Expanded Regulatory Framework for the UAE Media Sector 

Following a relatively quiet few years since its establishment in 2022, the UAE Media Council has just announced the launch of a comprehensive new media regulation framework. The framework will build upon the foundations laid by the Federal UAE Media Law in 2023, and its Executive Regulations in 2024, which together represent the most significant overhaul of UAE media legislation in over 40 years (see here).  

The messaging from Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, and Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council focused on the intent to implement a modernized framework which provides a solid foundation for a future-proofed media landscape, addressing advancements in digital media, artificial intelligence, gaming and on-demand broadcasting. The statement stresses the UAE Media Council’s desire to create a “flexible, contemporary environment” which unlocks potential and stimulates investment in the media sector, a message which will not doubt be well received by regional industry players.

Key Features of the New Regulatory Framework 

The press release issued by the UAE Media Council references various new regulatory instruments which are either already issued (see the Fees Resolution and the Penalties Resolution), or which we expect to be published in the coming weeks and months. Those include: 

• Social Media Advertising Resolution: The press release indicates that a resolution addressing advertising by individuals on social media is forthcoming, aiming to “build public trust, protect audiences, and enhance the quality of online content”. It is also indicated that “content creators” will benefit from a three-year exemption from permit fees, which will likely be welcomed by the wave of online influencers who have made the UAE home in recent years.  
• Age Ratings System: The press release indicates that a comprehensive age rating system for media content is being implemented to “safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate material, particularly crucial given the rise in digital content consumption”. It will be interesting to see the scope of the new age rating system, and in particular to understand the extent to which to extends beyond traditional mediums to more novel settings where minors may access content, such as user generated content platforms.  
• Licensing of Digital News Platforms: The press release indicates that the UAE Media Council is developing a “policy for licensing digital news platforms”, establishing clear professional and regulatory guidelines to enhance credibility and ensure adherence to journalistic standards. 
• Fees Resolution: The newly issued Cabinet Resolution No. (41) of 2025 Regarding Media Services Fees provides clarity on the various license and permit fees for those operating in the media sector in the UAE (over 100 in total). Notably, it excludes free zone entities, which remain subject to Cabinet Resolution No. (39) of 2016 regarding the fees for media services in free zones.
• Penalties Resolution: The newly issued Cabinet Resolution No. (42) of 2025 Regarding the Schedule of Violations and Administrative Penalties sets out details of the administrative penalties for specific instances of non-compliance with the UAE Media Law, the most serious of which carry potential fines of up to AED 500,000. It also references the establishment of the “Media Content Standards Violations Committee”.  Unlike the Fees Resolution, the Penalties Resolution applies to both entities onshore and in free zones. 
• Support for Local Talent: Maitha Al Suwaidi indicated that there would be a “local content empowerment policy” designed to prioritise Emirati talent and creative projects, offering fee exemptions for several media services to support local producers, writers, and creatives, and to encourage content that reflects national identity. This is aligned with other national or Emirate-level initiatives, such as the recently updated Abu Dhabi Film Commission Rebate Scheme (see details here) which set out provisions designed to incentivise the use (and subsequent upskilling of) local talent.  

Looking Ahead

Whilst the announcement indicates that the UAE Media Council will become increasingly active, much of the detail with respect the new framework remains subject to the issuance of regulatory instruments. 

We certainly welcome the advent of a more active regulatory body which is committed to continue to modernise, and provide further clarity on, the existing framework, which remains lacking in detail on a number of key issues, many of which are critical to our clients' operations. We will be closely monitoring for the issuance of guidance and regulations by the Media Council in the coming weeks and months, assessing the implications of those documents as and when they are issued. 

Organisations operating in the media sector will need to remain agile and alive to any changes which impact their businesses, products and services and be prepared to implement updates to their operational practices, policies, agreements and /or licences to reflect any newly introduced or amended requirements.