Q: Dear everyone, I seek advice regarding ongoing harassment from a woman whose husband I was previously involved with. The affair ended immediately after she discovered it last year, and I apologized both in person and through WhatsApp. Despite this, she has continued to harass me by sharing private photos, videos, and messages (taken from her husband’s phone without consent) with my family, friends, and workplace. She also contacted my employer, disclosed personal details, and sent insulting messages to me and my relatives. I have proof of these acts. I wish to know what legal actions I can take to stop her (harassment, defamation, or privacy violation), what evidence I should prepare, any possible counterclaims, and if this could affect her ongoing divorce case.

Q: Hi, I would like to consult about a defamation issue. Someone has posted false and damaging comments about me and my business on social media. I have screenshots as proof. I would like to know the legal process for filing a cyber complaint or defamation case under UAE law.

Q: I recently posted a review for a piercing shop, and they threatened to file a defamation case against me. I didn't get it first. Their customer service was rude, and when I posted a review about it, they said they would file a complaint. I basically said I gave them one star, and I said whenever I have gone to their Instagram page to ask questions, they have been rude to me. Probably they don't want to answer or they are irritated by my questions for improving their customer service, especially for their clients who paid you for piercings!  This is my review. I want to ask, is this illegal and considered defamation? Don't I have a right to post reviews?

Q: Hello, A customer based in Dubai booked a public experience online on the website of a reputable business based in Dubai. The customer came to the business location, the team was ready to provide the experience as per her booking. The customer started to shout loudly, claiming that she was expecting a private experience. She refused to do the experience and left. Then she started calling the Management claiming a refund. The Management explained that as per the T&Cs, experiences booked online are public. The Management offered as a goodwill gesture to refund the customer after deducting the cost of preparations that were paid by the business to set up the experience. The customer refused. The customer used her Instagram account and as an influencer + Google review to launch a campaign against the business reputation, inciting her audience/people not to use the business services. She used signs of alert/warnings. Is there a law that punishes such public incitement in the UAE?

Q: Hello, I'm currently looking for legal advice regarding an online defamation case. I am a Filipino citizen currently residing in the Philippines. The person I want to file a complaint against is also a Filipino citizen and is currently based in Dubai. I have already sought legal consultation, but it cost me a lot for just a simple session. Unfortunately, I don’t think I can afford to proceed with the fees required for sending a warning or demand letter to the person I’m complaining about. I would really appreciate any help, guidance, or information about possible free or low-cost legal services. Thank you for your time!

As a legal consultant practicing in Dubai, I often see clients surprised by how quickly a casual online review turns into a criminal complaint. Imagine this: You leave a clinic frustrated and post a harsh one-star review on Google. A few days later, you’re summoned to the police station. It may sound extreme – but under UAE law, such a review could amount to criminal defamation.

في عصرنا الرقمي، تنتشر الكلمات بسرعة وتُسبب أضرارًا دائمة. اتخذت دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة موقفًا حازمًا ضد الإهانة والتشهير، وسنّت قوانين صارمة لحماية الأفراد والمؤسسات على حد سواء. سواءً وقعت الجريمة وجهًا لوجه أو عبر الإنترنت، فإن فهم حقوقك القانونية أمرٌ بالغ الأهمية. يستكشف هذا المنشور كيف يُعرّف القانون الإماراتي هذه الجرائم ويتعامل معها، وما هي الخطوات التي يمكن للضحايا اتخاذها.

The provisions of this Federal Decree-Law, known as the "New Cybercrimes Law", govern Cybercrimes regulations in the United Arab Emirates. The New Cybercrimes Law repeals the previous UAE Cybercrimes Law (Federal Decree-Law No. (5) of 2012 on Combating Cybercrimes).

The provisions of this Federal Decree-Law No. (31) of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law, known as the "New UAE Penal Code", governs criminal actions in the United Arab Emirates. The New Penal Code repeals the previous UAE Penal Code (Federal Law No. (3) of 1987 Promulgating the Penal Code).

The provisions of this law, promulgating UAE Civil Code, govern the civil transactions in the United Arab Emirates. The commercial transactions remain subject to the laws and regulations applicable in their regard.