Q: Can a business based in Germany sue a customer based in Dubai for defamation because of a google review based on facts? What are the possibilities and does Dubai allow foreigners to sue?

Q: I hired a maid from an agency in December. The maid did emotional and physical damage to my family. I wrote a bad review of the agency on Google Maps, Facebook, and Instagram. Now the agency is harassing me every day asking me to delete it. They blocked me on Instagram. When I refused, they offered me 500 AED. I refused and said no. Now they are threatening me that they will file a case against me for defamation! Is this considered defamation under UAE law?

Q: We are food bloggers and were invited by a restaurant to review their food. Once we arrived, the owner said she did not know of this. When we showed her the written confirmation from her husband she refused to accept it. They wasted our time and money, making us come all the way to her restaurant just to be told to get out. She was becoming hostile so my sister took out her phone to take a video of her screaming at us. But when the lady noticed the phone she attacked my sister. She pulled and scratched her very badly. She left a big mark on my sister’s arm. When the police came we were told to delete the video which we did in front of them itself. Once the police left, she threatened us that if we ever mention this to someone, post about it on Instagram, or leave a bad review on Zomato, that they will take us to court. Can she do this? I only want to write an honest review on Zomato where I explain our situation and post the pictures of my sisters arm. Or can she make a case on us?

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I lived in a building where the real estate management person was rude and unhelpful. I faced issues like cockroach infestation, AC problems, seepage, and more, which I have evidence of through pictures and videos. I posted a Google review mentioning his name, stating he is the worst person I've encountered in 10 years. He has filed a complaint with the Dubai police. I have since removed the Google review and apologized in front of the police. However, he insists on harassing me and threatening legal action. How should I handle this situation?

Q: Hello, A customer wrote a negative review about my business, saying they don't recommend my services to anyone. What legal actions can I take to have them remove it?

The Law sets up the legal framework for the protection of consumer rights in the UAE. The Law establishes the Higher Committee for Consumer Protection and the Consumer Protection Department, and sets up the fines for breach of its provisions.

This Law promulgates the Federal Penal Code (Criminal Law) of the United Arab Emirates. Crimes and chastisement punishments shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of this Law and other penal codes.