UAE Media Law

Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 on Media Regulation

Comprehensive media regulation requiring licensing for all digital platforms, social media operations, and influencers. 20 binding content standards with significant penalties.

Jurisdiction

United Arab Emirates

Enacted

Dec 1, 2023

Effective

Dec 1, 2023

Enforcement

UAE Media Council, TDRA, Minister of State for AI

Law effective Dec 2023; penalties framework (Cabinet Resolution 42/2025) effective May 29, 2025

UAE Legislations

Why It Matters

Major content regulation in Gulf region. Content standards significantly overlap with state interest protection—not purely user safety focused. Consider carefully if operating in UAE market.

Recent Developments

Penalties framework via Cabinet Resolution No. 42 of 2025 effective May 29, 2025. UAE Charter for AI Development (June 2024) provides voluntary ethical guidance separately.

At a Glance

Applies to

Social PlatformOnline Platform

Harms addressed

Misinformation

Who Must Comply

Digital platforms
Social media services
Influencers operating in UAE

Obligations fall on:

Operator — Operates the platform or service

Safety Provisions

Licensing required for digital platforms and social media
20 binding content standards
Prohibition on content insulting religion, disrespecting ruling systems, spreading false information
Content inciting crime prohibited

Compliance & Enforcement

Key Dates

May 29, 2025

Cabinet Resolution 42/2025 penalties framework enters force

Penalties

AED 2M; license revocation

License revocation

Primary Source

UAE Legislations

https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/2145/download

View on map

United Arab Emirates

Focus Areas

General regulation

Cite This

APA

United Arab Emirates. (2023). Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 on Media Regulation.

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Last updated January 22, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.