UAE Media Council issues over 2,500 licences in H1 2025, highlighting sector growth

The UAE Media Council issued a total of 2,562 media licences and permits during the first half of 2025, underscoring the continued expansion of the nation’s dynamic media sector.

According to official figures, these included 2,152 general media licences, 235 digital media licences for social media content creators, 103 filming permits, and 72 licences for newspapers and magazines.

In the publishing sector, over 514,000 titles were processed during the same period, while 35,000 book circulation permits were issued. However, 32 titles were barred from entering UAE markets for violating societal values or existing laws.

The cinematic landscape also showed promising growth. The Council approved 611 theatrical releases in the first six months of the year, with total ticket sales surpassing six million and generating revenues exceeding Dh309 million. In addition, 131 video games were cleared for circulation in the UAE.

Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE National Media Office and Chairman of the UAE Media Council, reaffirmed the country's commitment to establishing itself as a leading global media hub. He highlighted the importance of international partnerships in the next phase of sector development.

Al Hamed noted that the Council, guided by the directives of the UAE’s leadership, is implementing progressive policies and adaptable legislation to boost regional and global competitiveness.

These efforts, he said, are instrumental in reinforcing the creative economy as a major contributor to GDP growth, backed by a forward-looking regulatory ecosystem.

These remarks were delivered during the Council’s second board meeting of 2025, which assessed its half-year performance and discussed key initiatives and projects aimed at fostering an investor-friendly, innovative media environment.

The Council also reviewed its newly introduced legislative framework, which aims to strengthen governance and support growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Additionally, members examined the development progress of an integrated digital platform — being built in partnership with Presight — that will utilise AI and advanced analytics to improve licensing procedures, content monitoring, and regulatory responsiveness.