Man fined Dh30,000 for public insult that damaged colleague’s reputation

Dubai: A civil court in Abu Dhabi has ordered a man to pay Dh30,000 in compensation after he publicly insulted another individual and damaged his reputation in front of colleagues, according to a ruling by the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Claims Court. 

Court documents, Al Khaleej newspaper reported, show that the claimant filed a lawsuit seeking Dh350,000 in damages for both material and moral harm, along with legal fees. 

He argued that the defendant insulted him in a public, accessible place and accused his company of serious flaws in front of coworkers, allegations that led to a criminal complaint and subsequent conviction.

In its judgment, the court noted that the incident constituted moral harm, which under UAE Civil Transactions Law (Articles 292 and 293/1) obligates the offender to provide compensation for any injury caused to another person, even when the damage is non-financial. 

The judge found that the defendant’s actions caused the claimant “pain, distress, and harm to his honour,” warranting compensation.

While the claimant initially sought a much larger sum, the court assessed the circumstances and determined that Dh30,000 was an appropriate and fair amount.

The defendant was also ordered to cover legal expenses.