UAE warns against mocking COVID-19 safety measures on social media

Publishing misinformation in the UAE carries severe punishments. (FILE/Shutterstock)
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Updated 11 January 2022
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UAE warns against mocking COVID-19 safety measures on social media

  • Publishing misinformation carries severe punishments

DUBAI: Authorities in the UAE have issued a warning against mocking coronavirus disease (COVID-19) safety protocols on social media.

The country’s Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution at the Federal Public Prosecution said it found several social media posts mocking COVID-19 safety protocols. Some of these posts featured positive test results with video or audio clips calling for the ignoring of isolation and quarantine measures.

“In light of the recent circulation of photos and videos on social media spreading information from some COVID-19 patients on the Al-Hosn application, accompanied by comments and songs mocking the precautionary measures and calling on others to flout them, threatening the national efforts to address the pandemic, we, therefore, call upon members of the community to refrain from this behaviour, which is punishable by the law,” said the prosecution’s statement.

Spreading false news or misleading information in the UAE is punishable by imprisonment for at least one year and can carry a fine of up to $27,000.


RT Arabic to launch new TV program marking 100 years of Russia-Saudi relations

Updated 10 January 2026
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RT Arabic to launch new TV program marking 100 years of Russia-Saudi relations

  • The program will broadcast twice a month starting next month

RIYADH: Russian news network, RT Arabic, is set to launch a new analytical program, “Studio Riyadh,” from the capital next month as part of celebrations marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Saudi Arabia.

The program will be hosted by veteran Saudi journalist Mohammed Al-Rashed and broadcast twice a month, starting February 2026. It will provide in-depth analysis of regional and international developments, featuring prominent political and media figures.

Maya Manna, head of RT Arabic, said that the launch aligned with commemorations of the historic ties between the two countries and reflected a growing commitment to media cooperation.

“Studio Riyadh” will join RT Arabic’s lineup of international programs broadcast from major capitals including Beirut, Cairo, Washington and Paris.

Each 26-minute episode will air on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and feature a focused dialogue on a pressing current affairs topic.

Al-Rashed, a seasoned presenter and correspondent with more than 20 years of experience, is expected to bring deep regional insight and journalistic rigor to the program.

RT Arabic, which was the first Russian news channel to broadcast 24/7 in Arabic, has grown into one of the region’s leading platforms for political analysis. It currently reaches an estimated audience of 400 million viewers and operates a broad network of regional bureaus.