The Crime of Slander and Defamation and Its Punishment in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the pioneering countries in regulating and enforcing strict penalties against the crimes of insult and slander. The UAE has enacted stringent laws to protect the reputation of both individuals and legal entities, whether the offense occurs in person or through social media. The UAE legislature has developed comprehensive laws to safeguard victims of such offenses, ensuring the country remains a safe place to live and work.

Despite this, individuals may still find themselves in uncomfortable situations, especially when insulted publicly or online. If you find yourself in such a scenario, it's essential to understand the relevant laws so you can protect yourself against slander and defamation.

If you are a victim of such a criminal act, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the offender. The UAE Penal Code offers protection to victims, and if the accused is found guilty, they may face imprisonment, a fine, or both. The victim is also entitled to claim compensation.

Distinction Between Insult and Slander in UAE Law

1. Definition of Slander in UAE Law

According to the Federal Penal Code, slander refers to the public attribution of a specific act or incident to someone with the intent of subjecting them to punishment, contempt, or social disgrace. This act can damage a person’s dignity and social standing. If the claim is true, it may result in administrative, disciplinary, or criminal action against the person. However, if false, it still constitutes a criminal offense if it harms the individual’s reputation.

Article 425 of Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 states:

"The penalty shall be imprisonment for a period not exceeding two (2) years or a fine not exceeding twenty thousand dirhams. If the slander is directed at a public official or a public servant during or because of their work, or if it affects the honor or reputation of families, or aims to achieve an unlawful objective, the punishment is aggravated. The penalty also intensifies if the slander is published in a newspaper or any other publication."

2. Definition of Insult in UAE Law

Insult involves deliberately offending a person’s dignity or honor through derogatory remarks or attributing negative characteristics. This includes calling someone a thief, a briber, or any term intended to demean their character, which constitutes a breach of modesty and honor.

As per Article 426 of Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021:

"Anyone who publicly insults another without attributing a specific act may face imprisonment for up to one (1) year or a fine not exceeding twenty thousand dirhams. If the insult targets a public official or servant during or due to their official duties, or impacts family honor or aims at illegal objectives, the punishment is increased to imprisonment of up to two (2) years and a fine between twenty thousand and fifty thousand dirhams. Publication in media or online is an aggravating circumstance."

3. Insults and Defamation on Social Media

The UAE has specific legal provisions addressing insults and defamation committed via social networking platforms. These are outlined in Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumors and Cybercrime.

 Article 43 states:

"Anyone who insults another or attributes false claims that expose them to punishment or contempt using any information technology means, such as social media, shall face imprisonment and a fine ranging from 250,000 to 500,000 dirhams, or both. If the victim is a public official targeted due to their duties, it is considered an aggravating factor."

Legal Conditions and Requirements for Filing a Complaint

To pursue a slander or defamation case in the UAE, certain conditions must be met:

1. Legal Capacity: The victim must file the case personally or through a legal representative.

2. Formal Complaint: The complaint must be submitted to a police station or the Public Prosecution.

3. Evidence: Any form of evidence is acceptable—witnesses, written communications, or electronic messages.

4. Details: The complaint must include the names of the parties, the case facts, supporting documents, and a clear statement of the victim’s demands.

Elements of the Crime of Defamation

- Attribution

- Specific Incident

- Public Disclosure or Publication

Final Notes

There is a distinction between informal verbal insults in everyday interactions and public insults made on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, or YouTube. However, addressing such offenses requires expert legal guidance. Our center offers specialized legal services to ensure your case is handled with professionalism.

Written by:

Fatehi Ahmed Shared | Ahkam Legal Consultancy