Guy Fawkes masks have been banned from National Day celebrations amid fears that people could wear them to symbolise opposition to the state.
"Legal action will be taken against anyone wearing the masks during the celebrations," said a security source.
The masks have been worn by some people in other countries to symbolise opposition to the state.
Guy Fawkes led a failed plot to blow up the British Parliament in 1605.
The masks appeared in the recent film V for Vendetta and are sold in fancy dress shops across the world, and often bought by people unaware of the anarchic connotations.
Some online shops have advertised the masks in the colours of the UAE flag and the number 41 in reference to the country's 41st National Day. Other shops were selling the masks for Dh25 to Dh50.
Most are now believed to be off the shelves, with the security source saying "all necessary measures" had been taken to prevent them from entering the market.
"I do not think it will be a major issue as these masks are not around any longer," he said.
