UAE Imposes New Licensing Rules on Influencers and Content Creators

The United Arab Emirates has enacted stringent new regulations requiring all influencers and content creators who earn income through their online activities to obtain dual government licenses. The rules, under Federal Law No. 55 of 2023 concerning media regulation, came into effect recently.

Under the law, any individual generating revenue from activities such as publishing advertisements, branded posts, affiliate links, or selling products via social media platforms must secure two separate permits:

1. A Commercial License:This can be either a freelance permit or a trade license. Applicants must obtain this license first from relevant economic development departments or free economic zones, including Dubai Media City, Fujairah Creative City, SHAMS, IFZA, Meydan, and others. The fees for this license vary significantly, ranging between 5,000 and 15,000 UAE dirhams.
2. A Media License:Issued by the UAE Media Council, this license is mandatory after acquiring the commercial license. It is required for publishing any media or advertising content online, encompassing podcasts, videos, and even temporary projects. The annual cost for this license is set at 1,000 dirhams.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) emphasized that since the beginning of 2024, any advertising activity on social media without proper registration is considered a legal violation. Penalties for non-compliance with the licensing requirements can reach up to 10,000 dirhams.

The law imposes far harsher penalties for more serious infractions. Content creators who break the law, including those publishing inappropriate content, face potential fines of up to a staggering 1 million dirhams. This specifically includes publishing false information, disrupting public order, or insulting religion and state symbols.

Furthermore, the UAE Media Council has been granted the authority to block or remove any online content found to violate the country’s existing legislation. The new law mandates that all bloggers, podcasters, and digital content creators adhere to 20 compulsory standards established by the Council. These restrictions explicitly forbid the publication of any material deemed to undermine public morals, religious principles, or cultural foundations.

This comprehensive legislation marks a significant step by the UAE government to formalize and regulate the rapidly growing influencer marketing and online content creation industry within its borders, demanding greater accountability and compliance with national standards.

Source: Gulf News