Summary
- Defamation in the UAE is primarily a criminal offence, with potential penalties including fines, imprisonment, and deportation for non-citizens.
- The legal framework includes the Penal Code (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021) for offline defamation and Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 for online offences, which carries heavier penalties.
- Unlike common law systems, truth is not a general defence in defamation cases; intent to harm can lead to liability even for true statements published privately.
- Companies can also sue for defamation, and both individuals and businesses must navigate strict legal protocols to avoid serious consequences.
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