What should I do if I am arrested in Dubai?

Stay calm and do not resist. You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Do not sign any documents or make any statements before speaking to a criminal defense lawyer. Call us immediately; we will tell you exactly what to do from that moment.

How fast can a criminal defense lawyer reach me in Dubai?

Our team is available now. When you call or WhatsApp us, we respond immediately. For urgent situations, like arrest, police questioning, or an imminent hearing, we treat your case as a priority from the first contact.

What happens at Dubai criminal court?

Criminal cases in Dubai start at the Public Prosecution stage. The prosecution decides whether to send the case to the Court of First Instance. If convicted, you can appeal to the Court of Appeal and then the Court of Cassation. Each stage has deadlines. Having a lawyer from the start gives you the best chance at every stage.

Can I be deported after a criminal conviction in Dubai?

Yes. A criminal conviction in Dubai can result in deportation and a re-entry ban, especially for expats. This makes early legal intervention critical. The sooner you involve a criminal defense lawyer, the more options you have to prevent this outcome.

What is the difference between criminal defense and criminal litigation?

Criminal defense is the work done to protect your rights and build your case before and during trial. Criminal litigation refers specifically to court proceedings. Our team handles both. We defend you from the moment of arrest and represent you in court if the case goes that far.

Can you handle a criminal case if my family member is arrested and I am outside Dubai?

Yes. We work with family members who are abroad and need to help a loved one facing criminal charges in Dubai. We can act on your behalf, keep you fully informed, and represent your family member in all court proceedings, you do not need to be in Dubai yourself.

Does Leaders Advocates handle criminal cases for expats and non-Arabic speakers?

Yes. Our criminal defense team speaks Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, Turkish and Hindi. We have handled criminal cases for clients from across Europe, South Asia, Russia, and the Arab world. You do not need to speak Arabic to get strong legal representation in Dubai criminal courts.

Defamation Lawyers in Dubai | Faris Raian; Leaders Advocates

Criminal Law · Dubai

False accusations, insulting WhatsApp messages, and damaging social media posts can hurt your name and your business fast, and UAE law treats defamation as a serious offense. Whether someone has spread lies about you, posted a false review, or accused you of defamation yourself, you need a defamation lawyer in Dubai who can act quickly. Our lawyers handle online defamation, WhatsApp and social media cases, oral and written defamation, and defamation defense cases across the UAE, in five languages.

All Defamation Types Covered

Online, WhatsApp, social media, oral and written

20+ years

handling defamation and reputation cases in the UAE

Award-Winning

Recognised criminal and dispute law firm

5 Languages

Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu and Turkish

QUICK ANSWER

Under UAE law, defamation means making a false statement about a person or a business, sharing it with someone else, in a way that damages that person’s reputation, honor or dignity. The statement has to be false, it has to reach a third party, and it has to be capable of causing harm.

Defamation is a criminal offense in the UAE, not only a civil matter. This means a case can lead to imprisonment or a fine for the person responsible, and a separate civil case can be filed to claim compensation for the damage caused.

Yes. Online defamation, including posts on social media, is a criminal offense under the UAE Cybercrime Law, and it carries harsher penalties than ordinary offline defamation.

Yes. WhatsApp messages, emails and other digital messages fall under the UAE Cybercrime Law, and saved messages or screenshots can be used as evidence in a defamation case.

No, not for a criminal complaint. You only need to prove financial loss if you are pursuing a separate civil claim for compensation.

An insult usually affects a person’s honor or dignity without describing a specific false event. Defamation involves a false statement or accusation that could expose someone to hatred, contempt or harm to their reputation. Both are treated seriously under UAE law.

It depends on the wording. A simple negative opinion, like saying you did not enjoy a service, is not usually defamation. A false and damaging claim, like accusing a business of fraud or theft without proof, can cross the line into defamation.

Once a complaint is filed with the police, the case can move to the Public Prosecution and then to court if there is enough evidence. Under the UAE Penal Code, ordinary defamation can lead to imprisonment and a fine, while online defamation under the Cybercrime Law carries a much higher fine, along with possible imprisonment. A lawyer can help you file the complaint correctly and preserve the evidence needed to support it.

IS THIS YOUR SITUATION?

Defamation cases come in many forms. Tell us which one matches your situation, and we will tell you exactly what you need to do.

Someone posted false accusations about me on social media.

I received insulting or false WhatsApp messages that damaged my reputation.

A former employee or business partner is spreading false information about my company.

Someone is spreading rumors or lies that are affecting my personal life.

I have been accused of defamation and I need to defend myself.

An online review about my business contains false and damaging claims.

I am not sure if what was said about me is legally defamation.

I want to remove defamatory content and take legal action against the person who posted it.

If any of these match your situation, contact our defamation lawyers in Dubai today. Your consultation is completely confidential.

Why Leaders Advocates

We Handle Both Online and Offline Defamation.

Whether the defamation happened through a WhatsApp message, a social media post, or a spoken comment, we know how each type of case is treated differently under UAE law.

We Represent Both Individuals and Businesses.

A defamation case can affect a person’s name or a company’s reputation. We represent both, and we understand what each needs to prove its case.

We Move Fast to Preserve Evidence.

Screenshots, messages and posts can be deleted quickly. We act fast to help you preserve the evidence your case depends on, before it disappears.

We Speak Your Language.

Our lawyers speak Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu and Turkish. Explaining a defamation case is personal, and you should be able to do it in your own language.

Award Winning Legal Practice.

Leaders Advocates has been recognised for excellence in criminal and dispute law in the UAE. When you hire us, you are working with a firm that clients trust to protect their name.

Types of Defamation Cases

Every case gets a named lawyer from day one.

Online and Social Media Defamation

False posts, comments or reviews shared on social media platforms are treated as online defamation under the UAE Cybercrime Law, and can lead to a fine and imprisonment for the person responsible.

WhatsApp and Messaging App Defamation

Insulting or false messages sent through WhatsApp, email or other messaging apps fall under the same cybercrime rules as social media posts. Saved messages and screenshots are often the main evidence in these cases.

Oral Defamation (Slander)

Spoken statements made in front of others, at work, in public, or during a dispute, can amount to defamation if they are false and damage a person’s reputation, even without any written record.

Written Defamation (Libel)

False statements made in writing, whether in a letter, an email, a printed document or an online post, can amount to written defamation, and are treated seriously by UAE courts.

Business and Commercial Defamation

False claims made about a company, its products, its owners or its staff can damage a business’s reputation and its revenue. We help companies respond quickly to this kind of attack.

False Accusations and Rumors

Spreading a false accusation about someone, even without naming them directly, can be defamation if people can reasonably tell who is being talked about.

20+ years

Cybercrime Lawyer Dubai

Fraud Lawyer Dubai

Criminal Defense Lawyer Dubai

Understanding Defamation Law in the UAE

How to Preserve Evidence for a Defamation Case

Online Defamation and the UAE Cybercrime Law

Arabic

English

Russian

Urdu

Turkish

Understanding Defamation Law

What UAE Law Says About Defamation

Defamation in the UAE is mainly covered under Articles 425 to 428 of the Penal Code, Federal Decree Law No. 31 of 2021. Under Article 425, publicly spreading a false statement that exposes someone to hatred or contempt can lead to imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to AED 20,000. The law also covers insults that harm a person’s honor or dignity, even without a specific false incident being described.

Defamation Committed Online

Online defamation is covered separately under Article 43 of the UAE Cybercrime Law, Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021. Using a phone, an app or a website to insult or falsely accuse someone can lead to a fine of AED 250,000 up to AED 500,000, along with possible imprisonment, which is far higher than the penalty for ordinary offline defamation.

Have a question about your defamation case and which law applies to it? Contact our defamation lawyers in Dubai. We explain it clearly in the first consultation.

KEY THINGS TO KNOW

Defamation is a criminal offense in the UAE, not only a civil matter.

You do not need to prove financial loss for a criminal complaint, only for a separate civil claim.

The statement must be false, shared with a third party, and capable of harming reputation.

Deleting a defamatory post does not remove legal responsibility for it once it was already published.

Screenshots and saved messages can be used as evidence, so preserve them exactly as they were sent or posted.

Penalties are much higher when the defamation happens online than through ordinary offline speech.

THE PROCESS

Initial Consultation

WE ASSESS

We review the statement made against you, whether it is false, and whether it meets the legal test for defamation. About one hour.

Evidence Collection

WE PREPARE

We help you preserve screenshots, messages, recordings and witness details before they can be deleted or lost.

Filing the Complaint

WE PREPARE AND SUBMIT

We file your report with the police and prepare the formal complaint for the Public Prosecution.

Investigation and Prosecution

WE FOLLOW UP

We stay in contact with the investigating officer and the prosecution, and respond quickly to any request for more information.

Court Hearings

WE REPRESENT YOU

If the case goes to court, we attend every hearing and present the evidence on your behalf, whether you are the victim or the accused.

Civil Claim for Damages

WE PURSUE COMPENSATION

Where a financial or reputational loss can be proven, we file a civil claim to recover compensation alongside the criminal case.

WHERE TO FILE

Police Station

Most defamation cases start with a complaint at the police station that covers the area where the statement was made or where you are based. The complaint can be filed in writing or as a recorded oral statement.

Public Prosecution

Once the police complete their initial review, the case moves to the Public Prosecution, which decides whether to refer it to court.

Civil Court

A separate civil case can be filed in parallel to claim compensation for financial or reputational damage, whether or not the criminal case has concluded.

OUR SERVICES

Filing a Defamation Complaint

If someone has damaged your reputation with a false statement, we prepare and file your complaint with the police and the Public Prosecution, and gather the evidence needed to support it.

Defending Against a Defamation Accusation

If you have been accused of defamation, we review the statement in question, argue fair criticism where it applies, and represent you at every stage of the case.

Civil Claims for Reputation Damage

A criminal case can punish the offender, but it does not always cover your losses. We pursue civil claims to recover compensation for the damage caused to your name or your business.

Social Media Defamation

False posts, comments or tags on platforms like Instagram, X and Facebook that damage a person's or a business's reputation.

WhatsApp and Messaging Defamation

Insulting or false messages sent through WhatsApp, email or private chats, often used as key evidence once properly preserved.

Workplace and Business Defamation

False statements made by a current or former employee, manager or business partner that damage a company's name.

False Online Reviews

Reviews that go beyond a genuine opinion and make false, damaging claims about a business, its staff or its products.

Oral Insults and Rumors

Spoken statements or rumors shared in person, at work, or within a community, that harm someone's honor or reputation.

Being Falsely Accused of Defamation

A fair comment, a true statement, or a genuine dispute mistaken for a criminal defamation case.

ALTERNATIVES

Being Wrongly Accused of Defamation

A true statement, a fair opinion, or a genuine complaint is not automatically defamation. The law requires a false statement, not simply an unwelcome one. We build your defense around this difference.

Fair Criticism vs Defamation

Leaving a negative review or expressing dissatisfaction is different from making a false and damaging claim. We help show where a genuine opinion ends and a defamatory statement begins.

Defamation Claims Linked to a Business Dispute

Many defamation accusations come out of a soured business relationship or a workplace dispute. We separate what is a genuine defamation case from what is really a different kind of disagreement.

Defamation Charges Involving a Company

If your company or an employee has been accused of defaming another person or business, we advise on the company’s exposure and represent everyone involved.

Not sure whether what happened to you counts as defamation? Contact our defamation lawyers in Dubai. We assess your case and tell you clearly what your options are.

For Victims

Save every message, post, screenshot or recording related to the defamation before it can be deleted.
Note the date, time, platform and anyone else who saw or received the statement.
Do not respond publicly with your own insults or accusations, this can weaken your case and create a new complaint against you.
Report the case as soon as possible. Waiting can make it harder to trace who posted or sent the statement.
You can pursue a criminal complaint and a separate civil claim for compensation at the same time.
A lawyer can help you word your complaint correctly, since how the statement is described matters under UAE law.
Can I still file a case if the person already deleted the post or message? Deleting content does not remove their legal responsibility for it. If you already have a screenshot or a copy of the message, this can still be used as evidence. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to review what you have.

Client Experience

FAQs

What is the punishment for defamation in Dubai?

Under the UAE Penal Code, ordinary defamation can lead to imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to AED 20,000. If the defamation happens online, through social media or a messaging app, the Cybercrime Law allows a fine of AED 250,000 up to AED 500,000, along with possible imprisonment.

Do I need proof to file a defamation case in the UAE?

Yes. You need evidence that a false statement was made, that it reached another person, and that it was capable of damaging your reputation. Screenshots, messages, recordings and witnesses can all support your case.

Can I still take legal action if the post was already deleted?

Yes, if you already have a screenshot or a saved copy of the content. Deleting a post does not remove the person’s legal responsibility for what they published.

How long does a defamation case take in Dubai courts?

This depends on the complexity of the case, how much evidence is involved, and whether it is an online case or an offline one. A straightforward WhatsApp or social media case can move faster than one involving multiple parties or witnesses.

Can a company sue for defamation in the UAE?

Yes. A business can file a defamation complaint if false statements have damaged its name, its products or its management, in the same way an individual can.

Can I be deported for a defamation conviction as an expat?

A criminal conviction, including for defamation, can lead to deportation for a foreign national, in addition to a prison sentence or a fine.

What should I do if someone is falsely accusing me of defamation?

Do not delete anything related to the claim. Save your own messages and evidence showing the true context of what you said, and speak to a lawyer immediately so you are prepared if a formal complaint is filed.

Is online defamation illegal in the UAE?

Yes. Online defamation, including posts on social media and messages sent through apps, is a criminal offense under the UAE Cybercrime Law, and carries stricter penalties than ordinary offline defamation.

Can I sue someone for defamation over a WhatsApp message?

Yes. WhatsApp messages fall under the UAE Cybercrime Law, and saved messages or screenshots can be used as evidence, as long as they are kept in their original, unedited form.

Whether someone has damaged your reputation online, through WhatsApp, or through spoken words, or you are facing a defamation accusation yourself, our defamation lawyers in Dubai are ready to help. Reputation cases move fast, and the sooner you act, the stronger your case. Your consultation is completely confidential. Contact us today.