UAE Law: What Happens if Someone Defames or Insults Another Person -- Even in Private Conversations?

In the UAE, making false, insulting, or defamatory remarks about another person -- whether in public, private, or through electronic means -- is treated as a criminal offence that can result in heavy fines and imprisonment. The law aims to safeguard an individual’s dignity, reputation, and social standing, reflecting the country’s broader commitment to mutual respect and responsible communication.

 

Defamation or insult is not limited to statements made in newspapers or on social media; even remarks made verbally to a third party -- such as family members, colleagues, or acquaintances — can attract criminal liability if they damage a person’s reputation or honour. In essence, the UAE law protects individuals from verbal, written, and digital acts that may cause reputational or emotional harm.

 

Defamation under the UAE Penal Code

Defamation and insult offences are primarily covered under Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law, commonly known as the UAE Penal Code.

 

Article 425 of the Penal Code provides that anyone who attributes to another person an incident that exposes them to punishment or public contempt commits defamation. The offender may be punished with imprisonment for up to two years or a fine not exceeding Dh20,000.

 

Similarly, Article 426 addresses insults that do not refer to a specific act but still undermine a person’s dignity or honour. The law states that such conduct can result in detention for up to one year or a fine of up to Dh20,000.

 

Where the insult or defamation is directed at a public servant or a person entrusted with a public service during or in connection with their official duties, the punishment is stricter -- imprisonment for up to two years and/or a fine ranging between Dh20,000 and Dh50,000. The same enhanced penalties apply if the insult prejudices the honour or reputation of families, or if it is made with the intent to achieve an unlawful purpose.

 

Electronic Defamation and Cyber Insults

With the widespread use of digital communication, the UAE has extended legal protection against online defamation through Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumours and Cybercrimes.

 

Under Article 43 of this law, any person who uses an electronic system -- such as a phone, email, messaging app, or social media platform -- to insult another or attribute a harmful quality to them is subject to imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000.

 

This provision ensures that defamatory or offensive conduct carried out through digital platforms -- even private messages or posts visible to a limited audience -- can be prosecuted if they harm the subject’s reputation. The law aims to deter cyberbullying, online shaming, and malicious character attacks, which can have serious psychological and social consequences.

 

Defamation in Private and Family Settings

The UAE’s defamation and insult provisions apply even in private or domestic situations, where remarks are made to third parties, including relatives or children. If a person communicates defamatory statements about another to a family member -- for instance, an ex-spouse disparaging a former partner to their child -- this may still amount to a criminal act under UAE law.

 

What matters is the nature and intent of the statement, not merely the setting in which it is made. The courts assess whether the statement was false, insulting, or damaging to the person’s social standing and whether it was communicated to another individual in a way that could affect the victim’s reputation or dignity.

 

How to Pursue a Legal Complaint

Those who believe they have been defamed or insulted can file a criminal complaint with the police or the Public Prosecution in the emirate where the incident occurred. The complainant will be required to submit any evidence, such as voice recordings, messages, screenshots, or witness testimony, to substantiate their claim.

 

Once a complaint is registered, the authorities will investigate and, if sufficient grounds exist, refer the matter to the court for prosecution. Depending on the facts of the case, the court may impose imprisonment, a fine, or both.

 

Legal practitioners often advise victims to seek professional legal advice before filing a complaint to ensure the claim is supported by admissible evidence and framed appropriately under the applicable articles of law.

 

Promoting Respect and Responsible Communication

The UAE’s strict approach to defamation and insult laws underscores its commitment to preserving personal dignity, social cohesion, and ethical conduct. The law encourages individuals to exercise restraint and responsibility when communicating about others -- whether in public, online, or within the family circle.

Insults, slander and defamation are therefore not treated as mere private disputes but as offences that undermine the values of respect and harmony upon which the UAE’s social and legal framework is built.

 

For any enquiries please fill out this form, or contact info@thelawreporters.com and  Follow  The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels