In May 2025, the UAE introduced one of its most significant media reforms in recent history. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023, complemented by Cabinet Resolution No. 42 of 2025, the UAE has established a new, unified media framework that governs everything from traditional journalism to social media influence. 

The new media law reflects the UAE’s broader ambition to build a transparent, accountable, and values-driven media environment, one that encourages creativity but aligns with national ethics and social cohesion.  

The reform centralizes oversight, tightens licensing requirements, introduces AI into monitoring, and sets substantial penalties for violations. 

For media organizations, influencers, and investors eyeing business setup in the UAE, understanding these regulations is essential to operate legally and sustainably in the UAE’s evolving media landscape. Let’s look into the details of the new law. 

1. Overview of the New UAE Media Framework 

The UAE’s new media law replaces older regulations that primarily targeted print, cinema, and broadcast sectors. It now extends oversight to all forms of modern media, including:

• Traditional outlets such as television, radio, and print

• Digital media platforms, news portals, and mobile applications

• Social media influencers and advertising-driven content creators

• Event organizers, film exhibitors, and game publishers

The law’s reach is not limited to entities physically based in the UAE. Foreign media organizations and digital platforms whose content is accessible within the country must also comply with the regulations. 

The UAE Media Council now serves as the central regulator responsible for issuing licenses, reviewing content, enforcing penalties, and supervising compliance across all emirates. This unified oversight replaces the fragmented emirate-level approach, reducing procedural ambiguity but increasing centralized authority.

2. Who Must Comply?

The law applies to a wide spectrum of organizations and individuals in the media ecosystem, including: 

• Licensed media outlets operating in the UAE

• Digital platforms and online news publishers

• Social media influencers monetizing content or collaborations

• Foreign correspondents or regional offices of international media houses

• Advertising agencies, event managers, and content producers

3. Core Content Standards

The Cabinet Resolution lists 20 content rules that all media and digital actors must follow. These rules aim to ensure respect for religion, state institutions, and public morality while discouraging misinformation and divisive narratives. Main restrictions include: 

1. Insulting religion or faith in any form 
2. Disrespecting national symbols, leadership, or state institutions 
3. Publishing false or misleading information 
4. Inciting crime or promoting social instability 
5. Violating privacy or promoting harmful social ideas

Content must also uphold cultural sensitivity, accuracy, and factual integrity. 

4. Penalties and Enforcement

The law introduces a tiered system of penalties for violations. 

• Major content violations can result in fines up to AED 1 million for a first offense, doubling to AED 2 million for repeat violations. 

• Operating without a license can result in fines of AED 10,000. 

• Failure to renew licenses incurs daily penalties of AED 40.84. 

• Minor misinformation or advertising violations start at AED 5,000, doubling for repeat offenses. 

In addition to monetary fines, the Media Council can suspend operations for up to six months or permanently revoke licenses. A unique, notable thing of the framework is that fines are not strictly tied to specific violations but can escalate based on “severity” and “social impact.” 

5. Key New Provisions

The new law includes several major steps that reflect the UAE’s evolving media ecosystem. 

Dual Licensing for Influencers

Social media influencers are now required to hold two licenses, a business license and a media license from the UAE Media Council. The move formalizes influencer marketing as a regulated industry and ensures accountability for content monetization. 

AI-Driven Monitoring

The law outlines plans to deploy AI systems to detect and flag noncompliant content, misinformation, or prohibited material before publication. If implemented successfully, this would position the UAE among the first countries globally to integrate AI into real-time content regulation. 

Pre-Approval for Sensitive Content

Certain types of content, such as religious material, political commentary, or filming in restricted zones, require prior approval or special permits. Conducting such activities without authorization may result in immediate fines or license suspension. 

6. Implications for Media Professionals

The new regulatory structure has far-reaching implications for all media-related entities in the UAE and will also impact company formation in the UAE media sector. 

Content Strategy and Risk Management

Media companies must introduce rigorous content review processes. Every piece of content should undergo legal and cultural vetting. Teams must be trained to identify potential risks, especially those involving national security or misinformation. 

Licensing and Compliance

Businesses should conduct internal audits to map all their media-related activities and ensure proper licensing. This is especially crucial for organizations with multiple verticals, such as marketing and publishing. Operating even a single unlicensed activity can lead to penalties. 

Foreign Media

Foreign journalists and international media organizations operating in the UAE must obtain local authorization. Global platforms that distribute content accessible to UAE audiences should also ensure compliance with domestic rules to avoid enforcement actions. 

Freedom of Expression

The new rules may encourage self-censorship as organizations and individuals adopt conservative editorial approaches to avoid penalties. While the goal is to preserve national values, it may also limit the diversity of creativity in the media space. 

7. Enforcement and Appeal

The UAE Media Council has the authority to monitor, investigate, and penalize violations. While the law allows for appeals, the review process remain to be fully tested. The speed of enforcement, particularly in cases of social media content, poses new operational challenges. Media entities should establish protocols for: 

• Immediate response to regulatory notices 

• Internal documentation of compliance steps 

• Rapid content removal or correction if violations are identified 

Businesses operating in the UAE’s media sector should adopt a proactive approach to compliance and risk management. They should conduct comprehensive compliance audits to assess exposure across all content and platforms. 
 
Investors going for UAE mainland setup should stay alert to early enforcement trends to understand how penalties and rules will be applied in practice. 

Looking Ahead

The UAE’s evolved media law represents a broader vision for how the nation intends to shape its digital future. By outlining its regulatory objectives, the UAE aims to create a responsible, modern media landscape that aligns with its cultural framework. 

The law increases compliance obligations for companies and influencers, but offers clarity and structure. For investors thinking of business setup in the UAE media sector, understanding and aligning with these new standards is a must to ensure operational stability.