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: Hi, We own a small pet shop business in Dubai, and a customer posted an extremely damaging Google review, advising people not to use our services. She was initially very pleased after her dog was groomed, paid for the service, and even thanked the groomer for the excellent job—all of which we have on CCTV. However, a few days later, she posted a terrible review, shouted at our staff, left a threatening voicemail, and declared online that no one should use our services. What action can we take against her as this is so damaging to a small business in a small community? Thank you in advance for any advice!

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I asked a veterinary clinic to tell me what the names of the last medications I paid for were. The vet had handed them to me in a rush and never billed me, and I had come in on my own to pay. The receipt for which I thought the payment was turned out to be for something completely different. The vet has no notes on the matter. Same with the manager who took the payment. I have asked them to check the CCTV as I remember the date and time, but no answer. I don’t know if this is illegal! If I mention this incident in a review, could there be legal repercussions for me?

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).