Craig Ballentine faces charges of slander under the UAE’s anti-cybercrime law.

A British citizen from Belfast faces the possibility of a two-year prison sentence in Dubai after he wrote a Google review criticizing his former employer. Craig Ballentine, 33, who was employed at a Dubai-based dog grooming business, posted a negative review following what he described as a difficult work experience. The review, which included comments about his treatment at work, is now at the center of a legal battle under the UAE's strict anti-cybercrime laws. Ballentine worked in Dubai for six months before taking a leave of absence due to health issues. He suffers from fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue, which required him to take time off. According to Ballentine, he notified his employer and provided a doctor’s note, but claims his employer reported him as "absconded," leading to his dismissal and a subsequent travel ban. Ballentine returned to Northern Ireland only after spending “thousands of pounds” trying to lift the ban, which took months to resolve, as revealed by his representative Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai. The negative review he posted after his return to Northern Ireland criticized the dog grooming business, named the manager, and detailed the issues he faced. However, his comments now have legal repercussions. When Ballentine recently returned to the UAE on holiday, he was detained in Abu Dhabi and transferred to Dubai, where he now faces charges of slander. Under UAE law, defamatory statements made online can lead to penalties ranging from fines of Dh100,000 to Dh500,000 or up to two years in prison. Radha Stirling, who has taken on Ballentine’s case through Detained in Dubai, voiced concern over his predicament, stating that “local lawyers have advised there is almost zero chance of the case being dropped.” According to Stirling, Ballentine had already deleted the Google review and issued an apology, yet the charges remain. Stirling has reached out to UK representatives, including Michelle O’Neill, in hopes of securing diplomatic intervention on Ballentine's behalf. This is not the first time that individuals have gotten in trouble in the UAE for writing defamatory comments on social media. In July, a salon manager recounted to Expat Media how Dubai Police helped her settle an incident with a client who made a malicious Google review that named and shamed her and the salon services. The UAE’s Federal Decree Law on Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes was introduced to prevent reputational harm and encourages individuals to resolve grievances through official channels rather than public forums. Dubai authorities have consistently emphasized that honest reviews should avoid exaggerated claims or offensive language, as these may lead to legal consequences. This case has highlighted the fine line that expatriates and visitors must walk when it comes to online expression in the UAE. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page