On May 29, 2025, a new media law was formally implemented in the UAE. The Act seeks to ensure responsible and ethical material on both digital and conventional channels, with fines of up to Dh1 million.
The regulation, which was announced by the UAE Media Council, lists a wide range of infractions and imposes fines based on the seriousness and frequency of the offense. Key infractions and sanctions under the law on new media are as follows:
National security and state interests:
- Disrespecting state institutions, national symbols, or the political system: Dh50,000 to Dh500,000.
- Foreign or domestic policy violations: Dh50,000 to Dh500,000.
- A fine of up to Dh250,000 for undermining social cohesion or foreign relations.
Moral and religious offences:
- Insults against religion or the divine could result in a fine of up to Dh1,000,000
- Penalties of up to Dh100,000 for spreading harmful ideology or transgressing public morality
- Penalties for content that incites crimes (such as drug misuse, rape, or murder) can reach Dh150,000.
Licensing Violations:
Working without a license:
- Initial infraction: Dh10,000, Offense repeated: Dh40,000
- The penalty for not renewing a license within 30 days is Dh150 per day, up to Dh3,000.
- A fine of up to Dh20,000 may be imposed for transferring a license or making unauthorized changes.
Using a license that has expired for publication:
- Initial infraction: Dh10,000
- AED 20,000 for repeated offenses (doubled for each recurrence)
Misinformation and publishing offences:
Spreading misleading information:
- Initially, Dh5,000
- Offense repeated: Dh10,000
- Unauthorized book fair organization or obstruction: Dh40,000 (doubles with recurrence)
- Without a license, printing or publishing media items costs Dh20,000, which doubles with repeated use.
Unlicensed foreign correspondents:
- Up to 3 written warnings
- Repeated offence: Dh10,000
