Yes, UAE law permits call recording under strict conditions. Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) framework govern interception, with explicit consent required unless authorized by judicial order. Violations risk fines up to AED 500,000 or imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Recording Phone Calls in United Arab Emirates
- Consent Requirement: Recording is lawful only if all parties are informed and consent to the interception, per Article 10 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34/2021. Silence or absence of objection does not constitute consent.
- Judicial Authorization: Exceptions exist for law enforcement or national security purposes, where a UAE court or competent authority may grant prior approval for recording without consent.
- Data Protection Compliance: Recordings must adhere to Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection, ensuring secure storage and limited retention periods to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
Non-compliance exposes individuals and entities to penalties under cybercrime laws, including imprisonment for up to two years and fines up to AED 1 million for severe breaches. Businesses must implement internal policies aligning with TDRA’s 2023 guidelines on electronic communications, which emphasize transparency and proportionality in monitoring practices.