Media Law in the UAE

In recent weeks, headlines and social media posts have circulated claims regarding a "new UAE media law" allegedly introduced in 2025. This has caused considerable confusion, especially among influencers, digital creators, and media professionals. To clarify: there is no new media law in 2025. The legislation in question was enacted in 2023 and remains the cornerstone of media regulation in the UAE.

What has changed is the introduction of Cabinet Decision No. 42 of 2025, which creates a penalty framework for violations of the 2023 media law. This decision does not create new obligations; instead, it outlines the consequences for failing to comply with the existing framework.

1. Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2022 – Establishes the UAE Media Council, the central authority for media licensing, compliance, and classification.
2. Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 – The core law regulating all media activity and content creation in the UAE.
3. Cabinet Decision No. 27 of 2024 – Executive Regulations that implement the 2023 law, detailing license types, exemptions, and procedures.
4. Cabinet Decision No. 42 of 2025 – Introduces penalties for violations under the existing laws.

These laws aim to protect the public from harmful or misleading content, ensure ethical media practices, and preserve cultural and moral values, particularly in the digital sphere.

This framework does not apply to everyone with a social media account. It targets those whose primary activity is the professional creation and monetization of content. The law defines “media activity” broadly, including content that is informational, educational, entertainment-based, artistic, or news-related.

If your work falls under any of the following, you are likely covered:

• Influencers with brand deals or monetized platforms
• YouTubers, TikTokers, and podcasters earning revenue
• Digital publishers and news aggregators
• Advertising agencies producing paid content
• Streaming services, game developers, and filmmakers
• AI-powered platforms generating public content

Conversely, professionals like doctors, lawyers, or consultants sharing insights online are not subject to licensing, unless they cross into commercial content production or promotions.

Under Article 6 of the 2023 Media Law, it is illegal to engage in media activity without a valid license from the UAE Media Council. Cabinet Decision No. 27 of 2024 outlines over 30 categories of licenses, including:

• Influencer licenses
• Podcast and audio production
• Digital publishing
• Film and video production
• Game publishing

This structure ensures accountability, transparency, and professionalism in the UAE’s growing media economy.

• G: General audience
• PG / PG13: Parental guidance
• 15+ / 18+ / 21+: Restricted content

Media entities must classify content before publishing, label it visibly, and restrict access appropriately. Misclassification may result in fines or even license revocation.

• Tier 1 (AED 5,000–40,000): Technical violations, e.g., missing age labels
• Tier 2 (AED 50,000–150,000): Regulatory non-compliance, e.g., unlicensed publishing
• Tier 3 (AED 200,000–500,000): Major violations, e.g., cultural or ethical breaches
• Tier 4 (AED 1–2 million): Grave offenses or repeat violations

Influencers operating without a license can face fines up to AED 1 million.

These regulations are not intended to restrict freedom of expression. Rather, they are designed to ensure that individuals and entities influencing public discourse for commercial purposes do so in a manner that is lawful, ethical, and aligned with the UAE’s regulatory standards.

Professionals and platforms involved in media activities must understand and adhere to these requirements to operate responsibly and maintain compliance within the UAE's structured media environment.

When uncertain, a prudent first step is to assess whether media constitutes your principal business activity. If so, a thorough review of your licensing and compliance obligations is warranted.

For professional support, consult an experienced and qualified media lawyer for tailored legal guidance.