Residents of the UAE who are caught dropping, damaging, or insulting the UAE flag will be fined a minimum of AED500,000 (Php 6.5M) with up to 25 years in jail.

The UAE Public Prosecution posted a reminder on Twitter that those who will publicly ridicule the image of the UAE will face such heavy fines and jail time.

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Article 3 of the Federal Law No. 2 of 1971 on the Union Flag and its amendments states, shall be sentenced to:

– Prison term of not less than 10 years and not more than 25 years;

– and a minimum fine of AED500,000

These penalties are also applicable for individuals who violate and/or insult the flag of any emirate of the UAE, other flags of fellow GCC countries, and flags of any other country in the world.

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