Latest news with #mediaProfessionals
Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
New UAE media law: Who needs to comply; offences, fines, all you need to know
As of May 29, a new media law has come into effect in the UAE, ushering in a wide-ranging regulatory framework aimed at fostering responsible media practices, protecting public interest, and promoting social cohesion. The law introduces several detailed provisions that affect how media is produced and shared in the UAE. Here's a clear breakdown of what it covers and what it means for media outlets, influencers, and content creators: What the law aims to do The new law sets out clear media standards to: To whom the law applies The provisions apply to: The law also explicitly offers protection for media professionals, signalling the government's intention to support ethical journalism and influencer work that complies with licencing rules. Who needs to comply? Under the law, the following are clearly within scope: Licenced media outlets (TV, radio, digital, print) Content creators producing promotional or journalistic material within the UAE Influencers earning revenue through content or advertising Foreign correspondents working in the UAE or reporting on the UAE Entities in free zones Offences and fines The law lists a wide range of violations, with fines based on severity and recurrence. Some key examples include: Respect for religion and the state Disrespecting Islamic beliefs or other religions: up to Dh1 million Insulting state symbols or leadership: up to Dh500,000 Undermining national unity or foreign relations: up to Dh250,000 Content-related violations Publishing false information or harmful content: Dh5,000–Dh150,000 Promoting destructive ideas or insulting youth: up to Dh100,000 Inciting criminal behaviour (murder, rape, drug abuse): up to Dh150,000 Licencing violations Operating media activities without a licence: First offence: Dh10,000 Repeated offence: Dh40,000 Practicing additional media activity without approval: First offence: Dh5,000 Repeated offence: Dh16,000 Failure to renew licence within 30 days: Dh150/day, capped at Dh3,000 What should you do to stay compliant? Where can professionals go to get licenced or stay compliant? To help professionals navigate these requirements, the UAE Media Council offers a wide range of licencing and content-related services on its official platform. These services are designed to simplify compliance for individuals and institutions working in media, advertising, and digital content. Licencing and content regulation services include: For institutions and individuals: Licencing for digital media, news platforms, and advertising services Permits for audio/visual blogging and influencer activity Licencing and renewal for visiting individuals creating content in the UAE For content-related activities: Script approvals for theatre, TV, and film Newspaper and magazine distribution permits Publication circulation permits (local and international) Video game and foreign media trading permits Self-monitoring tools for internal content review These services are meant to encourage early compliance and help media workers stay on the right side of the law while continuing to produce quality, responsible content. Services can be explored and applied for at the UAE Media Council website: Who issues the fines? A Media Content Standards Violations Committee will handle enforcement. It is a permanent committee established within the UAE Media Council and composed of 3 to 7 media specialists. Can you appeal a fine? Yes. The law outlines a grievance process:
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Empowering the next generation of journalists: The National opens applications for 2025-26 graduate programme
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The National, the Middle East's leading English-language news organisation, has officially opened applications for its 2025–26 Graduate Programme, reaffirming its commitment to developing the next generation of media professionals. This year, two graduates will be selected to join a bespoke four-month training programme, tailored to their individual interests and skills. The programme provides real-world newsroom experience across multiple departments and aims to transition successful participants into full-time roles at The National. Participants will rotate through at least two core areas of the newsroom, such as News, Business, Sports, Lifestyle, Arts, Opinion, Multimedia, Social Media, and Design. Each graduate will be paired with a dedicated mentor, and regular assessments with senior editors will track progress and offer valuable feedback. Laura Koot, The National's Managing Editor said: 'This programme is a key pillar of our long-term strategy to invest in journalistic talent and sustain excellence in our newsroom. We are committed to equipping emerging professionals with the skills, standards, and editorial rigour that define The National. We are proud that last year's cohort resulted in two full-time hires -- clear proof of the programme's value as a pipeline for future newsroom leaders.' Throughout the programme, participants will document their journey on The National's blog, offering insights for future applicants and a chance to reflect on their development. Application Process Applications are open now until June 30. Successful candidates will be notified on July 25, ahead of the programme beginning in September, 2025. Submission documents must be emailed to: GraduateProgramme@ and include: CV Cover letter Passport copy Three work samples (could be from published work, school assignments, or personal projects) Three story/project ideas for The National (with simple outlines, interviewee suggestions, and the news hook –reason to do the story now) Candidates must meet the following criteria: Graduated from a UAE university within the past two years Strong spoken and written English skills Availability to work flexible shifts in The National's Abu Dhabi newsroom About The National, an IMI company, was founded in 2008, setting a new standard for quality journalism in the Middle East. Each day The National reaches an influential, English-speaking audience from our headquarters in Abu Dhabi to deliver the latest in news, business, arts, culture, lifestyle and sports, while leading the region in analytical content and commentary. The National is committed to serving the local UAE community while delivering a strong international perspective to a growing audience. With bureaux in Beirut, Cairo, London and Washington, and correspondents in key cities in the Mena region and worldwide, The National has developed a reputation for providing in-depth coverage and a window into the region. The National has been extensively awarded for its design, reporting, photography and video work. Publishing across all digital platforms – reaching millions of readers, listeners and viewers each month - The National harnesses the latest multimedia tools while continuing to produce a print edition five days a week, distributed in the UAE. The National was originally launched as part of Abu Dhabi Media, before being acquired by International Media Investments and relaunched in 2017. The National is the destination to understand the Middle East at a time when the region has never been more important. About IMI IMI is a privately-owned, leading global media conglomerate headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with operations across 15 countries. Established to enrich lives and connect communities through innovative storytelling, IMI oversees an extensive portfolio of prestigious media brands including The National, Sky News Arabia, Al-Ain News, CNN Business Arabic, and Euronews. Committed to digital innovation and journalistic excellence, IMI operates state-of-the-art facilities, including the IMI Media Academy at IMI HQ in twofour54's Yas Creative Hub, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of media professionals. IMI continues to set industry standards, driving impactful content creation and engagement across diverse audiences worldwide. IMI's investment arm, RedBird IMI—a joint venture with RedBird Capital Partners—focuses on global investments in media, entertainment, and sports. Some of Redbird IMI's most prominent investments include All3Media, Media Res Studio, EverWonder Studio, Hidden Pigeon Company, Front Office Sports, and UFL.
