Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) has said there is no policy of imposing fines on individuals and companies who express negative comments on the emirate’s economy.

The DED statement was issued amid persistent rumours over the past few months that some individuals and offices in Dubai have been fined for making negative comments on the emirate’s economic situation including job cuts or project cancellations, among others.

“In response to enquiries on whether individuals or companies are being penalised for negative comments or opinion on the economic situation, the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai has clarified that no such action has been taken, and that no government entity is empowered to act against expressing such opinions nor any violation involved in such comments,” the DED said in a statement published on its website.

The statement, however, suggested for the public ”to ensure that any information concerning the national economy and overall commercial activity came from the authorities concerned, and not to pay attention to unconfirmed reports and hearsay.”