New UAE Media Law Introduced: What Content Creators and Businesses Need to Know

As of May 29, the UAE has implemented a new media law that introduces a stricter framework for media activities, social media content, and publishing regulations. Whether you’re a business, influencer, journalist, or content creator, it’s important to understand how these changes may affect your work.

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This new legislation highlights the UAE’s commitment to responsible and ethical media practices—and it comes with serious penalties, including fines of up to AED 1 million for violations.

🚫 Key Offenses and Penalties

🕌 Religious and Moral Content

• Insulting religions or beliefs: Fine up to AED 1,000,000
• Violating public morals or promoting harmful ideologies: Up to AED 100,000
• Inciting crimes like violence or drug use: Up to AED 150,000

🇦🇪 National Interests

• Disrespecting UAE leadership or national symbols: AED 50,000–500,000
• Criticizing UAE’s policies (internal or external): AED 50,000–500,000
• Content harming social unity or foreign relations: Up to AED 250,000

📃 Media Licensing Rules

🛑 Operating Without a Licence

• First offence: AED 10,000
• Repeated: AED 40,000
• Publishing after expiry: AED 10,000–20,000 (doubles with repetition)

🔁 Licence Violations

• Failure to renew on time: AED 150/day, max AED 3,000
• Unapproved changes to business/license: Up to AED 20,000

⚠️ Publishing & Misinformation

• Spreading false information: AED 5,000–10,000
• Unlicensed publishing/printing: AED 20,000 (doubles with repetition)
• Unapproved book fairs or events: AED 40,000

🌍 Foreign Media & Correspondents

• Working without a licence: 3 warnings, then AED 10,000

🧾 Final Thoughts by Day To Day

Whether you’re publishing a blog, managing a brand account, or promoting events, staying compliant with UAE’s updated media laws is now more important than ever.

✨ Tip: If you share content online or offline in the UAE, make sure you have the proper licences and avoid any topics that could be considered disrespectful or misleading.

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