As part of the rapid regulatory evolution of the media sector in the United Arab Emirates, Ministerial Decision No. (41) of 2025 and Ministerial Decision No. (42) of 2025 have emerged as significant steps complementing Federal Decree-Law No. (55) of 2023 and Cabinet Decision No. (68) of 2024. Coming into effect on May 29, 2025, these decisions mark an important shift in regulating media content, monitoring it, and enhancing professional accountability, especially amid the growing digital content industry and influencers.
In this article, I provide a legal analysis of the key aspects of the decree and recent executive decisions, clarifying the most important points for media sector workers, particularly influencers and digital institutions, along with practical recommendations to help them adapt to the new regulatory requirements.
1. Scope of Application and Objectives of Federal Decree-Law No. (55) of 2023.
Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 represents the comprehensive legal framework governing all forms of media within the country, mandating the acquisition of media licenses, adherence to national values, and protection of privacy. Cabinet Decision No. 68 of 2024 serves as an executive step detailing licensing procedures and regulating the work of media institutions, with necessary controls for special permits and temporary activities. The law applies to all natural and legal persons, as well as media institutions operating within the country, including free zones. The objectives of Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023 include:
- Regulating all media activities in all their forms.
- Supporting the legislative and investment environment for the media sector.
- Elevating the quality of media content to ensure compliance with national and social values.
2. Licensing Requirements and Penalties for Violations Under Federal Decree-Law No. (55) of 2023 and Cabinet Decision No. (68) of 2024.
The law requires anyone engaged in media activities, especially social media influencers, to obtain an official license from the UAE Media Council. Licensing requirements include submitting a formal application outlining the nature of the media activity, compliance with legal and technical standards, proof of good conduct and reputation, and demonstrating financial and technical capacity to manage the activity, along with adherence to national values and privacy protection.
Practicing media activities without a license incurs financial penalties starting from AED 10,000 for the first violation, escalating to AED 40,000 for repeat offenses. These fines can reach AED 1 million and may double to AED 2 million for severe or repeated violations, alongside potential suspension of activities and license revocation. This underscores the government’s seriousness in implementing a strict legal framework to regulate the media sector and protect the national media environment.
3. Mechanisms for Monitoring and Overseeing Media Content Under Ministerial Decision No. (41) of 2025.
Decision 41 focuses on developing smart and administrative oversight mechanisms for media content through several key pillars:
- Use of advanced technology: The decision mandates regulatory authorities to employ artificial intelligence and digital monitoring systems to effectively and continuously monitor content across all media platforms, speeding up the detection and resolution of violations.
- Regulation of oversight bodies: The decision defines the tasks and powers of the entities responsible for oversight, with clear procedures for handling complaints and reports, ensuring transparency in administrative decisions.
- Enhanced coordination between entities: The decision emphasizes collaboration between the UAE Media Council and other government bodies to ensure effective implementation of laws and protection of the national media environment.
4. Media Content Standards and Penalties Under Ministerial Decision No. (42) of 2025.
Decision 42 provides the detailed framework for regulating the quality of media content and classifying its risks, alongside specifying financial and administrative penalties for violations. The decision includes:
- Content standards: Respect for religious and national constants, prohibition of hate speech and incitement, protection of individual privacy, and mandatory disclosure in advertising content using tags like (#ad) and (#sponsored).
- Age classification: Clear age ratings for media content to protect different audience groups from exposure to inappropriate material.
- Penalties and fines: A wide range of financial penalties based on the type of violation, for example:
Hate speech or religious offense: Fines ranging from AED 100,000 to AED 1,000,000.
Publishing misleading or unverified content: Fines between AED 30,000 and AED 500,000.
Failure to disclose advertising: Fines starting from AED 5,000 up to AED 50,000.
The decision allows for the formation of specialized committees to review violations, consisting of 3 to 7 experts to assess infractions and determine penalties, with the right to appeal within 15 days of the decision, and a response required within 15 days.
5. Practical Recommendations
- Define the nature of the activity: Conduct a precise legal assessment to distinguish commercial from personal content.
- Obtain necessary licenses: Complete commercial and media licensing procedures before publishing monetized content.
- Review content: Establish a documented editorial policy adhering to religious, national, advertising, and age classification standards.
- Internal monitoring systems: Implement content review mechanisms before publication to avoid violations.
- Consult legal experts: To interpret ambiguous legal provisions and mitigate potential risks.
Conclusion
Federal Decree-Law No. (55) of 2023 and its related executive decisions represent a fundamental shift in regulating the UAE media landscape, establishing robust legal foundations that promote professionalism and compliance with national standards.
However, the law requires additional legislative efforts to clarify certain provisions and reduce ambiguity, ensuring smooth practical implementation, especially given the rapid growth of the digital content industry and influencers.
For more information and legal consultations, you can contact Al Safar & Partners. We are here to assist you and provide the legal advice you need. Contact us at [email protected] - 0527583267 or visit /.
Written By: Ms. Rana Al Shoufi - Legal Consultant & Head of legal Coordination Department at Al Safar and Partners Law Firm.