggling and videoing their unassuming victim, which is illegal in the United Arab Emirates.
The incident happened as she was dining with her partner just a few tables from them.
The woman behind the camera can also be heard laughing as she pans her phone across the restaurant to film the couple.
Laws in the Middle Eastern country strictly forbid recording people without their approval, particularly such that could cause a person to be subject to contempt, public hatred, or have their honour or dignity violated.
Penalties are significant, and tourists breaking the law could end up in jail for at least six months and face a fine of up to £100,000.
Taking pictures of someone’s home or car is also seen as a privacy breach.
A woman shared the clip on X, writing: ‘In Dubai, a non-Muslim European woman films a Gulf tourist and mocks her religion.
‘Where is Dubai Police? Why hasn’t she been arrested and referred to the Public Prosecution?
‘Are there no laws to protect the dignity and privacy of Gulf tourists, prevent them from being photographed without consent, and stop such defamation? Where are human rights? Where is the respect for religious rituals?’
Police in Dubai have confirmed they are investigating the incident since the video was posted last week.
‘Please note that the matter has been referred to the relevant authority,’ a statement said.
People have been reacting to the post, criticising the tourists for ignoring the UAE laws and allegedly making fun of religious or cultural traditions.
One user commented: ‘I hope they file a lawsuit against these women. They film them right in front of your eyes and shake us. Where are we in this situation.’
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