If someone has falsely accused you of a crime in the UAE, find out whether an official complaint has been registered and preserve any evidence that supports your position. Knowingly making a false report or accusing an innocent person in bad faith can also be a criminal offence under Articles 324 and 325 of Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021.
False allegations can arise from personal disagreements, workplace conflicts, financial disputes or relationship problems. In some cases, a person may deliberately file a complaint to pressure or harm someone else.
However, an accusation that cannot be proved is not automatically a false complaint. UAE law distinguishes between a genuine report made in good faith and an allegation made with knowledge of its falsity or in bad faith.
What To Do If Someone Falsely Accuses You
If someone has filed a false police complaint against you in Dubai, first establish what you have been accused of and which authority is handling the matter.
If you receive a police summons or prosecution notice, follow the official instructions. Do not ignore the complaint simply because you believe it is untrue.
Take the following steps:
- Obtain the complaint or case reference, where available.
- Preserve messages, documents and other evidence relating to the allegation.
- Prepare an accurate timeline of what happened.
- Identify any potential witnesses who may have important information.
- Avoid threatening or pressuring the complainant.
- Seek legal advice before taking further action.
Do not delete conversations or attempt to access another person’s accounts to obtain evidence.
If the allegation has resulted in a registered court case, you can also read our guide on how to check case status online in Dubai.
Is Making A False Accusation A Criminal Offence In The UAE?
Yes. Deliberately reporting a crime that never happened or falsely accusing an innocent person in bad faith can result in criminal liability.
Articles 324 and 325 of the UAE Crimes and Penalties Law address these offences. For example, knowingly reporting a fabricated theft is different from reporting a genuine suspicion that investigators later find insufficient evidence to support.
A person is not automatically guilty of false reporting simply because their original complaint was dismissed.
Penalties For False Allegations In The UAE
Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 provides different penalties depending on the nature of the false report.
| UAE Law | Offence | Possible Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Article 324 | Knowingly reporting an incident, danger or crime that did not occur | Imprisonment of up to six months and/or a fine |
| Article 325 | Falsely accusing someone in bad faith, fabricating material evidence or causing proceedings against a person known to be innocent | Imprisonment and/or a fine |
| Article 325 - aggravated circumstances | Falsely reporting a felony | Imprisonment and a fine |
Article 325 also provides that if a false report results in the imposition of a felony penalty, the false reporter may face the same penalty imposed.
Other Legal Risks
Depending on the circumstances, making a false allegation may create additional legal consequences.
- Compensation: The accused person may seek compensation for damage caused by a false accusation.
- Online defamation: Publishing allegations on social media may result in separate liability under the UAE Cybercrime Law.
- Fabricated evidence: Creating false documents or altering evidence may raise further criminal issues.
- Employment consequences: False allegations made at work may result in disciplinary action, depending on the circumstances and applicable law.
These consequences are not automatic. Each alleged offence or claim must satisfy its own legal requirements.
Official reference: Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 – UAE Crimes and Penalties Law.
Is Every Unproven Complaint A False Accusation?
No. A complaint may be dismissed because there is insufficient evidence, conflicting witness statements or no established criminal offence.
For example, someone may genuinely believe that money was stolen and report the matter. If the investigation later establishes that no theft occurred, this alone does not mean the complainant committed a crime.
The key difference is whether the individual intentionally provided incorrect information or purposefully accused someone in ill faith. An acquittal or dismissed complaint does not automatically establish either of these elements.
How To Prove A False Accusation
Evidence must address the original allegation and, where relevant, help establish that the complainant knew it was false. The type of evidence required depends on the circumstances.
| Evidence | What It May Help Establish |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp messages and emails | Earlier statements, threats or contradictions |
| Bank records and receipts | Whether an alleged payment or transaction occurred |
| Contracts and business documents | The actual agreement between the parties |
| Existing CCTV footage | What happened at a particular location |
| Witness information | Independent accounts of the incident |
| Police and court documents | The allegation and its recorded outcome |
For example, if someone falsely claims that you received money from them, bank statements and relevant correspondence may help establish what actually happened.
Always keep original files, rather than relying only on cropped screenshots. Do not edit evidence or attempt to influence witnesses.
Can You File A Lawsuit Against The Accuser?
Yes, if the circumstances and evidence support a separate offence of false reporting or malicious accusation. You may approach the competent authority with the relevant documents and explain why you believe the allegation was knowingly fabricated.
However, the original complaint being dismissed is not sufficient by itself. The evidence must support the legal requirements of the proposed complaint. It is advisable to review the available documents before filing a counter-complaint, particularly if the original investigation is still ongoing.
If the allegation has resulted in a registered court case, read our guide on how to check case status online in Dubai
Can You Claim Compensation for the False Allegations?
Yes. Article 26 of Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022, the UAE Criminal Procedures Law, allows an accused person to seek compensation for damage caused by a false accusation made by the reporting person or victim.
The provision also allows the criminal court, upon the accused person’s request, to award compensation against a person found guilty of perjury or making a false report.
A claim may involve financial loss or other legally recognised damage, depending on the circumstances. Compensation is not automatic. The legal grounds,supporting evidence and damage claimed must be assessed.
False Accusations At Work
Workplace allegations may involve theft, misconduct, misuse of company property or disclosure of confidential information.
If your employer accuses you of something you did not do, ask for clarification about the allegation and preserve relevant employment records.
If you are asked to sign an admission, resignation or settlement agreement, understand its contents and legal consequences before signing.
An internal workplace complaint does not automatically constitute criminal false reporting. The applicable law depends on what was alleged, how the allegation was made and the evidence available.
False Accusations On Social Media
Publishing false allegations on social media may involve different legal provisions from filing a false police complaint.
Article 43 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 addresses certain forms of insult and defamation committed through information networks or information technology.
For example, publicly accusing someone of criminal conduct through an online platform may raise cybercrime issues, depending on the content and circumstances.
If someone publishes allegations about you:
- Save the original posts and their URLs.
- Record the account details and publication dates.
- Preserve relevant messages.
- Avoid responding with insults, threats or private information about the person.
The appropriate legal response depends on the nature of the publication and the evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Knowingly making a false police report can be a criminal offence in the UAE.
- Articles 324 and 325 address false reporting and accusations made in bad faith.
- An unproven or dismissed complaint is not automatically a false accusation.
- Preserve original messages, documents and other relevant evidence.
- A person affected by a false accusation may have grounds for a separate complaint or compensation claim.
- False allegations published online may involve additional cybercrime provisions.
FAQ
A complaint may lead to an investigation, but an accusation alone does not establish guilt. Arrest or detention is subject to the applicable legal requirements and decisions of the competent authorities.
If the evidence establishes that the person knowingly reported a false incident or accused someone in bad faith, criminal penalties under Articles 324 or 325 may apply.
You may have legal options if there is evidence of deliberate false reporting. However, an acquittal alone does not prove that the complainant acted maliciously.
Yes, where the conduct may constitute an offence. Preserve the relevant messages, documents and other evidence before approaching the competent authority.
Falsely Accused in Dubai? Seek Legal Advice
If someone has made a serious allegation against you, understanding your legal position can help you respond appropriately.
With over 20 years of legal experience, Alaa ElHoushy can assist with reviewing the circumstances, explaining the relevant criminal provisions and advising on possible legal options. Contact us for a confidential legal consultation.
