CONTEXT
Posting a negative review on Google, making critical statements on social media, or sending messages via WhatsApp can — under UAE law — give rise to criminal liability for defamation or insult. This applies both to public online content and to private correspondence. For expatriates, a conviction carries additional immigration consequences beyond the criminal penalty itself.
LEGAL BASIS
- Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 — Crimes and Penalties Law
- Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 — Combating Cybercrimes
Where electronic means are used — including Google reviews, social media platforms, and messaging applications — the act is qualified under cybercrime legislation, which generally carries more severe sanctions than equivalent offline conduct.
KEY DEFINITIONS
Defamation: Attributing to another person facts that may subject that person to punishment or public contempt, where such attribution harms honour or reputation.
Insult: An expression that demeans a person's dignity, even without alleging specific facts.
CRITICAL RULES — COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS