UAE Media Law
Jul 18, 2025
Law Number: Federal Decree-Law No. 55/2023
Effective Date: May 29, 2025
Category: Media/Criminal Law
This comprehensive media law requires licensing for all media activities, including social media advertising by individuals, digital media operations, and foreign publications. Operating without a license carries penalties of AED 10,000, increasing to AED 40,000 for repeated offenses, with maximum penalties reaching AED 1 million for severe violations.
Article Proper:
UAE reveals list of media activities that require licence under new law
A new UAE media law came into effect on May 29, outlining strict penalties of up to Dh1 million, for violations including disseminating false information, disrespecting the ruling system, and operating media activities without a licence.
Here is a list of media activities which can not be practised, by both institutions and individuals, without obtaining a licence or permit from the UAE Media Council or the relevant authority: • Radio and television broadcasting including on-demand platforms • Electronic and digital media activities • Cinematic films and other artistic content screenings • Social media advertising by individuals • Foreign publications • Printing, circulation, and publishing of local and foreign media content • Land, aerial, and maritime photography activities • Foreign media offices • News platforms • Newspapers and print publications • Book fairs • Video games
Under the new law, operating media activities without a licence can lead to a fine of Dh10,000, which will increase to Dh40,000 for repeated offences, as reported by Khaleej Times earlier.
Link Proper:
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/media-activities-needing-licence-new-law