Social media influencer jailed for three months and fined Dh100,000, after filming 205kph driving stunt in Abu Dhabi

Authorities warned such reckless by popular figures could incite others to break the law

A social media influencer received a three-month jail sentence and Dh100,000 fine for sharing footage of him driving at more than 205kph in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy: Abu Dhabi Public Prosecution

A social media influencer was jailed for three months and fined Dh100,000 ($27,224), after video footage emerged of him driving at more than 205 kilometres an hour in Abu Dhabi.

A second man, who was a passenger in the luxury vehicle, received a similar sentence for recording the high-speed stunt and encouraging the driver to travel at a dangerous speed on public roads.

Both men were suspended from driving for six months and the car and phones were confiscated.

They were also banned from using their social media accounts for six months.

Abu Dhabi Misdemeanour Court also ordered the footage to be deleted and for the offenders to close the social media accounts the clip was posted on.

A Public Prosecution representative warned that anyone found guilty of wilfully committing an act putting the "life, health, security and freedom of people in danger" could expect a prison sentence of up to three years.

The representative also made a plea to social media celebrities to behave responsibly when making content to share with followers, who are often teenagers and young adults.

“When celebrities behave like this they are inciting others to commit similar offences and expose themselves to legal accountability,” the official said.