UAE media sector sees surge: Box office hits Dh309 million
Over 2,500 media licenses issued in UAE's booming sector
The UAE Media Council issued a total of 2,562 media licenses and permits during the first half of 2025, reflecting the country’s rapid and expanding media sector.
These included 2,152 general media licenses, 235 digital media licenses for content creation on social media platforms, 103 filming permits, and 72 licenses for newspapers and magazines.
In the publishing sector, the Council processed over 514,000 titles and issued 35,000 book circulation permits in the same period. Additionally, 32 titles were banned from entering UAE markets due to content violations related to societal values or national legislation.
Box office revenue crosses Dh309 million
In cinema, the Council approved 611 theatrical releases, with box office sales exceeding 6 million tickets and generating over AED 309 million in revenue. It also approved 131 video games for circulation within the country.
UAE aims to become global media hub
Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE National Media Office and UAE Media Council, reaffirmed the UAE’s vision of becoming a global hub for the media industry. He stressed that expanding international media partnerships remains a top national priority.
Under the directives of the leadership, the UAE Media Council is advancing flexible legislation and progressive media policies aimed at enhancing the UAE’s regional and international competitiveness. These efforts align with the country's strategy to grow the creative economy as a key pillar of GDP, supported by an agile regulatory framework that adapts to global media trends.
These remarks were made during the Council’s second board meeting of 2025, which reviewed the Council’s performance for the first half of the year. Discussions focused on key initiatives, projects, and programmes aimed at strengthening the regulatory infrastructure and creating a media-friendly business environment for investors and creatives.
AI-driven digital platform in the works
The meeting also included a review of the Council’s new legislative framework, designed to enhance governance and promote regulatory agility amid fast-paced digital transformation.
Additionally, the Council assessed the development of its integrated digital platform, built in collaboration with Presight, to improve license management, content monitoring, and regulatory responsiveness using AI and advanced analytics.
Attendees at the UAE Media Council meeting
The meeting was attended by members of the UAE Media Council, including:
Sheikh Abdullah bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Head of the Ruler’s Court in Ras Al Khaimah
Maryam Eid Al Mheiri, Head of the Abu Dhabi Media Office
Saeed Mohammed Al Eter, Assistant Minister for Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Projects and Head of the UAE Government Media Office
Tariq Alai Al Noqbi, Director General, Sharjah Government Media Bureau
Dr. Saeed Saif Al Matrooshi, Secretary-General, Executive Council, Government of Ajman
Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General, UAE Media Council
Maitha Majid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director, Strategy and Media Policy Sector and Secretary of the Board of Directors, UAE Media Council
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