UAE new media law explained: Here's what you need to know about key rules and penalties upto Dh1 million
Source: X
On May 29, 2025, the United Arab Emirates enacted a comprehensive new media law to strengthen regulation and accountability across all media platforms like digital, print, and broadcast.
Designed to uphold ethical standards, the legislation introduces clear guidelines for content creation, including strict prohibitions against hate speech, misinformation, and privacy violations. The law reflects the UAE's commitment to preserving cultural identity, social cohesion, and national security through responsible journalism. With penalties reaching up to Dh1 million, the law signals a serious effort to ensure media practices align with the country's values while supporting transparency, respect, and public interest.
UAE Media Council
announced new media law
The UAE Media Council announced the legislation, which deals with a broad range of violations, imposing graduated penalties according to offense nature and repetition. The law also revises licensing requirements and regulatory duties for media organizations, including publishers, content producers, and broadcasters who operate locally.
This legislation reaffirms the UAE's dedication to supporting responsible, respectful, and transparent media conduct.
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The law provides clear standards of behaviour and enforces severe penalties for violation in order to safeguard the nation's social, political, and cultural fabric.
Key penalties under the new media law by UAE Media Council
Religious and ethical violations
Defamation of religious thoughts or the divine: Fines of up to AED 1,000,000
Offenses against public morals or propaganda in favor of dangerous ideologies: Fines of up to AED 100,000
Content encouraging criminal behaviour (e.g., murder, rape, drug use): Up to AED 150,000 fine
State interests and national security
Disrespect for national symbols, state institutions, or governance: Fines of AED 50,000 to 500,000
Offending national or foreign policies: Fines of AED 50,000 to 500,000
Subverting foreign relations or social harmony: Fine up to AED 250,000
Licensing violations
Trading without license: AED 10,000 for initial offense, AED 40,000 for subsequent offenses
Lapse in renewal of license in 30 days: AED 150 a day to a maximum of AED 3,000
Transfer or alteration of license without authorization: Up to AED 20,000
Printing under lapsed license: AED 10,000 for initial violation, doubled for repeat
Misinformation and publishing offenses
Spreading misinformation: AED 5,000 in the first violation, AED 10,000 for repeat
Running book fairs without permission: AED 40,000, doubled with repeat
Printing or publication without a license: AED 20,000, doubled for repeat offenses
Foreign correspondents without licenses
First recourse: Maximum of three written warnings
Repetitive offenses: AED 10,000 fine
Protection and accountability for media professionals
Along with defining the penalties, the new law provides for the protection of journalists, media professionals, and social media influencers. These provisions seek to promote responsibility and accountability in the media industry while bringing UAE media practices at par with global standards.
UAE Media Council standards
Respect for religious beliefs and faiths
Content should respect the divine and religious beliefs, namely Islamic values and other Abrahamic faiths, and show respect for all faiths. The content should avoid giving offense to religious sentiments to ensure harmony and mutual respect.
Respect for governance and national symbols
Content must maintain respect for the UAE's governance system, including its symbols, institutions, and the higher interests of the state and society. This demonstrates allegiance and promotes stability at the national level.
Alignment with UAE domestic and foreign policies
All content must align with and be respectful of the UAE's domestic legislation and foreign policy positions so that no material is contrary to or subversive of these official positions.
Protection of foreign relations
Materials should shun material that may harm or destroy the UAE's diplomatic relations with foreign states, upholding the country's international reputation.
Maintenance of cultural heritage and national identity
Materials should play a role in upholding the UAE's cultural heritage and enhancing its distinctive national identity for it to engender pride and continuity.
Encouragement of national unity and social cohesion
No content should degrade social cohesion or national unity. It is imperative to not publish hate content that might threaten the social fabric.
Prohibition of sectarian, tribal, or regional incitement
Content should not provoke or encourage divisions along the lines of sect, tribe, or region. It should not encourage violence, hatred, terrorism, or create discord among communities.
Respect for societal moral values and public interest
Media and communications must be in accordance with society's morals and serve the public interest, making a positive contribution to social wellbeing.
Integrity of legal, economic, judicial, and security systems
No content shall discredit or devalue the UAE's legal system, economic systems, judiciary, or security, fostering trust in these institutions.
Respect for individual privacy
Content shall respect the privacy of individuals and private life, protecting individual dignity and confidentiality.
Prohibition of promotion of criminal acts
Any encouragement or incitement of criminal activities—such as murder, sexual assault, drug addiction, or consumption of psychoactive substances—is prohibited.
Ban on offensive material and dangerous content
Publication of material with offensive language, pictures, or thoughts offending public decency, particularly those involving vulnerable populations like youth and children, is not permitted.
Protection against false news and counterfeiting
Spreading false information, misinformation, or counterfeited documents falsely placed on individuals or institutions is prohibited.
Protection of economic stability
Content should never be able to damage the national currency or economic position, maintaining economic stability and confidence.
Prevention of rumours and disinformation
Spreading disinformation or rumors that have the potential to mislead or cause public disruption is prohibited.
Prohibition against glorification of hostile groups
Content should not glorify or promote political, racial, ideological, or social groups that are hostile or polarizing.
Selective choice of media contributors
Individuals who are featured or consulted in the media need to be chosen responsibly, being credible and appropriate.
Advertising standards
Advertisements have to respect and be respectful of the UAE's identity, culture, and values, remaining harmonious with national ethos.
Age classification compliance
Media content has to adhere to age classification systems endorsed by the UAE Media Council, safeguarding audiences, especially children.
Respect for child rights
All content should have absolute regard for the rights of children in accordance with national law for their protection and welfare.
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