Khaleej Times, 17 March 2026: Authorities in Fujairah have arrested a man who trespassed and filmed in restricted areas without obtaining the necessary permits.

The authorities stated that he had secretly entered the sites before being detected and arrested. During questioning, it was revealed that he worked for a media organisation; but did not have any authorisation permitting him to access the locations or conduct filming there. It was confirmed that the accused violated applicable laws and regulations by filming without obtaining official approvals, in breach of the filming bans which were enforced in those areas. The recorded footage had been sent electronically to a news organisation in London without official authorisation.

UAE laws criminalise entering or being present in restricted areas without a permit, even if no other act takes place. Taking photographs, preparing maps, recording coordinates, or using any other means of documentation in violation of prohibitions issued by the competent authorities is also prohibited.

The UAE Public Prosecution have stressed the importance of adhering to applicable laws and regulations and obtaining prior official permits before undertaking any filming particularly in sensitive or restricted locations.

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