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Online defamation removal · Dubai & the UAE

Online Defamation Removal in the UAE: evidence first, then fast action

Online defamation in the UAE is a crime, and the law is on the side of the person attacked. United Press helps individuals and companies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and across the Emirates get defamatory posts, videos and accounts taken down, and prepares the evidence your lawyers need if you decide to go further.

  • Free, confidential plan in 24 hours
  • Evidence captured before removal
  • English and Arabic content
  • Work alongside your UAE lawyers
Get my confidential planUAE law explained
First steps

What to do in the first 24 hours

  1. Do not reply or delete anythingReplies spread the post. Your own messages may be needed as evidence.
  2. Save the evidenceUAE lawyers stress that deleting a post does not remove the writer’s liability. We capture screenshots, links, dates and account details first.
  3. Report to the platformMost defamatory content also breaks platform rules, which is often the fastest way to get it down.
  4. Decide on legal stepsWith your lawyer, decide whether to file a complaint, for example through Dubai Police’s eCrime platform or the public prosecution.
UAE law

Online defamation in the UAE: what the law says

Online defamation in the UAE: removing defamatory posts and fake accounts
Cybercrimes Law, Article 43Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 covers insults and statements online that expose someone to punishment or public contempt. Penalties include fines of AED 250,000 to AED 500,000, prison, or both.
Crimes and Penalties LawFederal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 covers libel (Article 425) and slander (Article 426). One post can breach both laws.
Truth is generally not a defenceUAE law generally does not accept truth as a defence to defamation, except in limited cases about public officials. This is very different from the UK and the US.
Posters outside the UAEIf the person or the website is abroad, UAE law is harder to enforce. Platform reports and action in the other country become more important.

We are a reputation management firm, not a law firm. Criminal complaints and claims are filed by you and your UAE lawyers; we prepare the evidence and handle the platforms.

What we handle

Defamatory content we deal with

Social media posts

Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook and LinkedIn posts, stories and videos.

Fake accounts

Impersonation accounts and pages set up to attack a person or brand.

WhatsApp forwards

Messages that move from private groups onto public sites and social media.

Blogs and forums

Anonymous sites and threads that rank for your name.

Fake reviews

False accusations in Google or Glassdoor reviews, covered by our 96-hour review guarantee.

AI answers

When chatbots repeat false claims, we correct the sources they rely on.

FAQ

Online defamation in the UAE: common questions

How do I remove a defamatory post in the UAE?

Save the evidence first, then report the post to the platform under its rules. If that fails, or the harm is serious, your lawyer can file a criminal complaint under the UAE Cybercrimes Law.

What are the penalties for online defamation in the UAE?

Under Article 43 of the Cybercrimes Law, fines of AED 250,000 to AED 500,000, prison, or both. The Crimes and Penalties Law can also apply.

Is truth a defence in the UAE?

Generally not, except in limited cases about public officials. Insulting posts can be an offence even if parts are true.

What if the poster lives outside the UAE?

UAE law is harder to enforce abroad, so platform reports and action in the poster’s country matter more. We plan the route with you.

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