A social media influencer has been ordered to pay Dh81,000 after a UAE court found that a video she posted about a restaurant amounted to defamation rather than legitimate criticism, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) said.
The influencer had filmed the restaurant and shared the video on her social media account, making allegations about the owner’s integrity and business practices. The owner filed a complaint, claiming the video damaged his personal and professional reputation.
During investigations, the defendant admitted filming the premises and publishing the video, but said it was intended as criticism. However, authorities determined that the content contained personal insults and defamatory remarks rather than an objective review of the restaurant’s services.
The court convicted the influencer, fined her Dh30,000, ordered the removal of the video and confiscated the mobile phone used to record and publish the content.
It also ordered her to pay Dh51,000 in temporary civil compensation to the restaurant owner, bringing the total financial penalty to Dh81,000.
The ADJD warned that while consumers are allowed to share opinions about products and services, social media posts that target individuals with abusive allegations or harm reputations can result in legal action under UAE law.