Is Your Online Review Illegal in the UAE?

Where honest feedback ends and legal liability begins.

The UAE maintains some of the most comprehensive cybercrime laws in the world. A recent ruling by an Abu Dhabi court—where a social media influencer was ordered to pay Dh81,000 for a defamatory restaurant video—has placed a sharp spotlight on the legal boundaries of online reviews. 

As a consumer, you have the right to share your genuine experience. However, crossing the line into personal attacks, unverified accusations, or unauthorized filming can lead to heavy fines, imprisonment, or even deportation. 

Service Feedback vs. Personal Attack

When evaluating online reviews, UAE judicial authorities look at one core question: Is this a review of the service provided, or an attack on the person behind it? 

• Legitimate Consumer Feedback: Involves sharing an honest, objective opinion about a product, service, or customer experience. Statements tied strictly to measurable facts—such as "the food was cold," "the delivery took two hours," or "the pricing differed from the menu"—are legitimate consumer observations. 
• Defamation & Character Attacks: Occurs when a review moves beyond objective feedback to target an individual’s honor, dignity, integrity, or moral character. Labeling a business a "scam," calling an owner a "thief," or alleging fraud without formal legal proof exposes the reviewer to severe criminal and civil liability. 

Key Laws & Penalties

• Cybercrime Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021):
• Article 43 (Defamation): Jail time and fines from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000 for online insults or libel.
• Article 44 (Privacy): Minimum 6 months jail and fines up to Dh500,000 for publishing photos/videos of staff or customers without explicit consent.
• Article 79 (Deportation): Expatriates convicted under cybercrime laws face potential deportation.
• Penal Code (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, Art. 425): Up to 2 years in prison for public slander exposing someone to contempt.

The Dh81,000 Restaurant Review

In a widely reported precedent from Abu Dhabi, an influencer filmed inside a local restaurant and posted a video criticizing the venue on social media. While the influencer claimed the post was intended as criticism, the court determined the content targeted the restaurant owner’s personal integrity and business ethics directly. The Final Court Directive was:

• Dh30,000 criminal fine (payable to the State) 
• Dh51,000 temporary civil compensation (payable to the business owner) 
• Mandatory removal of the video and permanent confiscation of the mobile device used to record it 

3 Rules for Safe Reviews

1. Review the Service, Not the Person: Stick to factual touchpoints like price, speed, and quality. Never judge an owner's character.
2. Stick to Verifiable Facts: Avoid exaggeration or unverified claims.
3. No Unconsented Photos/Videos: Never post media featuring employees or other customers without explicit permission.

Facing a major dispute? Don't post on social media. File an official complaint via the Consumer Protection Authority (Federal Law No. 15 of 2020) or local municipal bodies. If an experience involves severe breach of contract, safety hazards, financial loss, or potential fraud, utilize official statutory resolution channels.

Unsure where your review falls? Contact the legal team at Enrule Legal Consultancy for expert guidance on UAE compliance.