What Is Considered As Defamation In The UAE?

A negative review in the UAE can amount to defamation if the wording is capable of damaging the reputation of a person or establishment. From a legal perspective, the issue is not simply whether the review is true, false, or expressed as an opinion. The question is whether the review, viewed in its full context, is capable of damaging the reputation of the person or business concerned, reducing public trust, or exposing them to contempt.

Online vs Offline Defamation

Under Federal Law by Decree No. (31) of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law, “Penal Code”, Article 425 provides that a person may be liable where they publicly attribute an incident to another person in a way that could expose that person to punishment, hatred or contempt. In such cases, the penalty can be imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to AED 20,000. Slander or insult can also be punishable where the statement affects another person’s honour or dignity, even if no specific incident is