In the United Arab Emirates, defamation is considered a criminal offence, not a civil matter as it is in many Western countries. This means that both spoken and written statements that damage a person’s reputation can lead to severe penalties. The law applies to statements about individuals, companies, government entities, and even the nation’s leaders.
Defamation encompasses all forms of false or offensive information that harms the reputation of a person or organisation. This can range from rumours to public insults. The leaking of personal information that damages someone’s good name also falls under this. Even minor remarks that diminish a person’s dignity can be grounds for legal action.
The penalties are substantial. Public insults or the dissemination of harmful information can lead to up to one year’s imprisonment or a fine of 20,000 dirhams. When this occurs via digital channels, such as social media, email, or messaging apps, these acts fall under the stricter cybercrime laws. In that case, the penalty can reach a fine of 500,000 dirhams and up to two years’ imprisonment.
When the statement leads to inciting the public or contains criticism of the state, the situation becomes even more serious. The penalty can then reach five years’ imprisonment and a fine of 1 million dirhams. These severe sanctions are intended to preserve social stability and ensure respect for authorities.
Exercising caution online and offline
In practice, this legislation means that one must always be careful with what one says or writes in the UAE. Even seemingly innocent remarks in a conversation, on a forum, or in a review can have legal consequences. A negative review on Google containing false or offensive information can already be classified as defamation.
The advice for anyone living or working in the UAE is to keep communication respectful and factual. It is advisable to avoid public discussions about individuals or entities and not to spread sensitive topics via digital channels.
The strict enforcement of these laws reflects the values and culture of the country. The aim is to protect reputations, prevent conflicts, and focus on constructive interactions. In the UAE, respect is held in high regard, and it is expected that this is adhered to in both personal conversations and online.
Edward Clarke is a seasoned property expert with extensive experience in international real estate investment, with a particular focus on Dubai’s fast-growing property market. Drawing on both personal investment experience and years of client advisory work, he helps investors make informed, realistic decisions when purchasing apartments, villas or off-plan developments in Dubai. With a pragmatic mindset, a sharp focus on returns and a strong commitment to transparency, Edward is a trusted point of contact for anyone considering a property investment in Dubai.
