Latest news with #UAE Media Council
The National
31-07-2025
- Business
- The National
UAE launches 'advertiser permit' for social media users and influencers
Anyone displaying promotional content on their social media channels is to be required to apply for a licence, the UAE Media Council has announced. The advertiser permit will be needed if the content is paid for or not. Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, secretary general of the UAE Media Council, said: 'We are committed to supporting the content economy as a vital component of the future economy and a key driver of growth in the digital era. 'We believe creative talent is the cornerstone of this rapidly growing sector, both locally and globally. 'That's why we are focused on updating legislation and launching strategic initiatives that foster an enabling environment for individuals and companies, while strengthening the sector's contribution to the national economy in alignment with the UAE's future vision and ambitions.' The permit is being introduced to empower content creators and improve the quality of advertisements shared across digital platforms, said Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, chief executive of strategy and media policy sector at the council. How will it work? The permit will take effect in three months, said Ms Al Suwaidi, reported state news agency Wam on Wednesday morning. This will give "content creators sufficient time to align their status and obtain the necessary approvals to ensure compliance with the new regulations". The permit will be mandatory for all individuals working in the digital advertising space. The permit will be issued for free for the first three years, Ms Al Suwaidi said. She called on companies and institutions to engage only with people licensed by the council. The licence number must be displayed clearly on social media accounts and platforms. No advertisement may be published except through an account registered with the council and linked to the permit granted to its holder, Wam reported. Account holders are forbidden from allowing any other person or party to advertise through the account registered with the council. Visitor advertiser permits will also be activated within three months, Ms Al Suwaidi added, with the official list of approved advertising and talent agencies to be announced at a later stage. Those applying for visitor advertiser permits need to be registered through a licensed advertising or talent management agency authorised to operate in the UAE. Once issued, the visitor permit will be applicable for three months before requiring renewal. Who is exempt? The need for the new permit does not apply to "any individual who promotes a product or service of their own or a company they own through their personal account, as well as individuals under the age of 18 who engage in educational, athletic, cultural, or awareness activities", according to Wam. What are the existing laws? The UAE made it mandatory for social media influencers making money from posts they share online to obtain a licence in 2018. Officials at the time said that those breaking the rules would face fines of up to Dh5,000 ($1,360), though penalties can vary from emirate to emirate. It was confirmed this year that influencers operating for financial gain in Abu Dhabi must secure a permit specific to the emirate and can face a Dh10,000 fine for failing to do so.
Emirates 24/7
02-06-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Abdulla Al Hamed inaugurates UAE Media Council office in Dubai Internet City
Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, inaugurated the Council's new headquarters in Dubai Internet City. The move aligns with the Council's vision to foster a flexible, efficient working environment that nurtures national talent, attracts global expertise, and keeps pace with rapid developments in the media sector. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council; Maitha Majed Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Media Strategy and Policy Sector; Abdulla Belhoul, CEO of TECOM Group; Majed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director of Dubai Media City; and Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial Leasing at TECOM Group. Abdulla Al Hamed toured the new facility, which enjoys a strategic location at the heart of one of the world's most prominent media hubs. The new headquarters is expected to enhance the Council's ability to build effective partnerships with leading institutions and strengthen its role in anticipating and shaping the future of media with greater efficiency and agility. The facility also reflects the Council's broader commitment to developing its institutional structure in support of its strategic objectives. During a meeting with the Council's staff, Al Hamed affirmed that the new headquarters embodies the Council's vision of establishing a progressive regulatory environment, one that nurtures national talent, fosters creativity, and positions human capital at the heart of media development. He underscored the importance of maintaining the momentum built since the Council's inception and called for greater efforts in the coming phase, particularly in implementing media policies and initiatives aligned with the new media framework. This includes integrated legislation and services designed to boost sector competitiveness, drive growth, and create opportunities for local content and emerging media ventures. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Khaleej Times
29-05-2025
- 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
29-05-2025
- 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
29-05-2025
- 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.
