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UAE: From Posting Fake News To Unlicensed Media Outlets, These Activities Could Attract Fines Up To AED 40,000

The UAE’s updated media law, effective from May 29, 2025, now enforces strict penalties for unlicensed media activity, including fines up to Dh1 million. Individuals and institutions must obtain permits from the UAE Media Council for everything from social media ads.

by Deeplata Garde
UAE: From Posting Fake News To Unlicensed Media Outlets, These Activities Could Attract Fines Up To AED 40,000

If you’ve been casually posting sponsored reels or running a media page without a licence, this is your wake-up call. As of May 29, the UAE’s new media law has officially kicked in, and it’s not pulling any punches. A clear message: media, in all its forms, must play by the rules. The updated legislation outlines fines of up to AED1 million for offences such as spreading false information, disrespecting the ruling system, and the most common trap — practising media activities without a licence.

New UAE Media Law Now In Effect

Let’s clear up the confusion. This isn’t just about big media houses or magazines. Individuals and institutions alike fall under the scope of the law. And the list of activities now needing official approval is long and detailed.

Here’s what you can’t do without a licence or permit from the UAE Media Council (or the relevant local authority):

  1. Run a TV or radio channel, including on-demand platforms
  2. Operate electronic and digital media activities
  3. Screen cinematic films or artistic content
  4. Post paid content or advertisements on social media
  5. Distribute foreign publications
  6. Print, publish, or circulate local or international media content
  7. Carry out photography (land, air, or sea) for commercial use
  8. Operate a foreign media office
  9. Run a news platform, newspaper, or print publication
  10. Host a book fair
  11. Distribute or monetise video games

The Cost Of Skipping The Paperwork?

UAE Media
Image Courtesy: Canva (representative image)

If you’re thinking, “It’s just a reel, how bad could it be?” Think again. Running unlicensed media activities can get you slapped with an AED10,000 fine. Get caught again, and it jumps to AED40,000. Repeat offenders, or those caught doing more serious violations, could face fines reaching AED1 million.

The law isn’t targeting to kill creativity, it’s about ensuring transparency, accountability, and quality control in a country where the media plays a huge role in national branding and public trust.

Also Read: Some UAE Residents Were Denied Entry To Georgia Under Updated Visa Rules; List Of Affected Countries Inside

Stay Safe, Stay Legal

So, whether you’re a full-fledged production house, a startup news blog, or an influencer getting your first brand deal,  make sure your media game is legal. Apply for the necessary licence, get your approvals in place, and play it by the rule book.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Karolina Grabowska

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First Published: June 10, 2025 1:54 PM