Defamation Lawyers in Dubai
Complaints, defence and compensation claims for defamation, insult and online abuse, for individuals, professionals and companies.
In short: defamation is a criminal offence in Dubai. Under the UAE Crimes and Penalties Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021), slander and insult are punishable by imprisonment or fines. When the statement is made online, including on WhatsApp, Instagram, X or TikTok, the cybercrime law (Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021) applies, with fines that can reach AED 500,000. Unlike in many countries, a statement can be an offence in the UAE even if it is true.
We act for people who have been defamed and want to file a complaint and claim compensation, and for people who have been accused and need a defence.
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Slander, Insult and Online Defamation Compared
| Offence | What it means | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Slander (qadhf) | Attributing to someone a fact that would expose them to punishment or contempt | Crimes and Penalties Law |
| Insult (sabb) | Words or conduct that harm a person's honour or dignity, without alleging a specific fact | Crimes and Penalties Law |
| Online defamation | Either of the above committed through a website, app or messaging service | Cybercrime law; heavier penalties |
| Privacy breach | Publishing photos, videos or private information without consent, even if true | Cybercrime law |
If You Have Been Defamed
- Keep the evidence. Screenshots showing the full post or message, the date, the account or phone number and who saw it. Do not rely on the platform keeping it.
- Do not respond in kind. A public reply can lead to a counter-complaint against you.
- File the criminal complaint. We prepare and register the complaint with the competent authority or the Public Prosecution, with the evidence and a statement.
- Follow the investigation. The prosecution questions the accused and decides whether to refer the case to court.
- Claim compensation. After a conviction, a civil claim can be filed for the material and moral damage suffered.
Our guide on how to file a defamation case in Dubai covers each step in detail.
If a Complaint Has Been Filed Against You
- Do not contact the complainant or delete content without advice. Deleting can look like an admission, and contact can make things worse.
- Get the complaint reference and read exactly what is alleged.
- Prepare a written defence before the Public Prosecution. Context, the absence of publication and the identity of the author are common issues.
- Consider settlement. Defamation complaints can generally be withdrawn by the complainant, which ends the case.
A travel ban may be imposed while the case is open, so it is worth acting early. See our criminal lawyers.
Defamation of Companies and Professionals
Companies can complain about statements that damage their reputation, such as false online reviews or posts by former employees. Doctors, lawyers and other professionals face particular risk from anonymous posts. In these cases, identifying the author may require requests to platforms through the prosecution.
How HT Lawyers Handles Defamation Cases
We assess whether the material meets the legal test before anything is filed, because a weak complaint can backfire. Where the dispute also involves a divorce, see our divorce lawyers, and for workplace disputes our labour lawyers.
Defamation Matters We Handle
Complaints and defences over WhatsApp messages, social media posts, reviews and spoken insults.
- Insult And Slander Complaints
- Cybercrime Complaints
- Social Media Publication Cases
- WhatsApp And Voice Note Complaints
- Defence Of Defamation Allegations
- Workplace Defamation Matters
- Business Reputation Complaints
- Settlement And Withdrawal Of Complaints
- Related Civil Damages Claims
Related Legal Services
If your matter involves another area of law, start with the page below.
- Criminal LawyersDefence and complaints from investigation to appeal.
- Civil LawyersContract, debt, compensation and commercial claims before the civil courts.
- Corporate LawyersCompany set-up, shareholder agreements, restructuring and disputes.
- Litigation LawyersCourt representation in civil, commercial and property disputes.
- Labour LawyersUnpaid wages, end-of-service gratuity and unfair dismissal.
- Legal AdvisorOngoing legal advice for individuals and businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
General guidance on this area of law. Advice on your own case requires your documents.
Is Defamation A Crime In Dubai?
Yes. Slander and insult are criminal offences under the UAE Crimes and Penalties Law. When committed online, the cybercrime law applies, with heavier penalties.
Can A True Statement Be Defamation In The UAE?
Yes. Truth is not a general defence in the UAE. Publishing true information that harms someone's reputation or privacy can still be an offence.
Do WhatsApp Messages Count As Defamation In Dubai?
They can. A message sent to a group or forwarded is usually treated as publication. Even a private one-to-one message can support an insult complaint.
What Is The Penalty For Online Defamation In The UAE?
Under the cybercrime law, online defamation can lead to imprisonment and fines of up to AED 500,000, and deportation for non-UAE nationals in some cases.
Can A Defamation Complaint Be Withdrawn After Settlement?
Generally yes. The complainant can withdraw, which ends the case. Settlement terms should be recorded properly, not agreed informally.
Can I Claim Compensation For Defamation In Dubai?
Yes. After a criminal conviction, you can file a civil claim for material and moral damages based on the harm you can prove.
Deal With A Defamation Complaint Properly
Send screenshots with visible dates and numbers, and the complaint reference if one has been issued.
- OfficeSixth Floor, Suite 614
Emaar Business Park Building 4
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE - Telephone+971 54 454 3909 (On Call 24/7)
- WhatsApp+971 54 454 3909
- Emailinfo@htlawyers.ae
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- HoursOffice Hours 08:00 To 16:00