Latest news with #MohammedAlShehhi
Khaleej Times
6 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.
The National
6 days ago
- Business
- The National
UAE reveals new media rules with fines of up to Dh2 million
The UAE Media Council on Thursday announced a comprehensive new system to regulate the country's media sector. The framework, which will apply to everything from traditional publications to modern-day content creators and influencers, introduces a clear set of 20 content standards that media entities must meet. These include respect for all religions, the UAE's sovereignty, national institutions, and privacy rights. Content deemed harmful to the country's foreign relations, economy, or public trust such as fake news will not be tolerated, the council said. What are the punishments? Those who break the new regulations could face administrative fines of up to Dh1 million, which can be doubled to Dh2 million for repeat offences. Additionally, temporary closure of a business for up to six months or permanent closure may be enforced with cancellation of the licence. 'This isn't about tightening control, but empowering the sector,' said Mohammed Al Shehhi, secretary general of the UAE Media Council on Thursday in a press conference in Dubai. 'The new system offers flexible services and licences for all segments of the media industry, supporting innovation without adding financial strain. We are protecting intellectual property without limiting free speech.' How does it affect influencers? The UAE has introduced rules to regulate social media influencers in recent years. One of these is the need for a licence. If you are making money from your social media posts anywhere in the UAE then you will need to apply for the licence from the National Media Council. This costs Dh15,000 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai but the total costs can vary depending on which emirate you operate in. For more on influencer licences, check out The National's guide here. The new system 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, Mr Al Shehhi said. How will it be regulated? Maitha Al Suwaidi, chief executive of strategy and media policy at the UAE Media Council, said they will launch a unified AI and analytics platform to regulate and assess media content before publication. 'The new AI-powered platform will report fake advertisement and false information,' she said. Designed to support the council's national regulatory mandate, the platform provides a single, AI-powered environment to analyse, inspect, and validate media content that is pending release such as books, films, artworks, and more. This will ensure accelerated, thorough and accurate reviews of content that aligns with UAE laws, values, and standards before reaching the public. Previously, tasks such as the inspection and licensing of media content were conducted manually. 'Our aim to empower media talent, cultivating a competitive local media ecosystem, driving development of the media industry, and bolstering UAE status as a global media hub,' added Ms Al Suwaidi.
Zawya
24-02-2025
- Zawya
Child Safety Department hosts workshop championing children's rights as part of the UAE's Year of Community
Hanadi Al Yafei: 'Awareness of the law is not solely the duty of security; it is incumbent upon every community member'. Sharjah: As part of the UAE's "Year of Community" national program under the theme "Hand in Hand," the Child Safety Department (CSD), an affiliate of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah (SCFA), conducted an awareness workshop titled 'Children's Rights: A Right for All Children' at Muweilah Park, Sharjah. Organised in collaboration with the Public Prosecution and Sharjah Municipality, the workshop specifically targeted Asian communities residing in the emirate, aiming to enhance public awareness of child rights and legal protections. A collaborative initiative for child protection The workshop was led by Mr. Mohammed Al Shehhi, Head of the Public Prosecution, and attended by Her Excellency Hanadi Al Yafei, Director-General of CSD, alongside 120 parents and child protection specialists. The session forms part of a series of educational initiatives that CSD will implement across various locations in Sharjah throughout the year. In her address, Al Yafei underscored the importance of child protection, describing it as a 'triangle of safety' that consists of awareness, legal safeguards, and a secure environment. She stated: 'Raising awareness is the first step in equipping children with the knowledge and tools to recognise and respond to risks. Laws serve as the structural framework that protects them from neglect, abuse, and exploitation. Lastly, a safe environment—whether at home, in school, or in public spaces—ensures children grow up with confidence and security.' She further emphasised the UAE's leadership in enacting progressive child protection laws, citing key legislative measures such as the Child Rights Law (2016, amended in 2024) and the Compulsory Education Law (2022). However, she noted that 'Awareness of the law is not solely the duty of security institutions and legal professionals; it is incumbent upon every family, educator, and community member.' Key themes and preventive measures The session highlighted the family's role as the first line of defense in child protection and explored various rights enshrined in UAE law, including health, social, educational, and cultural rights, as well as the right to a safe environment. Discussions also addressed risks such as neglect, physical or psychological abuse, and economic exploitation. Participants were urged to report any suspected violations immediately to ensure prompt intervention. Additionally, the workshop provided actionable steps to prevent child endangerment, advising parents against leaving children unattended, allowing them to interact with strangers in unsupervised settings, or permitting unsafe activities such as playing near roads or high balconies. Security measures for park supervisors and public space monitors were also reinforced, given their role in ensuring child safety in recreational areas. Community vigilance and support Recognising the collective responsibility in child protection, the initiative equipped participants with clear guidance on identifying warning signs and reporting child safety concerns through the confidential Child Helpline (800700). The session concluded with a strong call for community-wide involvement in upholding child rights, reinforcing that a safe and informed society is key to ensuring the well-being of all children.
