UAE: The UAE has introduced a detailed list of fees for media-related licences under Cabinet Decision No. (41) of 2025, following the implementation of a new media law that enforces fines of up to Dh1 million for violations such as spreading misinformation or offending religious beliefs.

The updated fee structure affects a broad range of media professionals—including digital influencers, filmmakers, journalists, publishers, and event organisers—providing clarity on the costs required to legally operate within the country’s media sector.

Digital Creators and Influencers

• Influencer Permit (for paid content): Dh1,000 per year
• Renewal: Dh1,000
• Visitor Influencer Permit: Dh500 for every 3 months
• Digital Platform/Media Outlet Licence (e.g., blog, podcast, streaming): Dh5,000
• Renewal: Dh5,000

Press, Journalism, and Foreign Media

• Sponsoring a Foreign Journalist (not registered locally): Dh6,000 per sponsorship
• Temporary Media Coverage Permit: Dh300
• Licence for Foreign Journalist/Reporter (unregistered): Dh500
• Renewal: Dh500
• Cinema and Film Production
• Open Cinema (6+ screens): Dh100,000 initial, Dh50,000 annual renewal
• Open Cinema (up to 5 screens): Dh60,000 initial, Dh30,000 annual renewal
• Film Distributor Licence (animation, documentary, cartoon): Dh35,000 initial, Dh18,000 renewal
• Film Production Licence (same genres): Dh18,000 initial, Dh8,000 renewal
• Screening a Film in the UAE: Dh1,000 per film
• Screening a Trailer: Dh500
• Poster Display Approval: Dh500
• Ticket Sales Permit: Dh500
• Age Classification: Dh500
• Urgent Classification Service: Dh6,000
• Commercial Content Inside Cinemas: Dh1,000
• Advertising Content Production Licence: Dh5,000
• Renewal: Dh2,500

Events and Single-Use Permits

• 1-Day Film/Event Screening (e.g., football match): Dh500
• Self-Monitoring Digital Platform Permit: Dh2,000
• Video Games and Entertainment Platforms
• Video Game Sales Licence: Dh10,000
• Game Production Licence: Dh4,000
• Renewal: Dh2,000
• Game Rental via Platform: Dh5,000 annually

Artistic Production and Services

• Audio-Visual Production Studio Licence: Dh15,000
• Renewal: Dh8,000
• Theatre or Artistic Performance Licence: Dh10,000
• Renewal: Dh6,000
• Advertising Billboard Design and Installation Licence: Dh10,000
• Renewal: Dh5,000
• Books, Printing, and Publishing
• Printing Business Licence: Dh10,000
• Annual Renewal: Dh5,000
• Establish Printing Press: Dh25,000
• Annual Renewal: Dh15,000
• Publish Daily Newspaper: Dh100,000
• Renewal: Dh50,000
• Reprint Foreign Daily Newspapers: Dh50,000
• Foreign Media Office Licence: Dh3,000
• Selling/Distributing 10+ Foreign Book Copies:
• Printed: Dh15 per book
• Digital: Dh10 per e-book
• Library or Bookstore Licence: Dh3,500

Licence Changes and Modifications

• Cancel Licence: Dh200
• Transfer of Ownership: Dh100
• Amend Media Activity Licence Data: Free

These regulations aim to streamline media operations while maintaining oversight in line with the country’s updated media law.