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 Central Bank of the UAE has fined an exchange house Dh200 million for breaking key rules meant to stop money laundering and the funding of terrorism.

The fine comes after a detailed investigation, which found serious problems in how the exchange house followed these important financial laws.

In a separate action, one of the branch managers was also fined Dh500,000 and banned from working in any UAE-licensed financial institutions in the future.

The Central Bank said these steps are part of its ongoing mission to keep the country’s financial system clean, transparent, and well-regulated.

Dubai Police have successfully dismantled three criminal gangs involved in phone scams that targeted residents by pretending to be official organisations. The operation, led by the Fraud Control Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, led to the arrest of 13 individuals, all of Asian nationality.

The suspects posed as police officers and bank representatives, tricking victims into sharing sensitive financial details by claiming to update banking information, pay fines, or resolve residency issues. With this information, the gangs stole money from their victims.

The fraudsters used convincing methods to take advantage of people’s trust in government institutions. Authorities are warning the public to stay alert, reminding them that banks and police never ask for personal or banking details through phone calls, texts, or emails.

Residents are urged to report any suspicious messages or calls via the Dubai Police app or the official website at eCrime.ae.