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Article 43 of Federal Decree-Law 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrime criminalises online insult/defamation with up to AED 250,000 fine and possible deportation for expats. Defenses: truth (you must prove the statement was factually accurate) and that the statement was not directed at a specific identifiable person. Engage counsel immediately and explore an apology + settlement track — most cases withdraw on owner's request once a settlement is signed before trial.

UAE has zero tolerance. Under Article 49 of the Federal Traffic Law, first DUI conviction carries a fine starting at AED 20,000 and licence suspension between 6-12 months. Jail is discretionary on first offense for non-Muslims with no aggravating factors (no accident, no children in car) but is the default for Muslims. Employer notification depends on your role — if your contract requires a clean licence (driving role) or includes a moral-clause clause, HR will likely be informed by the licensing authority. Plead guilty early to mitigate; insurance is also voided.

Tadbeer-domestic-worker cases typically proceed even if the complainant has departed because the file is built from Tadbeer records and bank-transfer evidence. Get a certified statement from Tadbeer confirming employment dates, wages paid, and conditions; pull bank-statement proof of monthly transfers. The passport-withholding charge under Article 6 of Federal Law 10 of 2017 is serious — the police investigation will hinge on whether the passport stayed with you or with her. Engage counsel before any second police interview.

Add: a partial settlement plus an undertaking to pay the balance often persuades the prosecutor to lift the travel ban while the case continues. Engage counsel before the next prosecutorial summons — appearing voluntarily with a payment plan dramatically improves the outcome compared to being arrested at the airport.