Abu Dhabi: A new media law was officially implemented in the UAE on May 29, 2025, that presented clear rules for all media activities in the country, whether online or in traditional formats. It was also clear that anyone violating this law would face a hefty fine that can go up to AED 1 million, and the primary purpose of implementing this law is to make sure the content shared in the country on any platform is responsible, respectful, and ethical.
The UAE’s new media law 2025 was announced by the Emirates Media Council, which came with penalties that depend on how serious the issue is and how often the same offense is committed. Additionally, it also updated the licensing rules for content creators, publishers, media companies, and others producing or sharing media within the country.
What Counts as a Violation Under the UAE New Media Law?
The new media law reflects the Emirates’ strong commitment to promoting responsible and respectful media practices, and to ensure this, the new law sets clear rules. Here is a detailed list of what counts as a violation under this law:
Religious and Moral Offences
- Sharing anything that disrespects God, Islamic beliefs, or other religions can lead to a fine of up to AED 1,000,000.
- Sharing content that goes against public morals or encourages harmful thinking can result in a fine of up to AED 100,000.
- Posting anything that promotes crimes like murder, rape, or drug use may lead to a fine of up to AED 150,000.
State Interests and National Security
- Speaking against the UAE’s ruling system, national symbols, or government institutions can lead to a fine between AED 50,000 and AED 500,000.
- Showing disrespect toward the country’s local or international policies may also result in a fine between AED 50,000 and AED 500,000.
- Sharing content that damages the UAE’s foreign relations or weakens national unity and social harmony can bring fines of up to AED 250,000.
Licensing Violations Under New Media Law 2025
The new media law also updated rules to protect the media, protect media professionals and influencers, by making sure their work stays honest and responsible, whether they work in online or offline media. Here is a list of licensing violations:
Operating Without a License
- Anyone found operating any media activity without a license will face an AED 10,000 fine for the first violation, and AED 40,000 for the repeated violation.
- If anyone working in the media industry fails to renew their license within 30 days after its expiration, they will be penalized with an AED 150 fine for each day it’s late, up to a maximum of AED 3,000.
- Making any change, like transferring a license, changing partners, or updating business details without approval, could result in a fine of up to AED 20,000.
- If anyone is found publishing with an expired license, they can be penalized with a fine of AED 10,000 for the first time, AED 20,000 for the repeated violation, and it keeps doubling with each repeat.
False Information and Misinformation
Anyone found sharing false information will face a fine of AED 5,000 for the first time and AED 10,000 if it is repeated.
Whether you’re reporting breaking news or sharing the best startup story, accuracy and integrity are key under the new media law.
Event and Publishing Violations
- Organizing or blocking a book fair without a proper permit can result in an AED 40,000 fine, which doubles if repeated.
- Printing or distributing media content without a valid license can bring an AED 20,000 fine, which also doubles with repetition.
Foreign Correspondents
Anyone working as a foreign correspondent without a license may receive up to three written warnings. If the offense continues, it can lead to an AED 10,000 fine.
UAE Media Council Issued 20 Mandatory Media Content Standards
To make the new media law clearer to everyone involved in media activities in the country, the UAE Media Council introduced 20 official standards. Whether a media professional or institution is sharing media using any platform, the rules under this law are mandatory to follow for everyone. In addition to the violations and regulations listed above, the Council also emphasized the importance of protecting the UAE’s national identity, cultural heritage, and social unity. The authority clarified that any content promoting hate, violence, terrorism, etc., must be strictly banned. Media professionals and institutions need to respect public morals and not share any content that harms the Emirates’ legal, economic, and security system.
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