Connect with us

News

Influencers, media firms beware: New UAE law sets fines up to Dh1 million for content violations

Published

on

Spread the love

A major new media law has come into force in the UAE, introducing tough penalties and stricter rules for anyone publishing content, from influencers and YouTubers to media companies and publishers.

The updated law, effective from May 29, 2025, is part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to promote ethical, respectful, and responsible media in line with national values.

What’s the law about? Do’s and don’ts

The new law sets out clear do’s and don’ts for all media content, whether online or in traditional formats like newspapers, magazines, TV or radio. It also introduces new licensing requirements, especially for digital content creators and foreign correspondents.

Violations could now cost you anywhere from Dh5,000 to Dh1 million, depending on the offence, with doubled fines for repeat offences.

Major fines under the new law

Religious and moral offences:

  • Insulting religion or the divine being: Up to Dh1 million
  • Promoting destructive ideologies or violating public morals: Up to Dh100,000
  • Inciting crimes (e.g. rape, drug use): Up to Dh150,000

National interests and public unity:

  • Offending UAE’s policies, leadership or institutions: Dh50,000–Dh500,000
  • Damaging social cohesion or foreign relations: Up to Dh250,000

Operating without a media licence:

  • First offence: Dh10,000
  • Repeating it? Dh40,000
  • Publishing with an expired licence? Starts at Dh10,000, then doubles.

Spreading misinformation:

  • False news or forged documents: From Dh5,000–Dh10,000
  • Illegal book fairs or publishing without a permit: Dh20,000–Dh40,000

Media Content Rules Everyone Must Follow

The UAE Media Council has laid out 20 mandatory content standards. These apply to all media professionals, influencers, publishers, and advertisers. Here’s a snapshot:

Respect religions, national symbols, and UAE’s governance
Avoid hate speech, sectarian content, and incitement to violence
Don’t publish false news, harmful content, or anything that invades privacy
Ads must align with UAE culture and protect children
Content must not harm the economy, spread rumours or glorify hostile groups

 Violation of these standards can result in:

  • Fines up to Dh1 million
  • Temporary or permanent media shutdowns
  • Revocation of licences

Why this matters

The UAE says the law is designed to protect society, preserve public decency, and align media practices with international standards. It also ensures influencers and digital creators are held to the same standards as traditional media outlets.

It’s a clear message: freedom of expression is welcome,  but not at the cost of social harmony, national security, or public morals.

Tips for content creators, publishers, and advertisers:
Review your content strategy and licensing to ensure full compliance. Ignorance of the law won’t protect you from a fine.

What to keep in mind

  • Respect religious and national values
  • Don’t post or publish harmful, false, or divisive content
  • Get the right licence before launching a platform or event
  • Be cautious with content during national or religious occasions
  • Always verify your information before posting

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

News

Will UAE petrol prices rise in August? Here’s what we know

Published

on

Spread the love

UAE motorists won’t have long to wait to find out whether fuel prices will increase in August, with the Fuel Price Committee set to announce the new rates on Thursday, July 31.

The revised petrol and diesel prices will take effect from August 1.

Will fuel prices go up?

After a welcome price cut in July, the outlook for August is less certain.

Global oil prices initially fell below $70 a barrel earlier this month, raising hopes of another reduction. However, prices have since rebounded sharply, clouding the picture for motorists.

Brent crude briefly climbed above $100 a barrel, while US benchmark WTI rose to nearly us$92. Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude also surged past us$105, reflecting renewed strength in global energy markets.

Because UAE fuel prices are based on average international oil prices over the month, the late-July rally could limit or even reverse last month’s cuts.

Current UAE fuel prices

Motorists are currently paying:

  • Super 98: Dh3.40 per litre
  • Special 95: Dh3.29 per litre
  • E-Plus 91: Dh3.21 per litre
  • Diesel: Dh3.60 per litre

These rates were introduced in July after global oil prices eased earlier in the summer.

How UAE fuel prices are set

The UAE reviews petrol and diesel prices every month based on average global crude oil and refined fuel prices.

The August rates will be announced on July 31 through official government channels and will come into effect the following day.

Continue Reading

News

UAE traffic fine: Why leaving your engine idling can cost you Dh500

Published

on

Spread the love

Abu Dhabi Police are urging motorists to switch off their engines and take their keys whenever leaving their vehicles, warning that even brief stops can increase the risk of theft, fires and other safety hazards.

The advisory applies to drivers stopping at shops, petrol stations, ATMs or mosques, where some motorists continue to leave vehicles unattended with the engine running.

Safety risks

Police said leaving a running vehicle unattended creates an opportunity for theft and could also lead to mechanical problems or fire-related incidents.

Motorists were also reminded never to leave children, especially infants, inside a running vehicle, describing the practice as a serious threat to their safety.

Traffic laws

Abu Dhabi Police also highlighted that UAE traffic laws prohibit leaving an unattended vehicle with its engine running.

Drivers who fail to comply with traffic rules and official instructions can face a Dh500fine under the Federal Traffic Law.

Authorities urged motorists to adopt safe habits by turning off the engine, removing the key and locking the vehicle every time they step away, no matter how briefly.

Continue Reading

News

Dubai Airports unveils smart gate pre-check for passengers

Published

on

Spread the love

Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can now check if they’re eligible to use Smart Gates before reaching passport control.

Dubai Airports has introduced the new Smart Gates Pre-Eligibility Verification service in partnership with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to make immigration faster and reduce waiting times.

How it works

Travellers can instantly verify their Smart Gate eligibility through the Pocket Flights platform or by scanning QR codes placed across airport terminals and boarding gates.

The service lets passengers know in advance whether they can use the automated passport gates, helping them avoid uncertainty at immigration.

Faster airport experience

Dubai Airports says the new feature is part of its ongoing efforts to streamline passenger journeys and improve the overall airport experience.

By allowing travellers to confirm eligibility before reaching passport control, the airport aims to speed up immigration processing and make travel through DXB more seamless for millions of passengers each year.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/