Yes, a fake or abusive online review can lead to a criminal case in the UAE. Dubai Police said this week that it had arrested a group accused of posting false negative reviews on a company’s Google Maps page. Under Article 43 of the UAE’s cybercrime law, insulting someone or accusing them of something that exposes them to punishment or contempt online can bring jail, a fine of Dh250,000 to Dh500,000, or both. An honest review of a real experience is still allowed.
What Dubai Police announced
According to Khaleej Times, which reported the case on Monday 12 October 2026, a company’s management filed a complaint after a wave of negative comments appeared on its Google Maps listing. Investigators found that certain commercial shops had formed groups to post the false reviews in order to damage the company’s reputation and cause it financial losses. Police have not said how many people were arrested.
The case was discussed by Major Yasser Juma Mohammed, head of the Social Media Crimes Section at Dubai Police’s General Department of Criminal Investigation, on a Dubai Police podcast. He said that “freedom of expression has limits” and that social media “must not be used to harm individuals, businesses or their interests.” The National, reporting on 15 October, quoted him drawing a line between honest negative reviews, which customers are free to post, and insults or defamation.
The penalties in the law
| Offence (Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021) | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Article 43: insulting someone online, or attributing to them something that would expose them to punishment or contempt | Imprisonment and/or a fine of Dh250,000 to Dh500,000 |
| Article 52: spreading false news or rumours | At least one year in jail and a fine of at least Dh100,000 |
| Civil claim by the person or business harmed | Compensation set by the court, separate from any criminal penalty |
Lawyers quoted by The National stressed two points. A complaint does not automatically mean an offence was committed: it depends on what was written and the circumstances. And deleting a review afterwards does not remove liability, because screenshots and the platform’s own records can still be used as evidence.
Writing a review without getting into trouble
- Only review what you actually experienced. A review of a shop, restaurant or service you never used is the kind of post this case was about.
- Stick to facts. “My order arrived two days late and the box was damaged” is a factual complaint. Calling the owner a thief or a fraud is an accusation you may have to prove.
- Criticise the product or service, not a person. Leave out staff names and personal insults.
- Never post as part of a group or for payment, whether to attack a competitor or to boost a business.
- Do not share photos or videos of people without their permission. Dubai Police said filming someone without consent can lead to a case if that person complains.
- Use the formal route for a real dispute. The National notes that UAE consumer protection law gives customers a formal way to complain and seek compensation, which is usually more effective than an angry review.
If you are on the receiving end of a coordinated review attack, or any other online fraud, our guide to common UAE scams and how to report them lists where to report it. For another warning issued this week, see the Indian Embassy’s alert on fake visa agencies.
Quick answers
Can I be fined for a bad Google review in the UAE?
An honest negative review of a real experience is allowed. A review that insults someone or falsely accuses them can be prosecuted under Article 43 of the cybercrime law, with jail and/or a fine of Dh250,000 to Dh500,000.
Does deleting a review remove the risk?
No. Lawyers quoted by The National said deleting a review does not automatically remove legal liability, because screenshots and platform records can still be used as evidence.
What should I do instead if a business treated me badly?
Keep your receipts and messages and file a consumer complaint through the official channel in your emirate. You can still post a factual review of what happened, without insults or accusations you cannot prove.
Published 15 October 2026. Sources: Khaleej Times (12 October 2026) on the Dubai Police arrests; The National (15 October 2026) on the law and lawyers’ comments; UAE Public Prosecution guidance on Article 43, as reported by Gulf News. General information, not legal advice.
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