Dubai: If you ever want to record someone in the UAE, just don’t.

Taking photos or shooting videos of others is an invasion of their privacy, and can lead to a fine between Dh150,000 and Dh500,000, in addition to a minimum of a one-year jail term.

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Dubai Police has confirmed that a man was arrested on Friday evening for filming another crying at a Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) customer care centre.

The suspect also posted the footage on social networking sites, where the video soon went viral.

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In a series of tweets, the RTA clarified that the man in the video clip crying at the customer care centre was not an employee of Cars Taxi, and did not have any outstanding fines registered in his name.

“The man was at the headquarters to inquire about the Dh20,000 in fines against his relative who worked as a driver at the Cars Taxi franchise. An investigation is underway to determine the reasons for the driver’s fines,” said the RTA.

“We would also like to emphasise that the relevant authorities have been notified to take legal action against the person who filmed and published the video.”

Dubai Police also warned residents not to take photos and videos of other people without first requesting their permission, as doing so is a crime punishable by law.

According to Federal Decree Law No. 5 of 2012 of the Cybercrime Law, residents who breach the privacy of others can face a hefty fine between Dh150,000 and Dh500,000, in addition to at least one year in jail.