- In the UAE, online humiliation and defamation are criminal offenses, not only in civil matters.
- Social media observations are considered like material published with serious legal consequences.
- A woman was fined DH30,000 for insulting the other through messages and comments.
- Even private messages and “casual” language can give rise to gel, penalty or exile.
The UAE has seen an increase in high-profile defamation cases, many of which stems from social media misconduct. For new people, it is important to understand that accidental insults, impurity, or derogatory comments, can cause serious legal consequences here, somewhere else. According to the UAE law, online derogatory or defamation comments are considered with the same weight as the material printed in newspapers or books. In fact, the punishment can be even more rigid due to immediate access, durability and viral capacity of social media. A spontaneous post or message may look like a criminal offense can quickly become a criminal offense in the eyes of the law.
Compensation ordered by the court as a result of social media insult
Underlining the strict stance of the United Arab Emirates on digital misconduct and cyber defamation, the Abu Dhabi court for family, citizens and administrative matters ordered a woman to pay DH30,000 in compensation for sending abusive and aggressive messages through social media in an important decision. The case was born when the plaintiff filed a civil suit, claiming that the defendant insulted and cursed him through personal messages on a social media platform along with written comments on his photographs and videos. A criminal case was started and as a result conviction against the defendant. Subsequently, the plaintiff filed a civil claim, demanding DH150,000 in compensation for the loss of emotional, moral and material, which he said was due to insult. In addition to compensation, the court also ordered the defendant to bear all the legal costs and expenses associated with the case.
Legal Aadhaar and UAE strict cyber defamation structure
The case is based in many layers of the UAE law, especially in criminal defamation law and cyber crime regulations, which treat digital humiliation and misconduct, and often, more, as traditional forms of severity, such as in newspapers or books.This is largely due to the immediate, borderless and viral nature of social media platforms. Unlike traditional media, where defamation material rotates within a limited audience and timeline, the online posted material can spread rapidly, reach a global audience within seconds, and remain permanently accessible when removed. This increases the iconic losses, emotional crisis and capacity of social consequences for the victim. Relevant provisions include:
- The UAE Federal Law No. 3 (Penal Code) of 1987, article 371-380, which covers criminal defamation.
- On the 2012 Federal decree-lal number 5 cybercrime, modified by law number 34 of 2021, which controls electronic humiliation and misuse.
- In particular, Article 20 cries to insult or discredit others using information technology including computer network, website, SMS, email and social media platforms.
Under these laws:
- Oral or written misuse online is considered a criminal offense, not just a civil dispute.
- The punishment may include prison time, AED fines from 25,000 to AED 500,000, and exile for non-citizens.
- Defamation that targets religion, family respect or public authorities, even more serious consequences.
In particular, the UAE courts have clarified that social media posts, comments, direct messages, and even emoji or symbol, if objectionable, may come under the purview of electronic defamation. Additionally, group administrators and employers can also tolerate obligations if they fail to discover the derogatory content posted on their platforms or infrastructure.
Court’s decision and damage assessment
In its judgment, the court emphasized that assessment of damage, determination of work, and loss between the Act and loss within the discretionary authority of the court, provided that its conclusions are based in evidence and law. The court confirmed, based on the file of the criminal case, that the defendant used unholy and derogatory language against the plaintiff through a digital communication platform. It was supported by the document submitted to the Criminal Court, which formed the basis for civil proceedings. The ruling iconic between moral damage and physical damage:
- Ethical damage, the court stated, refers to non-financial loss, such as emotional crisis, dignity injury, damage to personal reputation and violation of personal rights. The plaintiff successfully performed it.
- On the other hand, material damage includes real financial or economic losses, such as income or business opportunities. The court said no clear evidence was presented to prove such physical damage.
While the plaintiff claimed the DH150,000, the court ruled that only the DH30,000 was warned for moral damage, based on the severity of the crime and the effect on the plaintiff.Importantly, the court clarified that compensation can be given for loss of future content, but only if such damage is proved and can be linked directly to the wrong act. In this case, the documents presented did not prove any future damage or sufficient display. For example, that part of the claim was rejected.
Legal and social takeaets
This ruling serves as a vigilant example and a remind of the legal consequences of online misconduct in the United Arab Emirates.
1. Defamation in UAE is a criminal offense
- Unlike many other countries, where defamation is a civil matter, it falls under criminal law in the United Arab Emirates.
- The victims can first file a criminal complaint, and if successful, the citizens proceed with compensation case.
2. Social media posts are considered as public communication
- Posts, comments, DMS and even emozis are not protected by informality on social platforms.
- Courts see such communication as published materials, especially when they reach a third party.
3. Compensation is based on proven loss
- Moral disadvantages (emotional pain, damage to prestige) are demonstrated.
- Loss (financial loss) of materials should be proved with clear documentation.
- Future losses can be compensated, but only when they are probability, direct and evidence.
4. Employers and group praise must be cautious
- If the abuse is held in groups using the office network, or in their control, employers and praise can also be implicated.
Q. Is the UAE oath on social media? Yes. Even a single aggressive term can be considered as a criminal offense under the online UAE Cyber Crime Act.Q. Can private messages be used in a defamation case? Yes. Insults or misuse sent through DMS, WhatsApp, or SMS can be used as evidence in court.Q. What is a fine for online insults in the United Arab Emirates? The fine ranges from DH25,000 to DH500,000 in probable exile for jail time and foreigners.Q. Can I be sued for posting rude remarks under someone’s photo? Absolutely. Public comments, even sarcastic or emotional, can be considered a complaint if they damage someone’s dignity.Q. What should I do if someone humiliates me online in UAE? You can file a complaint within 3 months of the incident at a local police station or through the Dubai Police App or website.
