How to File a Defamation Case in Dubai
A practical guide for people defamed in person, by message or online, from collecting evidence to a compensation claim.
In short: to file a defamation case in Dubai, collect evidence of the statement (screenshots with the date, sender and audience), register a criminal complaint with the competent authority or the Public Prosecution, give your statement, and follow the case while the prosecution investigates and decides whether to refer it to court. After a conviction, you can file a separate civil claim for compensation.
The strength of the evidence at the start decides most defamation cases. Complaints based on partial screenshots or unclear authorship often go nowhere.
Get Your Evidence Reviewed
Step 1: Check Whether the Statement Is Defamation
Under UAE law, slander means attributing a fact to someone that exposes them to punishment or contempt. Insult means harming their honour without alleging a specific fact. Online statements fall under the cybercrime law. Not every rude or critical comment meets the test, and a weak complaint can lead to a counter-complaint.
Step 2: Collect the Right Evidence
- Screenshots of the full post, message or thread, not just the offending line.
- The date and time, and the account name, profile link or phone number.
- Proof of publication: group members, followers, shares or comments.
- Names and contact details of people who saw or heard it.
- For spoken statements: witnesses, and any recording made lawfully.
Be careful with recordings. Recording someone without consent can itself be an offence in the UAE. Take advice before relying on one.
Step 3: Register the Complaint
The complaint is filed with the competent authority for the place where the statement was made or received, or through the Public Prosecution. It must identify the accused where possible, set out what was said, and attach the evidence. An advocate can prepare the complaint in Arabic and attend with you. Companies file through an authorised representative with their corporate documents.
Step 4: Investigation and Prosecution
- You give a statement confirming the complaint.
- The accused is summoned to respond.
- For online cases, technical reports may be obtained to confirm the account or device.
- The Public Prosecution decides whether to refer the case to the criminal court, close it, or impose a penal order.
Step 5: Court Judgment and Compensation
If the court convicts, the accused faces a fine, imprisonment or both, and possibly deportation for foreign nationals. You can then file a civil claim for compensation for material and moral damage, supported by the criminal judgment.
Typical Timeline
| Stage | Indicative duration |
|---|---|
| Complaint and statements | A few weeks |
| Prosecution review | Weeks to a few months |
| Criminal court judgment | A few months, plus any appeal |
| Civil compensation claim | Several months after the criminal judgment |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Replying publicly or posting about the other person.
- Waiting until the post is deleted before collecting evidence.
- Filing without checking whether the statement meets the legal test.
- Agreeing a settlement informally without recording the withdrawal properly.
For advice on your own case, see our defamation lawyers in Dubai. For other criminal complaints, see how to file a criminal case in Dubai.
Stages Of A Defamation Complaint
Help at each stage: collecting the evidence, filing the complaint and claiming compensation afterwards.
- Evidence Of Publication
- Identifying The Sender
- Criminal Complaint Registration
- Cybercrime Route
- Prosecution Questioning
- Referral To Court
- Civil Damages Claim
- Settlement And Withdrawal
- Defence Against A Complaint
Related Legal Services
If your matter involves another area of law, start with the page below.
- Defamation LawyersOnline and offline defamation, insult and reputation claims.
- Criminal LawyersDefence and complaints from investigation to appeal.
- Civil LawyersContract, debt, compensation and commercial claims before the civil courts.
- Labour LawyersUnpaid wages, end-of-service gratuity and unfair dismissal.
- Corporate LawyersCompany set-up, shareholder agreements, restructuring and disputes.
- Litigation LawyersCourt representation in civil, commercial and property disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
General guidance on this area of law. Advice on your own case requires your documents.
What Evidence Do I Need For A Defamation Complaint In Dubai?
The message, post or recording itself, showing the date, the sender's number or account and who saw it. If the material has been deleted, other proof of publication is needed, such as witnesses.
Where Do I File A Defamation Complaint In Dubai?
With the competent authority for the place where the statement was made or received, or through the Public Prosecution. An advocate can file and attend on your behalf.
Is Online Defamation Treated More Seriously Than Spoken Defamation?
Yes. Statements published electronically fall under the cybercrime law, which carries heavier penalties than an equivalent spoken remark.
Can A Company File A Defamation Complaint In Dubai?
Yes. A company can complain where statements damage its reputation or that of its officers. The complaint is filed by an authorised representative with the corporate documents.
What If A Defamation Complaint Is Filed Against Me?
Do not reply to the other party in writing, because the reply becomes evidence. Get the complaint reference and submit a written defence to the Public Prosecution through an advocate.
Can I File A Defamation Complaint With Dubai Police?
Yes. You can file at a Dubai Police station, through Dubai Police's online services, or directly with the Public Prosecution. Bring the evidence, such as screenshots with links and dates, messages and witness details.
What Is The Process For A Defamation Case In Dubai?
The complaint is registered, the police or Public Prosecution investigate and question both sides, and the prosecution decides whether to refer the case to the criminal court. If the court convicts, you can then file a civil claim for compensation.
Get Your Defamation Evidence Reviewed First
Send the material complained of with visible dates and sender details before filing anything.
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