Up to Dh500,000 fine: UAE experts warn against posting sarcastic, assumptive comments

Abu Dhabi: UAE legal experts have warned residents that leaving sarcastic, assumptive, or unpleasant comments on social media can lead to severe criminal penalties, including prison time and fines between Dh250,000 and Dh500,000.

This warning follows a recent case where a woman was detained overnight at an airport and transferred to police custody in Ajman after she commented on an Instagram photo calling another woman’s handbag a "fake" or a "knockoff". The comment triggered widespread online ridicule and cyberbullying against the bag's owner, who promptly filed a formal legal complaint.

Under Article 43 of the UAE Cybercrime Law, online insults or statements that expose another person to contempt, public mockery, or reputational harm are heavily criminalised.

Legal consultants emphasise that the law applies not just to explicit threats, but also to humour, personal opinions, and unverified accusations. Authorities assess both the intent and the real-world consequences of a post, including whether it caused emotional distress or damaged the victim's social standing.

Investigations into online defamation often involve immediate precautionary measures, such as travel bans, the confiscation of electronic devices, and potential deportation for foreign nationals.

Experts also warned that simply deleting an offensive comment does not erase legal liability, as digital evidence, screenshots, and archived posts are routinely used by authorities to examine how a comment contributed to wider public shaming.

Social media users are urged to use neutral language and avoid making public, unverified claims about individuals online.