Individuals promoting content or advertising on social media in the UAE will soon need to follow stricter rules under a new comprehensive regulatory system introduced by the UAE Media Council.

The new framework, announced this week, is designed to build public trust, protect viewers, especially children and adolescents, and raise the quality of online media content. It also outlines heavy penalties for violations, with fines reaching up to Dh1 million for first-time offences and up to Dh2 million for repeat breaches. In serious cases, violators could face temporary or permanent shutdowns, along with permit revocations.

“The new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed,” said Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council. 

“It combines updated legislation, comprehensive services, and forward-looking policies to support sustainable growth.”

Fee exemptions and local support

To encourage creativity and responsible content creation, the council announced a three-year exemption from permit fees for individuals and influencers who promote content online. This is part of a broader move to support Emirati talent and creative industries, with similar exemptions offered to local media services, producers, and writers whose work promotes national identity.

The initiative builds on last year’s Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation, and aims to stimulate growth in the sector while maintaining strong ethical and professional standards.

New age-rating and licensing systems

A key feature of the new regulations includes a media age-rating system, ensuring that content shared online is appropriate for different age groups, especially young viewers.

The council is also developing a new licensing policy for digital news platforms, with a focus on enhancing credibility and journalistic standards. The goal is to create a balanced legal environment that supports responsible reporting while safeguarding freedom of expression.

The updated system also outlines resolutions related to media service fees, violations, and administrative penalties, offering clearer guidelines for all stakeholders in the media landscape.

The world of future tech is on full display at the 5th BEYOND Expo 2025, now open at The Venetian Macau’s Cotai Expo. Over 800 companies from across Asia have gathered to showcase the region’s most exciting innovations in robotics, AI, clean energy, health tech and more, all under the theme “Empowering Asia, Connecting the World.”

From robot assistants and flying vehicles to human-centric AI and sustainable tech, the event is drawing major attention from business leaders, investors, and tech enthusiasts from around the globe, including the UAE.

The three-day expo kicked off with a powerful message about international cooperation. Key speakers included Indonesia’s Ambassador to China Djauhari Oratmangun, who promoted Southeast Asia’s growing investment opportunities, and Takeo Kawamura, Japan’s former Chief Cabinet Secretary, who emphasised the importance of cross-cultural collaboration in tech development.

A Spotlight on Innovation

Visitors are treated to hands-on demos of futuristic products, from AI-driven health solutions to electric flying vehicles like the Xpeng AEROHT. Across every exhibition zone, the focus is on technology that puts people first while tackling global challenges like climate change and health care.

Global Conversations and Regional Impact

Panel discussions include everything from green building and medical technology to Middle East–Asia cooperation, giving UAE-based innovators and investors plenty of opportunities to plug into Asia’s rapidly expanding tech ecosystem.

The Middle East–Asia Forum, in particular, opens new doors for UAE entrepreneurs interested in building partnerships and exploring tech solutions designed for both regions.

Panel sessions also included BGlobal Summit; Japan Tech Forum, Asia-Europe Tech Forum; International Industrial Design Forum; Founder Talk; Demo session; ORIGIN Southeast Asia Tech Forum; and SheTech Summit.

Celebrating Game-Changers

This year’s BEYOND Awards recognised 25 standout companies for their work in innovation, sustainability, and social impact. Awards such as the BEYOND Impact Awards, Gen Z Innovators, and Healthy Living Product Awards spotlighted bold ideas and bright minds from across the continent.

BEYOND Expo co-founders Jason Ho and Dr. Lu Gang presented BEYOND Best Choice awards to 25 companies.

Since 2021, BEYOND has received over 1,500 nominations, becoming one of the most respected platforms for recognising tech excellence in Asia. Out of this, more than 200 innovative pioneers have been included in the list.

Visit BEYOND Expo 2025

BEYOND Expo is hosted at the massive Cotai Expo at The Venetian Macau, one of Asia’s top event venues, offering over 71,000 square metres of exhibition space. It’s part of the Sands Resorts Macau, which features luxury hotels, high-end shopping, and world-class dining, perfect for visitors mixing business with leisure.

Want to explore the future of tech?
BEYOND Expo 2025 runs this week and is open to industry professionals, startups, and anyone interested in the world of smart innovation.

For more information or to see the full list of exhibitors, visit: www.beyondexpo.com

Asia’s biggest technology gathering, BEYOND Expo 2025, opened its doors on Wednesday, May 21, at The Venetian Macau’s Cotai Expo, marking its fifth anniversary with the theme “Empowering Asia, Bridging the World.” Running from May 22 to 24, the event brings together over 800 companies, 25,000 visitors, and more than 800 investors from around the world.

Covering everything from AI and HealthTech to Clean Energy, Robotics, FinTech, and SportsTech, the expo offers a glimpse into the future of innovation and how it’s shaping Asia’s global tech footprint.

The  expo also offers unique opportunities for UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other GCC countries to explore cutting-edge solutions in AI, HealthTech, Clean Energy, FinTech, and Robotics, all aligning closely with national visions like “We the UAE 2031” and Saudi Vision 2030.

The opening day drew a crowd of top tech minds who took part in a high-profile panel titled “What’s Next?” Speakers included Alibaba Cloud founder Dr. Jian Wang, Carl Pei, CEO of smartphone brand Nothing, Dr. Burt Guo of Sichuan Aerofugia, Zhaopeng Chen of Agile Robots, and Jingkang Liu, founder of Insta360.

The event also marked the launch of the BEYOND Founders Club (BFC), a new community that aims to connect Asia’s rising tech entrepreneurs and help shape the future of innovation. BEYOND Expo Co-Founder Dr. Lu Gang said the expo was created in 2021 to highlight Asia’s tech progress on a global stage. “We are thrilled to celebrate our fifth year with our largest lineup yet,” he said.

Co-Founder Jason Ho added, “Launching the Founders Club is a powerful step. We believe technology should serve humanity, and this community will help guide the next generation of tech leaders.”

Alongside the expo, a packed schedule of over 300 speakers will lead summits and forums on major trends and topics. These include the Global Investment Summit, AI Summit, Wealth Summit, Fashion Tech Forum, Gen-Z Founder Forum, and SHETECH Summit, among others.

Investment plays a major role at BEYOND Expo, with live funding events like Fund at First Pitch, where 150 companies are competing in front of more than 100 investors for the chance to secure funding. The Wealth Summit, held in partnership with the Asian Family Legacy Foundation and Greenwich Economic Forum, highlights the growing role of family offices and regional investors in shaping the global innovation ecosystem.

For innovators and investors across the Gulf region, BEYOND Expo presents a valuable opportunity to connect with global tech leaders and explore partnerships, as Gulf countries continue to diversify their economies through investments in AI, clean tech, and smart industries, events like BEYOND offer access to cutting-edge trends, emerging markets, and cross-border collaboration with Asia’s fastest-growing tech hubs.

Held at The Venetian Macau’s Cotai Expo, one of Asia’s largest MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) venues, the event is supported by Sands Resorts Macau, known for its luxury hotels, shopping, dining and entertainment experiences.

For more information, visit: www.beyondexpo.com