ABU DHABI- Jan.26.2026 A new UAE media law is reshaping the digital landscape for influencers and content creators, introducing strict regulations and significant fines for non-compliance. The Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023, enacted in 2025, mandates that all individuals publishing promotional content online—whether paid or unpaid—must obtain an Advertiser Permit from the UAE Media Council.
The deadline for securing this mandatory permit is January 31, 2026. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, UAE citizens or residents, and hold a valid trade licence for electronic media. As an incentive, the permit is issued free of charge for the first three years.
Operating without this permit carries a fine of Dh10,000 for a first offence, escalating to Dh40,000 for repeat violations. The law also establishes 20 mandatory content standards designed to preserve national values and social harmony. Violating these standards can result in penalties of up to Dh1 million for serious breaches, such as inciting violence or offending religious sentiments.
Additional fines target specific violations:
Disseminating false information: Dh5,000 (first offence), Dh10,000 (repeat offence)
Publishing with an expired licence: Dh10,000 (first offence)
Content inciting crimes (e.g., violence, drug abuse): Up to Dh150,000
Undermining national interests or social cohesion: Dh50,000 to Dh500,000
The UAE Media Council has the authority to cancel or suspend permits if holders breach licence conditions or violate media standards. This regulatory shift emphasizes that content creation is now a formally regulated profession in the UAE, requiring compliance to avoid substantial financial and operational penalties