UAE: A new media law came into effect in the UAE on May 29, introducing a comprehensive regulatory framework that governs all media activities across the country. The legislation imposes strict penalties—ranging from thousands of dirhams to up to Dh1 million—for various violations related to content, licensing, and media operations.

This law highlights the UAE’s commitment to promoting responsible, respectful, and ethical media practices. It defines a wide array of offences, many of which carry tiered fines depending on the severity of the violation or repeat offences.

Key Offences and Penalties:
Religious and Moral Violations

• Insulting God, Islamic beliefs, or other recognized religions: Fine up to Dh1,000,000
• Violating public decency or promoting harmful ideologies: Fine up to Dh100,000
• Publishing content that incites criminal acts (e.g. murder, rape, drug use): Fine up to Dh150,000

Offences Against the State

• Disrespecting the UAE’s ruling system, national symbols, or government institutions: Fine from Dh50,000 to Dh500,000
• Criticizing domestic or foreign policies of the UAE: Fine from Dh50,000 to Dh500,000
• Publishing content that harms foreign relations or disrupts national unity/social harmony: Fine up to Dh250,000

Licensing Violations
Operating without a media licence:

• First offence: Dh10,000
• Repeated offence: Dh40,000
• Failing to renew a licence within 30 days after expiry: Dh150 per day, up to Dh3,000
• Transferring or altering licence details without approval: Fine up to Dh20,000

Continuing media activity with an expired licence:

First offence: Dh10,000

Repeated offence: Dh20,000 (doubles with each repetition)

False Information and Misinformation

• Spreading false or misleading information:
• First offence: Dh5,000
• Repeated offence: Dh10,000

Events and Publications

• Organizing or blocking a book fair without official permission: Dh40,000 (doubles with repetition)
• Printing or distributing media content without a licence: Dh20,000 (doubles with repetition)

Foreign Correspondents

• Working as a foreign correspondent without proper licensing:
• Up to three written warnings
• Repeated offence: Dh10,000

Regulation and Protection
In addition to the penalties, the law also includes regulations that safeguard media professionals and digital influencers. It emphasizes accountability and transparency in both traditional and digital media sectors while ensuring freedom of expression remains within ethical and legal boundaries.

The implementation of this law marks a significant shift in the UAE’s approach to media governance, reinforcing its focus on national security, cultural values, and social stability.