UAE Media Law: Media must follow 20 key standards to avoid fines of up to Dh1m
From respecting religion to avoiding fake news, the rules align media with UAE values
Dubai: A new media law came into effect in the United Arab Emirates on May 29, 2025, marking a major shift in the regulation of media content across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
The legislation, enacted under Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023, introduces strict standards and heavy penalties for violations. Fine can range from Dh10,000 to Dh1 million, depending on the nature and frequency of the offence.
To help media outlets, content creators, and advertisers navigate the updated legal landscape, the UAE Media Council has also issued 20 mandatory content standards. These standards aim to preserve the country’s values, safeguard national interests, and ensure that media practices remain respectful, accurate, and aligned with UAE law.
“There are no restrictions on content creation, but creators must adhere to responsible practices that reflect our values,” Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council, said in a recent press conference in Dubai.
Al Shehhi made it clear that the Council’s role is to support and not to restrict the media. “Our aim is to regulate in partnership with the media community, not impose limitations. We have streamlined licensing procedures, reduced and waived some fees, and introduced a unified, flexible platform to make it easier for media outlets and creators to operate,” he added.
Regulatory oversight
While the law tightens regulatory oversight, it also strengthens protections for journalists, influencers, and media professionals, enhancing transparency and aligning UAE media practices with international standards.
The UAE Media Council urges all media institutions to review their content strategies, editorial policies, and advertising guidelines to fully comply with the new regulations.
Why these media standards matter
The law empowers authorities to issue official warnings, temporary closures, licence revocations, and impose substantial fines for non-compliance. Repeat violations can result in doubled penalties, with serious breaches affecting national security or public order leading to the highest sanctions.
The 20 mandatory content standards
Respecting the Divine Entity, Islamic beliefs, monotheistic religions, and other beliefs, and not offending any of them.
Respecting the State’s governance system, its symbols and institutions, and the highest interests of the State and society.
Respecting the State’s orientation and policy at the internal and international levels.
Avoiding addressing anything that might harm the State’s foreign relations.
Respecting the cultural and civilizational heritage and national identity of the UAE.
Not to publish or circulate anything that harms national unity and social cohesion.
Not to raise sectarian, regional, or tribal strife, not to incite violence, hatred, and terrorist acts, and not to incite hatred and spread a spirit of discord in society.
Not to offend the prevailing values in society and observing the requirements of the public interest.
Not to offend the legal, economic, judicial and security system in the UAE.
Respecting the rules of privacy and everything related to the private lives of individuals.
Not to publish or circulate anything that might incite the commission of crimes or encourage murder, rape, or the use of drugs or psychotropic substances.
Not to publish, broadcast, or circulate phrases, pictures, drawings, or opinions that violate public morals, offend young people, or call for embracing or promoting subversive ideas.
Not to publish, broadcast, or circulate false news, forged papers, or those incorrectly attributed to entities or persons.
Not to publish, broadcast or circulate anything that might harm the national currency or the economic situation in the State.
Not to spread rumours and misleading news.
Not to glorify groups with destructive political, ethnic, economic, ideological, or social tendencies that are adverse to the UAE or that serve their own interests.
Select appropriate individuals when hosting or accepting contributions thereof in the media.
The content of the advertisement shall respect the culture, identity, and values of the UAE.
Take into account the Age Rating System of artistic works approved by the UAE Media Council.
Respect children rights in accordance with the legislation applicable within the UAE.
Penalties for non-compliance
Violating any of the 20 standards can lead to:
Fines up to Dh1 million for serious breaches, including religious offences or inciting violence.
Content inciting crimes (e.g. murder, rape, drug abuse): Fine of up to Dh150,000
State interests and national security
Disrespecting national symbols, the system of governance, or state institutions: Dh50,000 to Dh500,000.
Offending domestic or foreign policy: Dh50,000 to Dh500,000.
Undermining foreign relations or social cohesion: Fine of up to Dh250,000.
Licensing violations
Operating without a licence
First offence: Dh10,000
Repeated offence: Dh40,000
Failure to renew a licence within 30 days: Dh150 per day, up to a maximum of Dh3,000
Transferring a licence or making unauthorised changes: Fine of up to Dh20,000
Publishing using an expired licence
First offence: Dh10,000
Repeated offence: Dh20,000 (doubled with each recurrence)
Misinformation and publishing offences
Disseminating false information
First offence: Dh5,000
Repeated offence: Dh10,000
Organising a book fair without a permit: Dh40,000 (doubles with recurrence)
Printing or publishing media materials without a licence: Dh20,000 (doubles with recurrence)
Unlicensed foreign correspondents
Up to 3 written warnings
Repeated offence: Dh10,000
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