The new media law that came into effect as of 29 May in the UAE sets a unified framework for how traditional, digital, and social media content is produced, published, and monetised in the country. It combines stricter penalties for harmful or unlawful content with clearer licensing rules and formal protections for media professionals who comply with those rules.
What the law is trying to do
The law aims to safeguard religious values, public morals, national unity, and the UAE’s foreign relations by setting clear content “red lines” for all media actors. At the same time, it is framed as supporting ethical journalism and influencer activity by explicitly protecting media professionals who work within the licensing and content standards it lays out.
More broadly, the regulation seeks to balance freedom of expression with public interest, requiring that media content does not undermine social cohesion, incite crime, or spread harmful misinformation.
Who does the law apply to
The law has a wide scope and applies to almost everyone engaged in professional media or monetised content in the UAE, including in free zones. Covered categories include:
Licensed media outlets in TV, radio, print, and digital
Journalists and media professionals working for those outlets
Content creators and influencers producing promotional or journalistic material in the UAE
Influencers who earn revenue from content or advertising
Foreign correspondents operating in or reporting on the UAE
Establishments and individuals involved in media production, distribution, or publishing, including in free zones.
The law also makes clear that media professionals are entitled to protection, signalling that compliant journalism and influencer work are recognised and supported.
What counts as an offence – and key fines
The law groups violations into several broad areas, with fines scaled by severity and repeat behaviour. Some of the most important categories are:
1. Religion, state, and national unity
Disrespecting Islamic beliefs or other recognised religions: fines up to Dh1 million
Insulting state symbols or leadership: fines up to Dh500,000
Undermining national unity or harming the UAE’s foreign relations: fines up to Dh250,000
2. Content-related violations
Publishing false information or harmful content: fines from Dh5,000 up to Dh150,000
Promoting “destructive ideas” or insulting youth: fines up to Dh100,000
Inciting serious criminal behaviour such as murder, rape, or drug abuse: fines up to Dh150,000.
3. Licensing and activity violations
Operating media activities without a licence:
First offence: Dh10,000
Repeated offence: Dh40,000
Practising an additional media activity without prior approval:
First offence: Dh5,000
Repeated offence: Dh16,000
Failing to renew a licence within 30 days: Dh150 per day, capped at Dh3,000
These penalties are backed by formal penalty tables attached to the law, which guide how fines should be calibrated to the level of social, economic, or political harm caused.[web:web-uae-media-law-2025]
How enforcement and appeals work
A permanent Media Content Standards Violations Committee within the UAE Media Council oversees enforcement. This committee, made up of three to seven media specialists, reviews alleged violations and decides on sanctions in line with the penalty tables.
There is a defined grievance (appeals) process: the violator must be notified of the fine within 15 days, then has 15 days to submit a written grievance with supporting documents. A decision must be issued within 15 days of the grievance; if no decision is communicated in that period, the grievance is treated as rejected.
What media outlets, influencers, and creators should do now?
To stay compliant, anyone involved in media, influencer work, or professional digital publishing needs to ensure they have the correct licences in place for all activities, including any additional or side activities. They also need strong internal checks to avoid content that disrespects religion, the state, or social harmony, and to verify facts before publishing or sharing.
If there is any doubt about whether a specific activity or piece of content complies with the law, the guidance is to consult a media lawyer or regulatory adviser, or use the UAE Media Council’s tools and services. The Council’s platform offers licensing for digital media and advertising services, permits for audio/visual blogging and influencer activity, licences and renewals for visiting content creators, script approvals for theatre, TV, and film, as well as permits for distribution, circulation, video games, and foreign media trading, plus self-monitoring tools for internal content review.
