Dubai: A new UAE media law that came into effect in 2025 has introduced stricter regulations for media content across print, broadcast, and digital platforms, significantly impacting influencers, advertisers, and content creators.

Issued under Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023, the legislation applies to all forms of media, including newspapers, television, websites, online publications, social media platforms, digital advertising, and sponsored content. The law grants regulators enhanced authority to monitor media activity and enforce compliance, with penalties ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh1 million, depending on the nature and severity of violations.

Mandatory Content Standards

To implement the law, the UAE Media Council has introduced 20 mandatory content standards that all media and advertising content—whether paid or unpaid—must follow. These standards aim to preserve UAE values and social harmony, protect national interests and public order, ensure respectful and accurate communication, and prevent misinformation, hate speech, and illegal activities.

Advertiser Permit Deadline

The Media Council has also mandated that all content creators and advertisers obtain an Advertiser Permit by 31 January 2026.

What Is the Advertiser Permit?

The permit authorises individuals to publish advertising or promotional content via social media accounts, websites, blogs, and other digital platforms. The requirement applies regardless of whether the content is paid or unpaid, and all promotional material must comply with UAE media content standards.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

Be at least 18 years old (exceptions may be approved at the Council’s discretion)

Be a UAE citizen or resident

Hold a valid trade licence to practise electronic media

To support creators, the permit is issued free of charge for three years to UAE citizens and residents.

Fines for Influencers and Content Creators

The law outlines specific penalties to safeguard social stability, moral values, and responsible communication:

1. Violating Content Standards
Serious breaches, including religious offences or incitement to violence, may result in fines of up to Dh1 million.

2. Content Inciting Crimes
Content promoting crimes such as murder, rape, or drug abuse can attract fines of up to Dh150,000.

3. Offences Against State Interests and National Security

Disrespecting national symbols or state institutions: Dh50,000 to Dh500,000

Offending domestic or foreign policy: Dh50,000 to Dh500,000

Undermining foreign relations or social cohesion: up to Dh250,000

4. Licensing Violations

Operating without a licence: Dh10,000 (first offence), Dh40,000 (repeat offence)

Failure to renew a licence: Dh150 per day, capped at Dh3,000 after 30 days

Licence misuse or unauthorised changes: up to Dh20,000

Publishing with an expired licence: Dh10,000 (first offence), Dh20,000 (repeat offence), with fines doubling for each recurrence

5. Misinformation and Publishing Offences

Disseminating false information: Dh5,000 (first offence), Dh10,000 (repeat offence)

Organising a book fair without a permit: Dh40,000, doubling with recurrence

Printing or publishing media materials without a licence: Dh20,000, doubling with recurrence

6. Penalties for Unlicensed Foreign Correspondents
Violations may result in up to three written warnings, followed by a Dh10,000 fine for repeat offences.

Permit Suspension or Cancellation

The UAE Media Council may suspend or cancel an advertiser permit, without prejudice to other penalties, if the permit holder breaches licence conditions, violates content standards, or provides false or misleading information during the application process.

The new law signals a clear shift towards tighter regulation of digital media in the UAE, reinforcing responsible content creation while ensuring alignment with national values and legal frameworks.