Welcome to Lawgical, where we untangle the legal knots so that you don’t have to. I’m Ludmila Yamalova, a US-qualified lawyer based in Dubai. In each episode, we break down complex law into clear and practical insights you can actually use.
In today’s episode, we’ll discuss the UAE’s media law. Over the past few weeks, headlines have been circulating across media outlets and social media platforms, claiming that the UAE has just passed a new media law. This buzz has led to confusion, especially among influencers, digital creators, and professionals who share content online.
Let’s set the record straight. As of June 2025, there is no new media law issued in 2025. The core law regulating media in the UAE was issued in 2023. What is new is the 2025 cabinet decision, which introduces a penalty framework to enforce the 2023 law. In other words, this recent regulation is an add-on—it establishes penalties for violating the obligations already set out in the 2023 media law. It does not impose new obligations.
To understand the full picture, let’s look at the UAE media legal framework chronologically:
- 2022 – Federal Decree Law No. 38: Created the UAE Media Council, the federal authority overseeing licensing, compliance, and classification related to media.
- 2023 – Federal Decree Law No. 55: This is the main substantive law governing media activity, content creation, licensing, and publication. It replaced the outdated 1980 media law.
- 2024 – Cabinet Decision No. 27: Executive regulations implementing the 2023 law. These regulations define licensing categories, exemptions, procedures, and classification criteria.
- 2025 – Cabinet Decision No. 42: Introduces the penalty structure for violations of the 2023 law and its executive regulations.
Objectives of the Media Law
The law serves several objectives:
- Protect the public from harmful, misleading, offensive, and unverified information.
- Ensure individuals and entities engaged in content creation are regulated and accountable.
- Reinforce the UAE’s cultural, moral, and religious values, especially in digital spaces.
- Promote transparency, safety, and quality in the growing media and influencer economy.
These laws don’t criminalize content—they structure it. The goal is ethical, legal, and responsible publishing.
Scope and Application
The law applies federally and covers all Emirates equally. It governs both traditional and digital media channels. The UAE Media Council issues licenses, monitors compliance, enforces sanctions, and approves classifications.
It applies broadly to all persons and entities involved in media activity, including:
- Content creators and influencers
- Podcast producers
- Digital journalists
- Streaming services
- Film and video production houses
- Game developers
- Advertising and PR firms
- AI-powered media platforms
Professionals like lawyers, doctors, or financial advisors sharing their expertise are not considered media professionals under the law, provided their core business is not media-related.
Media Entities & Licensing
If your core business is the creation, monetization, or distribution of media content, you are considered a media entity and must register and obtain a license from the Media Council.
Examples:
- Influencers monetizing content
- YouTubers and TikTokers with sponsorships
- Agencies running digital media campaigns
- Filmmakers and podcast studios
Even freelancers must obtain a license if they earn through brand deals or promotions.
There are 30+ license categories, including:
- Influencer License
- Podcast Production
- Digital Publishing
- Film & Video Production
- Advertising & Marketing
Exemptions include:
- Personal blogs without monetization
- Internal company content
- Educational or cultural commentary (non-sponsored)
The Media Council may still require licensing if content reaches a broad public audience or appears promotional.
Penalties
Operating without a license or violating content standards can result in:
- Fines (up to AED 2 million)
- Account or content suspension
- Equipment confiscation
- Blacklisting by authorities
Penalty tiers:
- Tier 1: Minor technical issues (AED 5,000–40,000)
- Tier 2: Serious regulatory issues (AED 50,000–150,000)
- Tier 3: Ethical breaches, false health/financial claims (AED 200,000–500,000)
- Tier 4: Grave offenses, inciting violence or illegal activity (AED 1–2 million)
Content Standards
There are at least 20 mandatory content standards, including prohibitions on:
- Religious defamation
- Hate speech and racism
- False or misleading information
- Public indecency
- Content harmful to minors or national security
Violations may lead to criminal prosecution or deportation.
Age Classification System
Content must be classified according to age:
- G: General
- PG: Parental Guidance
- PG-13, 15+, 18+, 21+ (a UAE-specific category for culturally sensitive material)
Media entities must pre-classify, clearly label, and restrict content appropriately. Misclassification can result in fines (AED 50,000–500,000) and license revocation.
Final Thoughts
These regulations aim to ensure accountability, not restrict speech. They protect the public, empower consumers, and provide a safe, reliable media environment.
If you’re publishing content professionally or monetizing it in the UAE, it’s time to ensure you’re compliant.
That’s all for this episode of Lawgical. For more legal insights, visit us at lylawyers.com, or find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
Until next time, stay informed, stay safe, and keep things Lawgical.
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