Jail, up to Dhs500,000 fine for defamation

The Law on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes, amended by Federal Law No. (5) of 2024, stipulates that anyone who defames another person or attributes to them an act that could lead to their contempt or harm their dignity, using an information network or technological means, shall be punished with imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dhs250,000 and no more than Dhs500,000, or either of these penalties, according to Article (43) of the law.

- Mohammed Yaseen, Staff Reporter

The penalty is increased if the victim is a public official or if the defamation is published through an electronic media outlet or a widely influential account.