According to the UAE Media Law, social media influencers and content producers operating in the United Arab Emirates are required to obtain business licenses if they engage in any profitable commercial endeavors.
They must now obtain a business license before submitting an application for a media license from the UAE Media Council, as opposed to the previous requirement that they obtain a license solely from the UAE Media Council. However, the media council has waived the cost for these content creators and social media influencers for a period of three years.
The UAE Media Council's comprehensive Media governance Law, which went into force on May 29, 2025, marked the beginning of a new era in media governance. A landmark regulation that requires social media influencers and content creators to obtain business licenses prior to obtaining media licenses is one of its main components, signaling a dramatic change in the country's attitude toward digital media.
Fines of up to Dh1 million are imposed for infractions under the Media Regulation Law; the severity and frequency of the offense determine the penalty. To maintain a civil and safe online community, the UAE Media Council maintains the authority to remove or edit posts that violate the new media policy.
