UAE Media Council
to regulate individual promotional content

Scope of Application:
Mandatory permit for individuals providing advertising services, whether paid or unpaid, via social media platforms. Due date is end of October.

Permit objectives:

  • Regulate and develop the advertising creator economy.
  • Enrich the media landscape with high-quality advertising content.
  • Enhance the competitiveness of the creator economy in the UAE.
  • Encourage individuals and businesses to invest in content creation.
  • Protect the public from misleading or deceptive advertising.

Permit validity:
For citizens and residents:
1 year, renewable (must renew within 30 days of expiry)

For visitors:
3 months, renewable

  • The decision will take effect in 3 months.
  • The permit will be issued free of charge for the first 3 years.
    (In support of citizens and residents working in creative content creation)

Permit conditions and requirements:

  • Applicant must be at least 18 years old (The Council may grant exceptions for certain age groups)
  • Applicant must not have violated any media content in the past.
  • A visitor permit may be issued for individuals registered under a talent agency.
  • UAE citizens and residents must hold a valid trade license for practicing electronic media, issued by the relevant authority.
  • The applicant must hold a license to practice digital media and social media marketing activities before applying for the “Advertiser Permit.”

Exemptions from obtaining a permit:

  • An individual promoting their own product or service or a company they personally own through their personal account.
  • Business owner do not need a permit to promote their own brand or project unless they work with external advertisers. In that case, the advertisers must hold a valid permit from the UAE Media Council.
  • Individuals under 18 engaging in educational, athletic, cultural, or awareness-related activities, in line with applicable age classification laws.

What are the existing laws?

  • The UAE made it mandatory for social media influencers making money from posts they share online to obtain a licence in 2018.
  • Officials at the time said that those breaking the rules would face fines of up to Dh5,000 ($1,360), though penalties can vary from emirate to emirate.
  • It was confirmed this year that influencers operating for financial gain in Abu Dhabi must secure a permit specific to the emirate and can face a Dh10,000 fine for failing to do so.)

Apply for your permit via:
www.uaemc.gov.ae

Note: This information is sourced from the UAE Media Council and was published on 30 July 2025. Our intention is solely to share accurate and verified details for informational purposes, without any intention to mislead or claim ownership. For updates or corrections, please feel free to contact us via email.