Someone is blackmailing me on WhatsApp in Dubai — what should I do?

Blackmail and extortion carried out over WhatsApp are criminal offences in the UAE under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes, which specifically addresses threats and extortion committed through electronic means. Do not pay and do not keep negotiating, as payment usually invites further demands. Stop responding, but do not delete the chat: preserve the messages, phone numbers, account names and any screenshots, because this evidence supports a criminal complaint. Report it quickly. In Dubai you can use Dubai Police's eCrime platform or call their hotline; in Abu Dhabi the Aman service handles such reports; elsewhere you can go to the nearest police station. The Public Prosecution can then investigate and pursue the blackmailer, and authorities treat victims, including those pressured over private images, confidentially. Acting fast improves the chance of tracing the offender. Because timing and evidence handling matter, you may want professional guidance; you can compare verified UAE legal professionals on LEXAI to find someone experienced in cybercrime and extortion cases.