Is insulting someone in a WhatsApp group a crime in the UAE?

Yes, insulting someone in a WhatsApp group can be a crime in the UAE. Because WhatsApp is an electronic means of communication, offensive or defamatory messages sent there fall under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes. The UAE takes online insults seriously, and a group chat is treated as a place where reputation can be harmed in front of others, which can make the offence more serious than a private one-to-one message. Swearing at an identifiable person, accusing them of dishonesty or immoral behaviour, or sharing humiliating content about them can all lead to a complaint. The person insulted can file a report with the police or the emirate's e-crime channel and provide screenshots, which are commonly used as evidence. Penalties are set by the law and the court and may include a fine, and for non-citizens a conviction can have immigration consequences. If you have received a complaint or want to defend yourself, you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI experienced in cybercrime and defamation matters.