UAE Media Law: Are you an influencer in the UAE? Here's why two licences are now required

Dubai: If you are planning to become a content creator or are already working in the field, you may be unsure about the types of licences you need to operate legally under the new UAE media law.

Influencers in the UAE are now required to comply with two key licensing requirements: a commercial licence (either a trade or freelance licence) and a media licence.

According to the UAE Media Council, anyone in the UAE involved in commercial activities as a social media influencer or content creator must obtain a business licence.

The new legislation, enacted under Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023 establishes new standards and licensing rules for social media influencers and content creators. The law officially came into effect on May 29.

One of the most significant changes introduced by the new law is the requirement to first obtain a business licence before applying for a media licence.

To earn money through brand collaborations, paid promotions, affiliate links, advertising, product sales or similar activities, you need a valid trade licence.

This licence is generally issued by a Free Zone authority or the Department of Economic Development (DED) on the mainland and allows you to sponsor a visa and register a legal business.

This can include a freelance permit from zones like Dubai Media City, Fujairah Creative City, SHAMS, IFZA, Meydan, or your local DED. Licensing fees vary depending on the Free Zone or emirate, typically ranging between Dh5,000 and Dh15,000.

Since 2024, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has mandated that influencers promoting any product or service through their social media platforms must hold a trade licence. Failure to comply could lead to fines of up to Dh10,000.

After securing a trade licence, influencers must then apply for a media licence from the UAE Media Council. The council provides a variety of content-related services through its official website, uaemc.gov.ae.

Earlier, they were required to get license only from the UAE Media Council but now they are required to get a business license before applying for the media license from the UAE Media Council.

Some available permits include:

As per Cabinet Resolution No. (41) of 2025 on Media Services Fees, the influencer media permit costs Dh1,000 per year, including renewal.

Yes. Social media influencers, who play a growing role in shaping public discourse and consumer habits, are now required to follow strict regulatory guidelines to operate legally in the UAE.

The UAE Media Council also has the authority to monitor and remove content that breaches local laws, including posts deemed offensive, defamatory, or harmful to public order or social cohesion.

Influencers, content creators (such as vloggers and podcasters), and media professionals must also follow 20 mandatory content standards. These include prohibitions on content that disrespects religion, the government, or societal values. All individuals engaged in such activities must be properly licensed.

Under the new Media Regulation Law, violations can result in fines of up to Dh1 million. The severity and frequency of the offence will determine the scale of the penalty.

The UAE Media Council also retains the right to edit or delete any content that violates the policy, reinforcing efforts to maintain a safe and respectful digital environment.