Abu Dhabi: Customer fined Dhs7,000 for insulting salesman in public

Abu Dhabi’s Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court has ordered a customer to pay Dhs7,000 in compensation to a shop salesman after publicly insulting him, causing embarrassment in front of colleagues and customers.

The incident began when the customer requested a refund, which was denied by the shop management in line with its refund policy. In response, the customer shouted at the salesman, insulted him and deliberately spilled a bottle of water on the shop floor as an act of humiliation.

The salesman pursued legal action, demanding Dhs30,000 in damages along with legal fees. He argued that the customer’s behavior was not only verbally abusive but also an attack on his dignity and professional reputation. Following a police complaint, the case was referred to the Criminal Court, where the defendant was convicted and fined Dhs5,000.

The ruling was upheld on appeal and after the expiration of the appeal period, it became final. The civil court then awarded Dhs7,000 in additional compensation for the emotional distress and public humiliation suffered by the salesman.