A RE-POST BY EMIRATES REPORTER
DUBAI, UAE- Under the UAE’s updated media regulations, a media-related license is now mandatory not just for traditional outlets but also for people and companies creating or publishing promotional and digital content: if you earn from media work, disseminate content commercially, or post paid/unpaid promotional posts on social platforms, you must be properly licensed under Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 and its implementing rules, which require holding the appropriate trade/business license and a media or “advertiser permit” from the UAE Media Council (now transitioning to the National Media Authority) before operating legally; content creators, influencers, agencies, and brands must obtain this permit and clearly display the permit number on their accounts or risk fines, penalties, and enforcement actions. Originally introduced in July 2025 with a grace period of three months, the deadline to obtain the mandatory Advertiser Permit has been extended to 31 January 2026 for all creators and advertisers posting promotional content in the UAE, and the permit is free for the first three years for many applicants, though exemptions apply (e.g., promoting your own business or certain non-commercial content by minors).
Under the UAE’s new media regulations, operating without the mandatory license/permit (including posting paid/unpaid promotional content without it) can lead to significant penalties, typically starting at around AED 10,000 for a first offence and rising to amounts as decided by media regulatory authorities for repeated violations.
