Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allCan my former employer sue me for writing a bad review online?


1
Q: Dear Sir/Madam,
I recently wrote a bad review on Google about my former employer (a clinic). I wrote about its micromanagement and toxic work environment.
Everything I wrote was 100% true, and I did not violate any confidentiality or publish any false information.
Now, my former employer has threatened to sue me for defamation. They say I will be sentenced to jail or fined.
Is this legally true? Am I really in trouble?



May 1, 2023
136
Legal threats in Dubai after a critical Google review. What to do?




2
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?





Dec 14, 2023
1122
Blogging about a restaurant and giving a negative review
2
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?

Oct 25, 2018
1831
Laws & Regulations
2 available 2 • View allFederal Decree-Law No. (31) of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law 0
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).
Sep 20, 2021
481
Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 On Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes 0
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).
Sep 20, 2021
355

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718 718 answers •
View allIs it legal to reduce the salary after signing an employment contract? 0
Hello,
Is it legal to reduce the salary after signing an employment contract?
Mar 19, 2025
88
Can the owner of a company escape if there is a cheque execution and travel ban on him? 0
I raised a cheque execution case against a company and its owner and won. There is a travel ban on him. I was receiving installments for three months and now he stopped paying.
The court after request summoned him. In total, he paid only 30% of the owed money. I found that his company license is expired and also in the month his visa will expire.
Does he have any option to avoid payment?
Please note he was deceived by showing no money in his bank account and no assets in his name but he is running multiple businesses.
Also a month ago, he tried to convince me to lift the travel ban but I refused to do so. But he submitted a guarantee and left UAE.
Now the status shows he is back in the UAE and the travel ban imposed again. But after that, he stopped payment.
Is there a 1% chance of him not paying me the remaining money?
Is there a way he can leave the country through the Amnesty program or any of this sort?
Mar 12, 2025
100
In EMARATAX, must two licenses for the same activity in different emirates register separately? 0
Hello,
In EMARATAX (The Federal Tax Authority), if someone has two licenses in different emirates for the same activity, does he need to register two taxable persons, or how should he proceed?
Mar 2, 2025
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Can a developer demand extra payment for a 30% size increase after handover? 0
Hello,
I purchased a one-bedroom off-plan unit in Dubai from a well-known developer under an SPA specifying an area of 801 sq. ft. I completed all payments as per the developer’s payment plan, and the unit was handed over to me without a Title Deed.
After taking possession, furnishing the unit, signing a tenancy contract, and making repeated follow-ups to obtain my Title Deed, the developer informed me, 45 days after handover, that the actual area was 1,041.41 sq. ft., a 30% increase from the original SPA terms.
To receive my Title Deed, they are now demanding payment for the increased size.
Key issues:
- Failure to notify me before handover about the 30% increase in area.
- The SPA allows for price adjustments for area variations but specifies that such adjustments must be reflected in the final installment, which I had already fully paid before handover.
- The developer has now filed a legal case through Dubai Courts, demanding payment.
I require legal advice based on RERA/DLD laws and the SPA.
Mar 12, 2025
66
How to recover unpaid fees from a client who refuses to pay for online consulting services? 0
Hello,
A client of mine used our consulting services online and is refusing to pay. Despite multiple reminders, she still has not made the payment. What legal action can I take against her?
Mar 7, 2025
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1296 1296 answers •
View allIs the compensation for notice period deducted on the basis of full salary or basic salary? 0
Hello,
I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation".
Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?
Mar 21, 2025
72
What can I do if my employment visa got rejected multiple times by CID? 0
Hi Everyone,
I have been working in the UAE since 2019.
Since 31 December 2024, I have been in my home country because my visa was rejected a couple of times.
After waiting for 3 months, I found a new job in the UAE, but the employer told me again that the government did not approve my visa, and that was part of the CID approval.
I would like to know if I can find something to clear my issues, which would allow me again to start my work in the UAE.
Apr 17, 2025
1
Can I hold the delivery of goods to a buyer outside the UAE if he defaulted on payment? 0
I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract.
The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance.
They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document.
The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on:
1. Which law applies to this dispute?
2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above?
Kindly advise.
Mar 21, 2025
49
I purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi. Can I evict the tenant immediately if there is no Tawtheeq contact? 0
I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered.
Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in.
However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract.
What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out?
What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?
Mar 25, 2025
68
Changed my mind before signing the lease agreement. Are my post-dated rent checks at risk? 0
Hello,
I recently found an apartment for rent and agreed with the agent to make payments in three installments.
I provided the agent with post-dated checks for the second and third payments and planned to transfer the first payment, deposit, and agency fee to the agent’s account once the lease agreement was finalized.
However, the lease agreement has not been finalized yet, and I have since found a better place. Since I have not signed any lease agreement, should I be concerned about the landlord cashing the checks for the second and third payments? Is it legal?
Additionally, the agent requested an extra 2,000 dirhams beyond the amount he intended to include in the lease agreement.
Mar 25, 2025
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View allWhat can I do in case of odometer tampering, false ownership information, and a flood-damaged vehicle? 0
What can I do in case of odometer tampering, false ownership information, and a flood-damaged vehicle?
What is the procedure for filing a fraud complaint about these issues?
Mar 21, 2025
68
What can I do if my employment visa got rejected multiple times by CID? 0
Hi Everyone,
I have been working in the UAE since 2019.
Since 31 December 2024, I have been in my home country because my visa was rejected a couple of times.
After waiting for 3 months, I found a new job in the UAE, but the employer told me again that the government did not approve my visa, and that was part of the CID approval.
I would like to know if I can find something to clear my issues, which would allow me again to start my work in the UAE.
Apr 17, 2025
1
Can I hold the delivery of goods to a buyer outside the UAE if he defaulted on payment? 0
I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract.
The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance.
They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document.
The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on:
1. Which law applies to this dispute?
2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above?
Kindly advise.
Mar 21, 2025
49
I purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi. Can I evict the tenant immediately if there is no Tawtheeq contact? 0
I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered.
Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in.
However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract.
What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out?
What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?
Mar 25, 2025
68
Terminated for performance issues without prior warning while on vacation. What should I do? 0
Hello Sir,
I am facing an issue with my employer. I work in the private sector in the UAE, and my employment visa expires in June 2025.
After two years, I traveled to my home country for vacation, and one week after my arrival, the company sent me an email terminating my employment due to performance issues.
However, I was never given any prior warning or written notice. The termination email also did not mention any notice period or other details.
I would like to know my rights and what I should do in this situation.
Mar 25, 2025
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1592 1592 answers •
View allWhat can I do if my employment visa got rejected multiple times by CID? 0
Hi Everyone,
I have been working in the UAE since 2019.
Since 31 December 2024, I have been in my home country because my visa was rejected a couple of times.
After waiting for 3 months, I found a new job in the UAE, but the employer told me again that the government did not approve my visa, and that was part of the CID approval.
I would like to know if I can find something to clear my issues, which would allow me again to start my work in the UAE.
Apr 17, 2025
1
Does unpaid leave include weekends if they fall within the leave period? 0
Hello,
If I take unpaid leave and a weekend falls in between, will the weekend also be counted as unpaid leave, meaning I will not receive a salary for those weekend days?
Thank you!
Mar 23, 2025
84
Terminated for performance issues without prior warning while on vacation. What should I do? 0
Hello Sir,
I am facing an issue with my employer. I work in the private sector in the UAE, and my employment visa expires in June 2025.
After two years, I traveled to my home country for vacation, and one week after my arrival, the company sent me an email terminating my employment due to performance issues.
However, I was never given any prior warning or written notice. The termination email also did not mention any notice period or other details.
I would like to know my rights and what I should do in this situation.
Mar 25, 2025
68
Changed my mind before signing the lease agreement. Are my post-dated rent checks at risk? 0
Hello,
I recently found an apartment for rent and agreed with the agent to make payments in three installments.
I provided the agent with post-dated checks for the second and third payments and planned to transfer the first payment, deposit, and agency fee to the agent’s account once the lease agreement was finalized.
However, the lease agreement has not been finalized yet, and I have since found a better place. Since I have not signed any lease agreement, should I be concerned about the landlord cashing the checks for the second and third payments? Is it legal?
Additionally, the agent requested an extra 2,000 dirhams beyond the amount he intended to include in the lease agreement.
Mar 25, 2025
51
Can the new owner use the old eviction notice to re-rent at a higher rate? 0
Hello,
My landlord issued an eviction notice stating an intention to sell.
He has since sold the property before the eviction date, and now the new owner intends to use the old notice to evict me and re-rent the apartment at a higher rate.
Is this allowed?
Mar 24, 2025
116

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559 559 answers •
View allIs the compensation for notice period deducted on the basis of full salary or basic salary? 0
Hello,
I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation".
Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?
Mar 21, 2025
72
Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit? 0
Hello,
Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit?
At the same time, they are employed by another company.
Mar 21, 2025
59
Does unpaid leave include weekends if they fall within the leave period? 0
Hello,
If I take unpaid leave and a weekend falls in between, will the weekend also be counted as unpaid leave, meaning I will not receive a salary for those weekend days?
Thank you!
Mar 23, 2025
84
Can I hold the delivery of goods to a buyer outside the UAE if he defaulted on payment? 0
I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract.
The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance.
They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document.
The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on:
1. Which law applies to this dispute?
2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above?
Kindly advise.
Mar 21, 2025
49
I purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi. Can I evict the tenant immediately if there is no Tawtheeq contact? 0
I recently purchased a rented apartment in Abu Dhabi and agreed to honor the existing lease. After the transfer, I discovered that the lease is not a Tawtheeq contract, meaning it is not officially registered.
Since I am not receiving rent (as it was a non-refundable arrangement with the seller), I prefer not to issue a new Tawtheeq. I also want to avoid a formal notice to vacate to prevent disputes, as I plan to move in.
However, I have already informed the tenant that I will not be renewing the lease. I need legal advice on the implications of proceeding without a Tawtheeq contract.
What are my risks, especially if the tenant refuses to move out?
What legal actions, if any, can the tenant take in this situation?
Mar 25, 2025
68

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233 233 answers •
View allCan a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit? 0
Hello,
Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit?
At the same time, they are employed by another company.
Mar 21, 2025
59
Terminated for performance issues without prior warning while on vacation. What should I do? 0
Hello Sir,
I am facing an issue with my employer. I work in the private sector in the UAE, and my employment visa expires in June 2025.
After two years, I traveled to my home country for vacation, and one week after my arrival, the company sent me an email terminating my employment due to performance issues.
However, I was never given any prior warning or written notice. The termination email also did not mention any notice period or other details.
I would like to know my rights and what I should do in this situation.
Mar 25, 2025
68
Can the new owner use the old eviction notice to re-rent at a higher rate? 0
Hello,
My landlord issued an eviction notice stating an intention to sell.
He has since sold the property before the eviction date, and now the new owner intends to use the old notice to evict me and re-rent the apartment at a higher rate.
Is this allowed?
Mar 24, 2025
116
Am I allowed to wear a burka during the divorce hearing at the family court? 0
Hello,
Am I allowed to wear a burka during the divorce hearing at the family court?
Apr 16, 2025
43
How can I cancel my current visa immediately without serving notice? 0
Hello,
I got an offer letter from another company. I want the immediate cancellation paper before 20th April.
I don't have time to submit my notice period registration. What should I do?
Please give me the best advice!
Apr 4, 2025
89

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672 672 answers •
View allTerminated for performance issues without prior warning while on vacation. What should I do? 0
Hello Sir,
I am facing an issue with my employer. I work in the private sector in the UAE, and my employment visa expires in June 2025.
After two years, I traveled to my home country for vacation, and one week after my arrival, the company sent me an email terminating my employment due to performance issues.
However, I was never given any prior warning or written notice. The termination email also did not mention any notice period or other details.
I would like to know my rights and what I should do in this situation.
Mar 25, 2025
68
A firm took payment but didn’t ship cargo or refund. Can we file a case? 0
Hello,
The matter is whether we can file a case against an Ajman-based firm for non-shipment of cargo against the payment made to them.
They haven’t delivered the cargo nor returned the amount.
Apr 17, 2025
18
My tenant was supposed to vacate as per the contract. Can I rent the property to another tenant? 0
Good morning.
My tenant was supposed to vacate the property on 15th April 2025 as per the contract.
Now he is not answering the phone, and the property is still in use.
Please guide the way forward. I have already rented the property to a new tenant.
Apr 16, 2025
19
If an employee is terminated due to poor performance, is he eligible for compensation? 0
Hi,
For the private sector, if an employee got terminated due to warning letters for poor performance issued to him, is he eligible for a 1-month compensation salary?
Apr 15, 2025
36
How can I cancel my current visa immediately without serving notice? 0
Hello,
I got an offer letter from another company. I want the immediate cancellation paper before 20th April.
I don't have time to submit my notice period registration. What should I do?
Please give me the best advice!
Apr 4, 2025
89

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3199 3199 answers •
View allWhat can I do in case of odometer tampering, false ownership information, and a flood-damaged vehicle? 0
What can I do in case of odometer tampering, false ownership information, and a flood-damaged vehicle?
What is the procedure for filing a fraud complaint about these issues?
Mar 21, 2025
68
Is the compensation for notice period deducted on the basis of full salary or basic salary? 0
Hello,
I understand that if anyone wishes to resign without serving their full notice period, they are supposed to compensate the employer for the remaining time that they didn't serve the notice, also known as "notice Compensation".
Is this notice compensation deducted based on the full salary or on the basic salary?
Mar 21, 2025
72
Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit? 0
Hello,
Can a registered company work with a freelancer who does not have a freelancer permit?
At the same time, they are employed by another company.
Mar 21, 2025
59
Does unpaid leave include weekends if they fall within the leave period? 0
Hello,
If I take unpaid leave and a weekend falls in between, will the weekend also be counted as unpaid leave, meaning I will not receive a salary for those weekend days?
Thank you!
Mar 23, 2025
84
Can I hold the delivery of goods to a buyer outside the UAE if he defaulted on payment? 0
I, as a UAE-based Seller, entered a sales agreement with a KSA-based Buyer. The Buyer defaulted on the LC payment, breaching the contract.
The goods are stuck at the port as they need original documents, which I am holding to recover the outstanding balance.
They later made a partial payment but now threaten to cash the PBG (UAE bank) I provided if don't release the document.
The contract mandates DIAC arbitration but lacks a governing law clause. I need advice on:
1. Which law applies to this dispute?
2. Where can I seek an injunction to prevent PBG encashment, given the Buyer’s bad faith and breach? Or should I send a letter to their bank with the brief above?
Kindly advise.
Mar 21, 2025
49

Premium
Other answers by
81 81 answers •
View allHow to get information about a friend taken by the Narcotics Department in Dubai? 0
Hi,
My friend has been taken by the Narcotics Department for the consumption and possession of some substance in Dubai.
How can we find out what the next procedure will be, as his family back in India has no information about it and no idea where the police have taken him or what the next steps are in this issue?
Apr 16, 2025
29
I secured a mortgage from the bank and the broker kept delaying until the MOU expired. What to do? 0
Hi,
I need some guidance regarding a property transaction that is not progressing as expected.
My broker initiated a manual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between me (the Buyer) and the Seller, with an expiry date of 01/02/2025. Within this period, I successfully arranged the bank mortgage, property evaluation, and NOC.
However, the broker started giving excuses, such as the seller being hospitalized. Later, the broker attempted to arrange a Power of Attorney (POA).
However, after that, they started ignoring my messages and calls. It now seems like they no longer intend to proceed with me, and the MOU has already expired.
Meanwhile, my bank EMI has already started, and I have paid two monthly installments. The broker is still unresponsive. I have raised multiple complaints through DLD RVS against the broker, but the response has been very slow and unsatisfactory.
I’m feeling stuck and financially burdened.
Please advise
Apr 9, 2025
108
My husband and I are Canadian Muslims and he passed away in the UAE. How to open an inheritance case? 0
Hi there,
My husband and I are Muslims. My husband passed away recently.
We have a Canadian will, but I understand that it won’t be honored as I am named the sole beneficiary, and that does not align with Sharia laws in the UAE. He was not a UAE resident but had a small apartment with no Will in the UAE.
We have 3 children. I am planning to go to Dubai to start an inheritance case. I don’t know the exact order of events and what needs to be done first.
1) Do I initiate anything from overseas before making travel plans to Dubai, or do I start once I arrive in Dubai?
Mind you, we cannot afford to stay in Dubai for too long, as the kids have school.
2) Do I need a lawyer, or can this be done by myself?
3) I understand all foreign documents need to be authenticated before presenting them to the court. But I don’t know at what stage I would need these documents authenticated.
I would appreciate it if you could provide a breakdown of the steps, the forms that are needed, and where I can find them.
Thank you
Mar 27, 2025
70
The tenant refuses to give rental cheques to the agent or pay the renewal fee as per the contract. What to do? 0
The tenant refuses to give rental cheques to the agent or pay the renewal fee specified in the contract. He is forcing the landlord to directly renew the agreement without any agent in between, and the landlord is uncomfortable dealing with him directly.
The tenant submitted a renewal contract in RDC with an offer and deposit case with modified terms and conditions, and removed the addendum, which is an integral part of the existing contract.
Parallelly, he submitted an Ejari request to the landlord for approval. The landlord rejected his offer and deposit request at the RDC portal due to non-compliance with the existing contract.
Accordingly, his Ejari request was also rejected. Since then, the tenant has not approached the landlord for renewal. The landlord is willing to renew the contract without any change in the existing contract and addendum.
How can the landlord secure the renewal cheques and conclude the contract?
Can he ask the tenant to vacate the apartment?
Please advise
Mar 25, 2025
76
Bought a tenanted property, but the tenant vanished. What legal action can I take? 0
Hello,
I bought a property that was tenanted. However, the tenant absconded and claims he handed it over to the previous owner. I was never informed of this by either the tenant or the landlord.
The landlord’s failure to hand over the property has caused us significant issues. We also purchased the house for its good rental yield, and it feels like some kind of scam.
What legal actions can we pursue?
Feb 28, 2025
85
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