Be careful of what you send on smartphones or emails in the UAE

Do you that flicking the middle finger at someone in the UAE could land you in prison? But there is more you should know. Legal experts have now warned that sending an ‘emoji’ finger-flick gesture in a message or on social media could also land you in trouble. As a matter of fact, the UAE has issued the warning after it emerged that Microsoft will become the first manufacturer to give users the option to flip the finger on its latest operating system. The new Windows 10 will feature the icon when it is launched in the coming months. It’s an insult in the UAE and the law can punish you with either jail of up to three years or a fine of up to Dhs500,000 if you send a middle finger emoji on a smartphone or even sending a middle finger picture through email. Also, if an expat is convicted they will likely be deported. However, it’s up to the recipient to open a criminal case if they feel offended by a message. So think twice before posting a message or image that could be offensive.