Dubai Court Awards Woman Dhs50,000 After Ex-husband Insults Her on WhatsApp
Judgment underscores civil liability for moral harm caused through online defamation.
Staff WriterOct 1, 2025, 6:55 AMThe Dubai Civil Court has ordered an Arab man to pay his ex-wife Dh50,000 in compensation for the moral harm she suffered due to insults and slander he directed at her through WhatsApp.
This ruling came after he was earlier convicted of the offence by the Court of Misdemeanours and Violations. The case originated when an Arab woman filed a lawsuit at the Dubai Centre for Amicable Settlement of Disputes, seeking Dh75,000 in compensation from her ex-husband for material and moral damages suffered as a result of messages that undermined her dignity and honour. The messages contained offensive remarks that caused harm to her and her family.
The plaintiff explained that she had lodged a criminal complaint against the defendant. The matter was referred to the Criminal Court, which found him guilty and imposed a fine of Dh3,000.
This ruling became final when the defendant accepted the judgment and paid the fine. The plaintiff then turned to the civil court to demand compensation for damages she had endured.
In its reasoning, the court clarified that it found no evidence in the case documents proving direct material damage to the plaintiff and accordingly dismissed her claim for that portion.
However, the court held that the defendant’s offensive messages had inflicted significant moral harm on the plaintiff, damaging her reputation, dignity and social standing, in addition to harming her family. This justified compensation.
When a person suffers harm, the offender is required to provide compensation based on losses and loss of earnings, including moral damages. Under the Civil Transactions Law, the court relies on a final criminal judgment confirming defamation and slander to establish civil liability, emphasising the seriousness of using digital platforms to harm reputation, honour and dignity.
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