Latest news with #MaithaAlSuwaidi
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
UAE to launch media age rating system to protect children
UAE to roll out media age rating system to protect children from harmful content, the Media Council announced Thursday. PHOTO: PIXABAY Listen to article The United Arab Emirates will implement a comprehensive age rating system for media content, aimed at shielding children and adolescents from inappropriate material, the UAE Media Council announced on Thursday. The initiative, which comes amid a surge in digital content consumption, is part of a broader framework launched to regulate and develop the media sector. While the council has not yet specified a timeline for the rollout, officials emphasise its critical importance in a fast-evolving digital landscape. Speaking at the launch, Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector at the UAE Media Council, said the new age classification system builds on existing regulations covering films, video games, comics, and printed material. The expansion will now encompass a broader spectrum of digital and on-demand content. 'This system is crucial given the rise in digital content consumption,' Al Suwaidi said. 'It is designed to safeguard young audiences while creating a more robust and responsible media environment.' The system forms a central part of the UAE's recently introduced Media Regulation Law, hailed as the first comprehensive media legislation in over four decades. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, described the law as a transformative milestone that lays a solid foundation for a future-proof media sector. Developed over two years through collaboration with federal and local agencies, media organisations, creators, and international experts, the new regulatory framework is designed to be dynamic and adaptable to technological changes, including developments in artificial intelligence, gaming, and digital broadcasting. A new resolution regulating social media advertising by individuals, aimed at enhancing transparency, building public trust, and improving the quality of digital content. Three-year permit fee exemptions for social media content creators, offering tangible support to the creator economy. A local content empowerment policy that prioritises Emirati talent and projects, encouraging media that reflects national identity and culture. Fee exemptions for select media services, aimed at supporting local producers, writers, and creatives. Al Suwaidi stressed that empowering national content is a cornerstone of the new strategy. 'We aim to create an enabling environment that nurtures creativity, supports local production, and positions the UAE as a competitive media hub regionally and globally.' The UAE Media Council says the initiative aligns with national goals to make the media sector a vital contributor to the economy, supporting GDP growth, attracting investment, and stimulating innovation. By introducing streamlined procedures, strategic partnerships, and incentivised exemptions, the system aims to unlock the full potential of the media landscape while ensuring content safety and cultural integrity. 'This is not just a regulatory shift,' said Al Shehhi, 'it's a strategic transformation that positions media as a key pillar in the UAE's sustainable development.'
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE to implement age rating system for media content under new system
The UAE will have an age rating system for media content to safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate material, as per an announcement on Thursday. The UAE Media Council said the 'comprehensive' system is 'crucial given the rise in digital content consumption '. The council did not specify when or how the system would be rolled out. This was revealed as the UAE Media Council launched a comprehensive system to regulate, empower, and stimulate growth in the media sector. Currently, the UAE has an age classification system for movies, video and electronic games, comics and printed books as well as other materials. The aim is to protect children from inappropriate content. Maitha Al Suwaidi, CEO of Strategy and Media Policies Sector, UAE Media Council, stated that the council is implementing a comprehensive age rating system for media content to safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate material, particularly crucial given the rise in digital content consumption. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, highlighted the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation as a milestone for the UAE media sector. As the first media law issued in over 40 years, it establishes a solid foundation for a future-proof media landscape, addressing advancements in digital media, artificial intelligence, gaming, on-demand broadcasting, and other evolving fields. According to Al Shehhi, the new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed by combining updated legislation, comprehensive media services, and policies covering various sectors to enhance efficiency and sustainable growth. The system was developed over two years through close collaboration with federal and local entities, media organisations, content creators, and international experts. This approach ensures responsiveness to change, empowers talent, fosters innovation, and attracts investment. The regulatory framework includes benefits for content creators, noting that a key element of this system is a new resolution regulating social media advertising by individuals. This measure aims to build public trust, protect audiences, and improve the quality of online media content. It also offers concrete support to content creators through a three-year exemption from permit fees. Al Suwaidi emphasised that the local content empowerment policy is central to this system, prioritising Emirati talent and creative projects within the national media strategy, with fee exemptions for several media services to support local producers, writers, and creatives, and encourage content that reflects national identity. The new system aims to empower the media sector to become a driving force for development and a vital economic engine contributing to the national GDP and enhancing the UAE's regional and global competitiveness. It focuses on unlocking potential, stimulating investment, and empowering content creators through a flexible environment, streamlined procedures, incentivising exemptions, and strategic partnerships at both local and international levels.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
UAE Media Council announces launch of comprehensive system to regulate, empower, stimulate growth in media sector
The UAE Media Council launched a comprehensive system to regulate, empower, and stimulate growth in the media sector. This initiative builds upon the transformative journey initiated with the Council's establishment in February 2023 and the subsequent issuance of the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation. The announcement was made during a press conference, held today at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, in the presence of 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. Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi emphasised the Council's ongoing commitment to launching a new media system that embodies the UAE leadership's vision for a modern and integrated media landscape. This system aims to drive a transformative shift in the development of the UAE's media sector, ensuring its continued regional and global leadership, as envisioned by the UAE's leadership. Al Shehhi stated, 'The new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed, as it combines updated legislation, comprehensive media services, and policies covering various sectors to enhance efficiency and sustainable growth.' Al Shehhi highlighted the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation as a milestone for a new era of competitiveness and leadership for the UAE media sector. As the first media law issued in over 40 years, it establishes a solid foundation for a future-proof media landscape, addressing advancements in digital media, artificial intelligence, gaming, on-demand broadcasting, and other evolving fields. He added, 'This system was developed over two years, through close collaboration with federal and local entities, media organisations, content creators, and international experts, reflecting a belief in partnership-based legislation grounded in practical application. This approach ensures responsiveness to change, empowers talent, fosters innovation, and attracts investment.' Furthermore, Al Shehhi noted that the new media system goes beyond establishing frameworks, focusing on content as the core of the industry. 'We ensured that it incorporates clear standards for responsible, balanced content that respects values and identity while promoting creativity and impact," he said, emphasising the importance of creative individuals as the foundation of effective media. Al Shehhi concluded, 'The goal is to empower the media sector to become a driving force for development and a vital economic engine contributing to the national GDP and enhancing the UAE's regional and global competitiveness. The new system aims to unlock potential, stimulate investment, and empower content creators through a flexible environment, streamlined procedures, incentivising exemptions, and strategic partnerships at both local and international levels." Maitha Al Suwaidi stated that the UAE Media Council is spearheading a transformation of the national media landscape, achieved through a comprehensive legislative roadmap designed to modernise the sector's regulatory framework and create a flexible, contemporary environment. She noted that this environment will both keep pace with global media trends and foster a more impactful and sustainable media industry. Al Suwaidi explained that this roadmap goes beyond traditional legal frameworks, as it includes not only the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation but also a series of policies and regulatory decisions reflecting a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by new media, with the aim of enhancing media practices to ensure they align with the UAE's core values. A key element of this system is a new resolution regulating social media advertising by individuals. This measure aims to build public trust, protect audiences, and improve the quality of online media content. It also offers concrete support to content creators through a three-year exemption from permit fees, she stated. Furthermore, Al Suwaidi stated that the Council is implementing a comprehensive age rating system for media content to safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate material, particularly crucial given the rise in digital content consumption. She also noted a new policy for licensing digital news platforms is also being developed, to establish clear professional and regulatory guidelines to enhance credibility, ensure adherence to journalistic standards, and promote responsible practices within a balanced legal framework. Regarding regulations, Al Suwaidi highlighted the adoption of the Cabinet's resolution on media service fees and the resolution on violations and administrative penalties, representing a significant step towards a unified, flexible, and transparent media services system. This user-friendly system aligns with the UAE government's vision for proactive and integrated digital services, streamlining processes for media organisations and content creators within a growth-oriented regulatory environment. She emphasised that the local content empowerment policy is central to this system, prioritising Emirati talent and creative projects within the national media strategy, with fee exemptions for several media services to support local producers, writers, and creatives, and encourage content that reflects national identity and elevates the quality of the media message. In conclusion, Al Suwaidi stated that this new legislative system represents a pivotal moment in the development of a modern Emirati media landscape founded on transparency, professionalism, and quality. It provides media organisations and content creators with a robust regulatory structure that enhances their production capabilities and unlocks opportunities for growth and global competitiveness.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE Media Council announces launch of comprehensive system to regulate, empower, stimulate growth in media sector
29 May 2025 16:12 DUBAI (WAM)The UAE Media Council launched a comprehensive system to regulate, empower, and stimulate growth in the media sector. This initiative builds upon the transformative journey initiated with the Council's establishment in February 2023 and the subsequent issuance of the Media Regulation Law and its Executive announcement was made during a press conference, held today at Creators HQ in Emirates Towers, Dubai, in the presence of 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 Saeed Al Shehhi emphasised the Council's ongoing commitment to launching a new media system that embodies the UAE leadership's vision for a modern and integrated media landscape. This system aims to drive a transformative shift in the development of the UAE's media sector, ensuring its continued regional and global leadership, as envisioned by the UAE's Shehhi stated, 'The new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed, as it combines updated legislation, comprehensive media services, and policies covering various sectors to enhance efficiency and sustainable growth.'Al Shehhi highlighted the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation as a milestone for a new era of competitiveness and leadership for the UAE media sector. As the first media law issued in over 40 years, it establishes a solid foundation for a future-proof media landscape, addressing advancements in digital media, artificial intelligence, gaming, on-demand broadcasting, and other evolving added, 'This system was developed over two years, through close collaboration with federal and local entities, media organisations, content creators, and international experts, reflecting a belief in partnership-based legislation grounded in practical application. This approach ensures responsiveness to change, empowers talent, fosters innovation, and attracts investment.'Furthermore, Al Shehhi noted that the new media system goes beyond establishing frameworks, focusing on content as the core of the industry. 'We ensured that it incorporates clear standards for responsible, balanced content that respects values and identity while promoting creativity and impact," he said, emphasising the importance of creative individuals as the foundation of effective Shehhi concluded, 'The goal is to empower the media sector to become a driving force for development and a vital economic engine contributing to the national GDP and enhancing the UAE's regional and global competitiveness. The new system aims to unlock potential, stimulate investment, and empower content creators through a flexible environment, streamlined procedures, incentivising exemptions, and strategic partnerships at both local and international levels."Maitha Al Suwaidi stated that the UAE Media Council is spearheading a transformation of the national media landscape, achieved through a comprehensive legislative roadmap designed to modernise the sector's regulatory framework and create a flexible, contemporary noted that this environment will both keep pace with global media trends and foster a more impactful and sustainable media Suwaidi explained that this roadmap goes beyond traditional legal frameworks, as it includes not only the Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation but also a series of policies and regulatory decisions reflecting a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by new media, with the aim of enhancing media practices to ensure they align with the UAE's core values.A key element of this system is a new resolution regulating social media advertising by individuals. This measure aims to build public trust, protect audiences, and improve the quality of online media content. It also offers concrete support to content creators through a three-year exemption from permit fees, she Al Suwaidi stated that the Council is implementing a comprehensive age rating system for media content to safeguard children and adolescents from inappropriate material, particularly crucial given the rise in digital content also noted a new policy for licensing digital news platforms is also being developed, to establish clear professional and regulatory guidelines to enhance credibility, ensure adherence to journalistic standards, and promote responsible practices within a balanced legal regulations, Al Suwaidi highlighted the adoption of the Cabinet's resolution on media service fees and the resolution on violations and administrative penalties, representing a significant step towards a unified, flexible, and transparent media services system. This user-friendly system aligns with the UAE government's vision for proactive and integrated digital services, streamlining processes for media organisations and content creators within a growth-oriented regulatory emphasised that the local content empowerment policy is central to this system, prioritising Emirati talent and creative projects within the national media strategy, with fee exemptions for several media services to support local producers, writers, and creatives, and encourage content that reflects national identity and elevates the quality of the media message. In conclusion, Al Suwaidi stated that this new legislative system represents a pivotal moment in the development of a modern Emirati media landscape founded on transparency, professionalism, and quality. It provides media organisations and content creators with a robust regulatory structure that enhances their production capabilities and unlocks opportunities for growth and global competitiveness.
