Is a false complaint a crime?
Yes. Article 324 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law) punishes whoever reports to judicial or administrative authorities non-existent or false accidents or hazards, or a crime knowing that it has not been committed, with incarceration of up to six months and/or a fine.
The words knowing and false matter. An honest mistake is not the same thing.
What about falsely accusing a person?
Article 325 punishes whoever, falsely and in bad faith, informs the authorities that a person committed an act subject to criminal punishment or administrative sanction, even if no case results, or who falsely attributes material evidence to a crime, or causes proceedings against a person they know to be innocent.
The penalty is incarceration and/or a fine, and incarceration and a fine if the crime falsely reported is a felony. If the false report leads to a felony penalty, the false reporter gets the same penalty.
Can a falsely accused person claim compensation?
Yes. Article 26 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law) lets the accused file a claim for compensation for damage from a false accusation by the reporting person or the victim, and the criminal court can award compensation against someone found guilty of perjury or false reporting.
That is a claim made within the criminal proceedings, and it is separate from any other civil case.
What if I was the one who reported and it was not proved?
A complaint that does not result in conviction is not automatically a false complaint. The test is whether it was knowingly false and in bad faith.
If you are accused of false reporting, we examine what you knew, what you reported and the evidence you had at the time.
What should I do first?
Keep proof of what you reported and why
Documents and messages you relied on.
Do not withdraw or change your account without advice
It can be read as an admission.
If you are falsely accused, collect proof of falsity
Messages, records and witnesses.
Call us before you respond to either side
Both claims have deadlines.
Call us on +971 50 653 1334 or message us on WhatsApp. We answer at any hour.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be punished for reporting a crime that was not proved?
Not automatically. Article 324 requires that you knew no crime had occurred, and Article 325 requires bad faith.
What is the penalty for false reporting?
Article 324 provides incarceration of up to six months and/or a fine. Article 325 provides incarceration and/or a fine, higher for felonies.
Can I claim compensation for a false accusation?
Yes, under Article 26 of the Criminal Procedures Law.
Is it related to perjury?
The criminal court can award compensation against a person found guilty of perjury or false reporting (Article 26).
Related guides
Police Complaints overview
The main points, the process and your first steps.
Read the overviewFile a Complaint
Where a criminal complaint is filed, who may file it, what it should say and the three-month deadline for some offences.
Read the guidePolice Investigation
The powers and limits of the judicial police during an investigation, and what you should expect at each step.
Read the guideSources
Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 (Crimes and Penalties Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 7 September 2026. The Arabic text prevails over translations. Source: Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 (Criminal Procedures Law), official English text on the UAE Legislation portal, checked 9 October 2026. The portal lists the law as active and last updated on 28 September 2023. The Arabic text prevails over translations.
This page is general information, not legal advice.